Mayor

1/1/2009

Mayor's Message


Greetings and Happy Holidays!

It doesn’t seem possible that almost a year has gone by since taking my oath of office as your Mayor. It has been a great privilege to meet and speak with many of you, share your concerns, and listen to the issues that are important to you and your families.

There are many challenges facing our wonderful Nation. Closer to home, West Milford residents are faced with additional challenges, such as rising property taxes, environmental threats, and financial uncertainty. As Americans, and as West Milford residents, we know that hard work, dedication, and insightful thought processes will overcome many of these issues. Becoming united as a community and ending political divisiveness, combined with diligence and sound work ethics, will be the solution to most of our challenges.

For far too long our Nation, as well as our Township, has been polarized and politically divided. As your Mayor, I want you to understand that bringing our community together has been one of my most important goals. A united America will return respect and prosperity back to our country. A united West Milford will be the most effective community for facing our upcoming challenges.

Let us celebrate the recent historic presidential election and offer our leaders support and unity for our Nation, in spite of our political differences. In West Milford, let us be hopeful for a new beginning of bi-partisan problem solving, calling attention to the issues we agree on first, and bringing a higher tolerance and level of respect to the issues we disagree on second.

While many issues still need to be addressed, significant progress was made during my first year as your Mayor. I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the tireless efforts of Antoinette Battaglia, who with the help of her staff, masterfully led our township as both our Interim Administrator and Clerk throughout most of the year.

Many practices of the past are slowly changing. Costs are being contained and new policies are being instituted to improve productivity and the quality of services offered to our residents. However, so much more needs to be done.

It will be together through teamwork that we overcome our future challenges. No one person or group has the ability to go it alone. As your Mayor, I look forward to the challenges of the next year, and with your help and support, I have no doubt we will be successful in resolving them.

May God bless you and your family and may you have a very healthy, safe and happy New Year.

Bettina Bieri
Mayor