Mayor’s Message – 2017
 
As we approach the conclusion of another year, may we focus on our many blessings and fill our hearts with gratitude. May we accept our differences. May we resolve conflicts through dialogue, knowledge, and peaceful ways. May we cultivate an atmosphere of compassion and goodwill. May we recognize that the essence of humanity is diversity of thought, body, mind and soul. May we embrace life and all of its challenges, opportunities and beauty. May we respect and protect all of creation. May goodness – honor, integrity, kindness, generosity, moral courage and love – always prevail.

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, safe & blessed 2017!

The Year in Review
I am proud of the extensive accomplishments throughout my nine years of service to this community.  So many positive changes have occurred which improve both the township’s financial position as well as the services offered to our residents.  For example, the Township bond rating has steadily risen throughout my tenure and most recently was upgraded from an AA rating to an AA+ rating according to Standard & Poors (S&P).

While as your Mayor, my Administration and I take the lead on township issues, I would like to commend my colleagues on the Township Council who worked diligently throughout the year.  It’s a team effort, and in 2016, the collaboration and respect on the dais helped foster many positive results.
  
The Governing Body had a busy year in 2016, and our Administrator wrote a memo reviewing many of the beneficial accomplishments.  That memo can be viewed by clicking on this link.

Among all of the many things I have accomplished as Mayor over the years, the New Library & Community Center is one that will come to fruition in 2017.  This will be a tremendous asset for residents of all ages.  I am appreciative of all of the support that has emanated from so many factions within the community, especially you – my neighbors and fellow residents.  You were wiling to listen and embrace our ‘out-of-the-box’ idea to build a New Library and Community Center at no additional cost to the taxpayers.  Your support has been overwhelming, and for that I am truly grateful.  I’d also like to note that each member of the Library Board and our Library Director has devoted countless hours to effectuate the realization of this dream.  The Friends of the Library has played a critical role as well and organized fundraisers and contributed in countless ways.  While there may have been some opposition over the years from certain council members, I also want to acknowledge the members of the governing body that have assisted and supported the project.  Of course, the New Library & Community Center would not be a reality if it were not for the cooperation of the Finn family, the former owners of the site.  Edna Finn immediately and graciously accepted the concept when I first knocked on her door so many years ago.  Her support continued throughout the entire lengthy process thereafter, and I am certain she is smiling from the heavens above. 

In the end, it is teamwork that has created positive results.  Let us hope that 2017 and beyond will see a continuance of respect and collaboration among your elected officials and ultimately a furtherance of progress for West Milford Township.

 
 
Bettina Bieri
Mayor, West Milford