MAYOR SHERIDAN MEETS WITH OSAC OVER TALK OF RESIGNATIONS
Based on a January 5th, 2010 Daily Record article in which Open Space Advisory Committee Chairman Gary Keyser was quoted as saying he would resign if Len Fariello, former Mayor, was not appointed to fill an OSAC vacancy, I met with OSAC on Wednesday January 6 to discuss Mr. Keyser’s intent, and that of other OSAC members who made similar comments to the press. I was joined by John L. Ferramosca, Township Committeeman and Director of Planning, and Joseph A. Giorgio, township Business Administrator and Municipal clerk.
During the meeting, I reminded the Committee members that never before has politics entered into the realm of Boards and Commissions. They took an oath of office to serve the residents of Hanover Township not any one individual. I informed Gary Keyser that if he is still intent on resigning, as indicated in the Daily Record, the Township will accept his resignation. Chairman Keyser responded that he didn’t have his resignation prepared yet. All the members were told “we want you to stay”, but requested that any members opting to leave the OSAC advise the Business Administrator Giorgio by telephone of Thursday, January 7. No members contacted the Business Administrator to state they would be resigning.
The status of OSAC Chairman Gary Keyser who despite his stated intent to resign was again voted Chairman of the OSAC for 2010 by the Advisory Committee members is uncertain. I plan to discuss this during the Township Committee’s meeting on Thursday January 14.
As stated in my Reorganization Message, I will be available to meet with residents on Thursday meeting days, (the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month) in the Town Hall from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.
This Daily Record article is getting way too much credit and attention. As far as I'm concerned, Gary was misquoted, the story was a complete mistake, people were mischaracterized by their peers, and we need to move on. This entire situation has uneccesarily escalated, and as far as I'm concerned, no discussion needs to take place regarding Gary's membership. People are beginning to let their egos get the best of them...on both sides. Let's focus this energy on the issues! (01/12/10 2:53pm) REPLY
At the OSAC meeting Sheridan stated,
"the Township will accept his (Keyser) resignation".
Accepting any resignations has always in the past been a function of the
ENTIRE Township Committee
voting to accept or not accept a resignation. Sadly, it sounds like that has now
changed in 2010.
I agree. totally with Gabriel. The people voted and Len Fariello lost on those issues. So why would WE want him on the Commission. Please, let's move on and stop whining. It's time to move forward. If anything... Len should be cavalier about this. Mr. Keyser, although I find it charming that you would stand up for Len, your commission is privileged by being an appointed member. I'm sure some one whose talented and wants to serve the community will show up.
Joe P. commented that the Mayor, John Feramosca and Joseph Giorgio barged into a Committee Meeting letting them know that "he's the Boss" (John Sheridan). Well he is and he's the one the Township Committee voted on to be Mayor. We the People should support and be outspoken of one another keeping in mind to be courteous and make sure that governance in our Township is moving in the right direction.
We're all having a rough time, however we must always be vigilant
Sheridan placed the OSAC meeting issue for discussion, on the Township Committee work-session (Jan 14th) agenda.
I had already read and heard from OSAC members their version about what happened at the OSAC meeting, and at the TC meeting Sheridan told us his version of what happened (without mentioning any OSAC member names).
After hearing both versions, I then suggested we should all just drop the issue and move forward - in the best interest of all Hanover residents. What’s done-is-done. To continue the back-and-forth bickering between Mayor Sheridan and the dedicated all volunteer OSAC members, benefits no one. I will wait to see if the rest of the TC feels the same.
With all due respect. Sheridan is not the "Boss" of the township or its boards and commissions. ALL five township committee members have EQUAL power. The title "Mayor" is used a little loosely. All it really means it that he is the Chairman at their meetings. If he were really the "Mayor" and not one in name only he would have been elected "by the people" for that specific position. That is not the type of government we have in Hanover. Thank goodness, or he might have been Mayor for three years. I don't believe all that Sheridan said in his post (trying to explain what really happened that night) is true. Joe P. had the more accurate account of what really happened that night. Sheridan's statement is nothing more than damage control.
You wrote:
With all due respect. Sheridan is not the "Boss" If this was written with all due respect it would say Mr. Sheridan or John Sheridan. You cheapen your point by trying to sound respectful. You have a few months to build Judy up and tear the other side down, in this I wish you well. Feigning respect is not something you are good at. I believe John will side with the important issues and in doing so surprise and disappoint us all at one point or another. To this point, John is not bought and paid for, the idea that Hanover had just 2 camps is about to be shaken.
To the poster who began with "with all due respect" - I agree with your assessment on the role of the mayor in Hanover. And Mr. Sheridan definitely was a bit condescending to the OSAC members, but what's done is done, and both sides need to move on and work together and discuss the real issues! And to Gabriel - I never quite know what you're talking about...sorry... - simpleman9 (01/18/10 3:00pm) REPLY
