Gandy – People Power Drives Positive Change in Middle

Since 1798, Middle Township has been governed by a three-person Township Committee. In that time, our population has grown from 1,006 in the 1810 U.S. Census to nearly 19,000 today, and the role of government in every aspect of peoples’ lives has expanded exponentially. Imagine a business that went from 1,000 customers to 19,000 customers without expanding its workforce. Do you think that business would run efficiently? Do think all of its customers would get the service and attention they deserve?
I believe government should concentrate on its core duties and do them well. But that doesn’t mean smaller is always better. The goal should be right-sized government that delivers excellent municipal services at a fair cost and gives voice to the diverse concerns of all of our citizens, not just the favored few.
For the last several decades, the entrenched powers in Town Hall have resisted several grass roots movements to consider a change in the size and form of our government. Power was concentrated in the hands of one political party, and well-connected vendors and contractors reaped the benefits. Nepotism and backroom deals thrived. Taxes rose at an 11.5% clip per year for over a decade.
Finally, on Aug. 6, pressure brought by Committeeman Tim Donohue and a packed meeting room of concerned citizens persuaded Deputy Mayor Devico to agree to create a Citizens Advisory Board to explore the best form of government for a challenging future. Sadly, Mayor Clark remains closed-minded to positive change. I am proud to be a part of this effort, supporting the movement for more representative government by writing a Letter to the Editor and rallying numerous voters to attend and speak their minds at the Aug. 6 meeting. This meeting showed that people power drives positive change.
This important discussion about the size and scope of government is just a beginning. We must take steps to involve diverse voices in our decision-making and move beyond government controlled by the old guard. A commitment to openness and citizen involvement, combined with the advantages of modern technology, offer simple and cost-effective opportunities to better engage our residents:
1. Take government on the road, holding meetings throughout the community. (This initiative was in place under Republican leadership from 2012 to 2015. The practice was ended when Mike Clark became mayor.)
2. Launch a smart phone app that allows residents to have a two-way conversation with government and report issues and concerns instantly to the right department.
3. Livestreaming of Township Committee meetings on our website and past video of meetings archived for easy viewing.
4. Town Hall Open House – Open Town Hall and all of the department to citizens to tour. Residents can meet the folks who work for them, getting better understanding of how government works and have an opportunity for input to improve customer service.
5. Create a weekly online newsletter. Residents can sign up simply for a weekly connection with the goings on in the community, get meeting agendas and minutes, and hear from elected officials and department heads.
These innovative steps, along with the resolution to form this advisory committee, are just a start. We must not waste the real opportunity provided by the current positive momentum. With your support, I will make sure all of our voices are heard.
Theron “Ike” Gandy
Republican Candidate for Middle Township Committee
Ordered and paid for by Gandy for Committee, 7 Seagrove Ave., Cape May Court House, NJ 08210