At the end of May in my column I sought feedback on the work a group of volunteers, Cape Issues, is undertaking to craft a community vision for Cape May County. We will be engaging in this effort for a number of months, and I intend to periodically give you a report of what we are hearing. As you read the sentiments of others below, please consider sharing your own thoughts, or your responses to some of these: (I call your attention to two things – These are the opinions of multiple people, so some conflict with those of others. And two, these sentiments are not expressions of Herald opinions.)
First, here is a synopsis from one contributor’s thoughts:
The course Cape May County is now steering is headed for shoal water – a timely course change is needed to avoid calamity. It is beneficial for the process of charting a new course to begin with setting a new destination: What does the future Cape May County look like?
It is helpful to define the “whys” behind the “whats” – A strong underlying “why” highlights synergies, promotes buy-in and spawns other initiatives.
Apparent whys may include: Enhance key attributes for Cape May County’s residents and visitors, including: environment, transportation, communications, education, economy, politics, hospitality.
Enhance the quality of life for Cape May County’s residents – higher incomes, lower taxes/expenses, better community connections (less socio-political fragmentation), better community services.
Enhance the leisure experience for Cape May County’s visitors – more efficient access to the county and amenities (e.g., better roads to, from, within county; ample, free parking); reduced costs for services (e.g., no beach tags).
Reduce per-household tax burden for Cape May County residents.
Streamline government – politically and operationally.
Reduce public-sector and facilitate an increase in private-sector employment.
Streamline administration of county and municipal roads and bridges to improve planning and efficiency.
Reduce incremental cost of government personnel (law enforcement, education, administration) by bringing compensation in line with the private sector.
To address the underfunding of New Jersey state employee retirement program, they need to scrutinize calculation of retirement pay/benefits to avoid excesses – e.g., Exclude overtime pay in retirement calculations? No lump payments for accrued sick time, vacation, etc. Cap retirement benefits to provide for a secure, reasonable standard of living after a reasonable retirement age – e.g., a government retirement which funds a second home or lavish travel is excessive.
Responses of other people: Each bullet point is a response of a different person.
- Sea Isle pays well above average across virtually all management positions, compensating at the 75th percentile (i.e. it pays above 3/4 of similar positions in other communities). Many people think there are ways to improve.
- We need a building moratorium on the barrier islands, except on single houses.
- We should not continue to spend taxpayer money on replenishing the beaches; further, towns that accept state and federal money for beach replenishment must have free beaches.
- Make sure that all small towns have State Police protection.
- More jobs for county residents.
- Do away with FEMA and let people buy their own private insurance.
- We need to stop borrowing money and lower taxes.
- Our county roads need to be improved.
- The people should privatize as many of the functions as possible which government now provides.
- Out of town home owners should pay more taxes than permanent residents.
- Local jobs should be filled mostly with local workers.
- The county needs a vision which addressed our crime situation.
- Do away with the tolls.
- As a retirement community, the county is a great place for those who can afford it.
- We have friends who can live anywhere because they work online. They are considering moving to Colorado because they find New Jersey too expensive to raise a family.
- Young families would not desire to bring their children to Cape May County for several reasons: The low –level employment opportunities keep the social / intellectual development of the population down, so it doesn’t offer the right environment for raising children. One sees it in the school students, both in the public and private schools.
- The only way to lower taxes is to consolidate Police, Fire, Ambulance, 911 call centers under county government. Many towns, such as the Wildwoods, Cape May, Cape May Point and West Cape May should have one town government for all services. Route 55 should be completed and corridor roads in county be upgraded for wider shoulders and sidewalks to provide safe passage for autos, bikes and pedestrians.
- Bridge to Delaware? — will never happen, no money.
- Part time residents allowed to vote on local issues? No, Local problems will be voted down.
- Route 55 may never get completed due to environmental objections and it’s time to upgrade existing roads where possible.
Again I ask, please give us your thoughts via our Facebook page, Spout Off or by emailing publisher@cmcherald.com. Cape Issues will consolidate all input and then consider ways to move the dialogue forward.
Art Hall
From the Bible: To respect the Lord means to hate evil, pride, boasting, evil lives and hurtful words. From Proverbs 8:13
