Middle Township Reorganizes; Committee’s All Republican

COURT HOUSE – Middle Township Committee held its annual reorganization meeting Jan. 6. With the swearing-in of James Norris, who won his seat on the governing body in November, the committee has three Republicans for the first time.
Norris, a member of the Middle Township School Board when he decided to oppose Michael Clark in 2019, is 28, newly married and new to politics. After taking his oath of office, Norris said he entered the race because of a desire to serve, but he admitted he did so “with a very basic understanding of what politics is.”
After thanking his family, friends and campaign staff, Norris singled out Daniel Lockwood for special appreciation, noting that “if it wasn’t for him winning in 2009, I don’t think any of us would be up here right now.” Norris referred to Lockwood winning a seat on a traditionally Democratic governing body, setting the stage for Republican candidates in Middle Township to compete for those spots.
Timothy Donohue was selected for another term as mayor, and Ike Gandy was reappointed deputy mayor. Both promised whatever help Norris needs, as he took on the responsibilities of a committee member. “The first year in office is like learning another language,” Donohue said.
Gandy noted that the “pace of government is never as fast as we want it to be,” but pointed to a successful first year for himself on the committee.  Gandy noted that the unexpected was to be expected in the management of the municipality. He used an example of the past year with “the highest water table we have ever had.” Still, he said, he looked back on a year of accomplishments, hard decisions and no tax increase.
Donohue listed many of those accomplishments in his remarks. He noted the successful start to major Open Space funded projects in Rio Grande and Avalon Manor, along with the completion of a deal for freshwater service to Del Haven.
Donohue cited the reorganization of the administrative functions in the municipality, which, under the leadership of Business Administrator Kimberly Krause, has successes in improving service and “saving the township tens of thousands of dollars.”
Donohue also lauded the “smart sale of the liquor license,” which went for $803,000, the beginning of a modernization program for the town’s aging sewer system and pump stations, and the hiring of new leadership for the Recreation Department.
The reorganization meeting agenda contained over 35 resolutions and introduced two ordinances, including annual renewals of appointments, setting up of municipal accounts, establishing a temporary 2020 budget, establishing municipal holidays and other aspects of administrative housekeeping.
One resolution set the direct oversight responsibilities for each member of the governing body, with Norris taking oversight of tax collection and assessment, recreation, senior citizen affairs, special events, and emergency medical services.
Donohue will have responsibility for administrative executive functions, police, legal services, municipal court, finance administration and economic development and grants.
Gandy’s portfolio includes public works, sewer and water, zoning, construction, engineering, buildings and grounds and will serve as the liaison function to the volunteer fire department.
In the end, Donohue promised a year ahead in which “we will strive to work hard and work smart.” Making note of the dissension in politics at all levels, Donohue added that the committee would “seek to find the common ground for the greater good.”
To contact Vince Conti, email vconti@cmcherald.com.