Sewer line funding good public policy

The township should not hesitate to install a sewer line extension to serve the historic Old Flanders section of town.

It is the right public policy and further, it is totally appropriate that the costs for the sewer extension to be extended throughout the tax base of town.

Unfortunately, the majority of the Township Council doesn't see it this way. Two weeks ago, council members balked at supporting an engineering and design study that would have led to the sewer extension.

The vote was 4-2, with Ray Perkins, John Mania, Alex Roman and Joseph Nicastro voting against and Colleen Labow and Daniel Amianda voting for the study. Although he had no vote, Mayor Rob Greenbaum also supported the engineering study.

Perkins led the way and was by far the most outspoken against the sewer engineering plan. He said he could not abide the principle of the whole town pitching in just for an improvement that would benefit only a small number of properties. Perkins said such a proposal would be just what Obama Democrats would support and that Perkins would stand up for his Republican ideals.

The cost per homeowner throughout town would be a whopping 69 cents a month for the 20-year life of the sewer construction loan. There is no principle involved; just 69 cents a month.

Something doesn't make sense here.

Is it Republican or Democratic to build a playground and then spread the costs to all taxpayers. It's a good bet that not all residents would use the playground, particularly the elderly. Yet, the council has unanimously supported using public funds to build Mount Playmore at Turkey Brook Park.

Is it Republican or Democratic to pave public roads that may lead to cul de sacs or remote areas where most residents probably won't go. There has been no debate and shouldn't be when it comes to improving public roads.

How about public water systems or extending water lines to provide water for hydrants in event of fires.

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Sewer line funding good public policy