LOWER TOWNSHIP —
- Please state your name, age, area of the township that you reside and the ward you represent.
Roland A. Roy Jr., 63 or Erma. For the past 28 years, my family have lived in the same home, having built our home on vacant property we purchased in 1979. I represent the 3rd Ward.
- Please list any educational or professional certifications. Please name any community organizations that you may belong to.
I graduated Wildwood High School in 1972 and became a police officer and volunteer fire fighter in early 1974. Throughout both careers, I obtained certificates of completion from the NJ State Police, County of Cape May, and other in house certifications all related to public safety. My career with the police department spanned a period of 27 years, when I retired in 2001. My career with the volunteer fire company is still active, while entering my 43rd. year.
I am a member of Cape Island Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, Bayshore Sportsmans Club, Sunset Beach Sportsmans Club. I serve as president, founder and charter member of Cape Classics Motorcycle Club. Cape Classics has a reputation of donating and assisting with the Toys for Tots Toy Drive and the Lunch with Lynch Foundation in Wildwood. Cape Classics also promotes the Roar to the Shore Motorcycle Rally in Wildwood, during the off season. The rally has a reported countywide impact of over $28.2-million in revenue and is one of the largest such rallies on the East Coast.
- What was a deciding factor for you to get involved in local government?
Having lived in the township for over a quarter of a century, I have had a chance to observe the operations of the various departments and having attended township meetings, I have seen the infighting and inefficiency and did not like the stalling of projects whereby the residents and visitors alike would remain status quo for extended periods of time. I felt there were two options, either complain about or local government or get involved and try to make a difference.
At a time when Lower Township is moving in a forward progressive direction, I believe it is important to continue the momentum. By cooperating and working with the administration, I believe the interests of the township residents and visitors alike will be addressed sensibly by a council that is diverse, yet informed on the issues we are confronted with.
- What do you want to achieve during your council career?
I would like to explore shared services as a cost saving to the township, continued infrastructure work in those areas where flooding is a concern, and expansion of water and sewer into areas of the township that still rely on septic and well, continued recreational programs, and programs for seniors alike.
- In your opinion, what issue or project is should be a priority for the Lower Township Council to address in 2017?
I believe in public safety and comfort for our residents. I feel it necessary to address the needs of various departments and assist in any way possible to ensure their goals are met. The projects already underway to alleviate flooding need to be monitored to insure success of the work. Our public safety departments challenges are ever changing and those issues need to be addressed with an open ear. Concerns of the residents of Diamond Beach need to be addressed and monitored accordingly.
- What project/event/issue provides the greatest challenge?
I believe the hardest part of any project is to overcome the obstacles and challenges of those directly impacted by the project itself. In addition, not all residents will see the same need as those who bring the project to the table for resolution. Educating those nay sayers is difficult and it must be recognized that everyone is entitled to their opinion. Communication and follow up on those concerns of those impacted is important to keep the peace and insure the completeness of the project without interruption. As elected officials I feel the need to perform on site visitation to the work site and to talk to the residents impacted, should a complaint be received.
- What is an area/event/attraction of the township that you most enjoy? What places/activities/events do you think our residents and visitors should take special notice of in 2017?
I would have to say, anything around the bay front, second only to the events being promoted at the airport. These events are largely attended and sometimes strain resources. Although well advertised and pre-planned , some events draw complaints from the residents. The police and public works do an excellent job in providing safety and security to those attending these events, but those complaining need to be heard. So often, it is only miscommunication and understanding that results with complaints. I have handled many such instances as a police officer and I have found that a diplomatic approach is best served in the interest of all parties concerned.
- Can you give a brief example of when you felt a strong sense of Lower Township pride?
Having attended many township meetings, I found overwhelming satisfaction when the administration and community came to the aid of those along the Roseann Avenue Track and that of Cox Hall Creek. This is government working as it should. Neighbors helping neighbors and realizing a problem. In addition, as a volunteer fireman in another town, I truly appreciate the efforts of our fire companies, who volunteer, saving the township millions of dollars a year. Lastly, I find the dedication of the workforce to be commended. To many township employees, a job is just a job, but in the end, there are daunting tasks to be performed and at the end of the day, when the day draws to a close, I feel confident that the best efforts have been put forth and that my tax dollars have been well spent in the community I call home.
- Do you have any hobbies, areas of interest that you would care to mention?
I enjoy the open air concert series by the bay, the event weekends at Cold Spring Village, Airfest, and the Triathlon. I also enjoy those isolated places where I can sit and reflect upon the day, while watching the sunset. I enjoy my time on my motorcycle and talking to people I may meet along the way
- How can the Lower Township residents that you serve best get in touch with you to communicate a question, kudos or concern?
Email at rroy@townshipoflower.org.
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