Former Lower Township Mayor Supports Police Department Move

To the Editor:
As a former Mayor of Lower Township, I feel the need to voice my opinion regarding the returning of the Police Department to Bayshore Road, Villas.
It is the responsibility of elected officials to do all they can to work in harmony with law officers to keep our neighborhoods safe. I can’t think of another municipality where police headquarters are in such a remote section of town.
Working in harmony requires taking into consideration the views of those who have sworn to protect us. Below are just a few excerpts from former Lower Township Police Chief Brian Marker, and our current Police Chief William Mastriana.
In referencing the police department building at the airport Dec. 30, 2010, Marker said, “Reports and corrections of air quality/mold, air conditioning and heating issues … electrical, plumbing and other maintenance needs … Over the years we have had many issues regarding the roof, repairs and leaks … As chief of police I find it difficult to have daily contact and interaction with officers due to the layout of the building and positions of different offices.”
On April 5 of this year, Mastriana referenced a new building on Bayshore Road, “I feel with our current mission statement and our commitment to the citizens of Lower Township, this facility is exactly what we need … most public safety buildings are located within their township complexes, which allows for convenience to public services at one location. It would allow for public transportation to and from the facility for ease and access. … Overall demographics within the township, most of our year-round population and calls for service are within the area of the Villas and North Cape May, which shows a more needs-based response to these areas. … Most concerns and calls for service involving drug overdoses fall within the Villas and North Cape May area. … The new facility places the agency closer to those areas of concern, therefore giving us an advantage in combating the drug issue.”
There have been multiple employee complaints and lawsuits regarding fumes from airplanes, mold and mildew.
How can any elected official take an oath to protect his town and then vote against a move that protects his town?
I support wholeheartedly the reelection of Independent candidate Jim Neville, Ward 2, who approves this relocation of the police department. The Republican candidate does not.