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To the editor:
The concern of the Westwood Borough Council is a simple fix. The time has come for Westwood to be a leader and re-invite the idea of regionalism to the borough. Logically, the community to fit the bill would be the Township of Washington. Westwood and the Township share a school system. They share recreation programs and through those interactions, the two communities are somewhat linked.
The reality of it is that one chief’s salary could be saved. There could be a reduction of officers. Only one captain would be needed working. The chief and captain could alternate days in opposite locations. And a reduction repetitive positions could evolve. And more importantly, back to the eight-hour shifts with a minimal overnight staff. There is opportunity here that should not be ignored.
Continuing the trend the municipal services of the DMF or DPW could be combined. The facilities in the Township are slated for rebuild; why not save the taxpayers that cost and integrate with Westwood?
The home rule thing is kind of obsolete. Cell phone 911 calls don’t ring at your local headquarters. Ambulances are from surrounding towns on rotation. Times are changing.
We are told time and time again when the school is looking for a referendum the cost is only a few dollars a day or a week. If all this regionalism converts to, let’s say, $10 a day savings per household. Seven days a week. Fifty-two weeks a year, would really take a bite out of the excess I am now paying over the $10,000 limit on my federal taxes.
Is it time?
Ethan Burger
Westwood