To Sign the Recall Petition today call 973-729-9035.
Dear Neighbors and Friends,
For many months we have been meeting with residents and have found that there are several areas of confusion about the recall process. Please let us clarify some of the most important points concerning this Democratic process.
First, we are undertaking this recall effort for one reason: the best interests of Sparta. There are no selfish gains or personal benefits motivating our effort. We love the natural charm and character of Sparta, and the long-standing friendships of our neighbors. It is our conviction that because of the magnitude of dissatisfaction with the township council, “The People” should have the opportunity to select new leadership who uphold our community ideals of “fairness for everyone.”
Last week’s election proves once again how disenchanted people are with the out of control spending and accelerating property taxes. Less than 19% of the registered voters went to the polls on Tuesday because so many people feel that no matter what they say, the controlling majority of the town council does not listen to them. The recall process is our chance to participate and change our township’s future.
The people of Sparta brought harmony by voting to change the majority of the Board of Education (BOE) for infighting such a change is needed with our town council. We are concerned with the abuse of power exhibited by the township council and the lack of fairness that they have displayed towards the citizens.
The authors of the State Constitution recognized that all too often, elected officials do not live up to the promises they made while campaigning, and felt it was necessary to provide the people with this right to recall.A short time ago, in neighboring Hardyston Township, residents exercised this right and recalled the President of the board of education. A similar process was held a few miles down the road in neighboring Mount Olive Township where the Mayor was recalled. In both instances, the people were heard.
Back here in Sparta, recall began out of the great frustration experienced by thousands of residents during the creation of the “Utility” for garbage. Since that time, however, many other issues of equal or greater alarm surfaced including discriminatory water and sewerage billing practices: different areas in town and different residents are charged at different rates. There is no “one price for all” in Sparta. This is the worst kind of discrimination: discrimination by our own township leaders.Thousands of your neighbors and friends feel that waiting until 2010 for a chance to bring changes to this discriminatory system is simply too long to wait.
While it is true that special elections cost money, it is far less than the $1,243,000 budget increase for 2008 or the $3,200,000 we pay each year for our non-union managerial staff.We have the right of self-governance. It is essential to Democracy and a strong Republic. We ask you to please join with your neighbors and friends to exercise this right. It is important to note that by signing this petition, you are simply allowing the recall process to go forward to a vote. We are doing this effort because we envision a better tomorrow for Sparta.
Join us as we imagine a Sparta that offers:· a new council that will select talented management capable of cutting township spending and focusing on reducing your taxes and service fees.
· a government that will go before the people before spending any large sum of money.
· a non-discriminating plan for basic services.
· a system where you are only charged for the actual cost of service, no extra profit add-ons for special interest agenda.
· a leadership that will honor the township laws thereby avoiding excessive legal costs and reprimands by a Court of Law.
· a governing body that will not interfere with the generous volunteers within our township.
· a management team that doesn’t incur huge cost over-runs with every building project.
People will be gathering signatures all throughout Sparta and we encourage you to sign.If you would like someone to bring a copy of the petition to your home or office,
please call 973-729-9035.
Your neighbors and friends need your participation in this important community effort.
Sincerely yours,
Philip Lid, your neighbor
