For how many years have I railed in writing and from the podium against the no-bid, professional service contracts distributed by West Windsor municipal government like New Year’s candy? This process is rife with errors and cost-overruns.
The protocol of West Windsor’s current Mayor-Council form of government completely ignores issues of concern placed in the public domain. “You can only make a comment which Council and the Administration are free to and actively ignore.”
In the previous township committee form of government abandoned by West Windsor in 1992, political charlatans promised greater accountability and a lower cost of government. Unlike the current mayor, former mayors under township committee form were almost always present. Given his 20 years in local government, the mayor is in the best position to document the savings postulate. Or are cost savings and accountability merely political rhetoric?
1. When matters are brought to the attention of West Windsor Council, the refrain is, “We cannot do anything about this; it is the responsibility of the Administration.”
2. When matters of concern are publicly brought to the attention of the West Windsor Administration, the refrain is, “we cannot do anything about this; it is the responsibility of Council.”
Referencing recent action by the state, any no-bid professional services contract must be bid. Any contract currently in effect must be re-bid for the new economic order.
West Windsor can no longer afford to be run like a private candy store.
3. Since the 2012 West Windsor annual operating budget is currently a continuing resolution, the Administration must undertake a process of zero-basing its budget to justify what is and is not critically important. This process should have started in early 2011 or been explored two years ago with the hiring of the current business administrator.
4. With two financial professionals on staff including a $140,000 business administrator with an MBA and a mayor who has reviewed the West Windsor budget for almost 20 budget cycle years, West Windsor taxpayers must demand more from its full-service officials.
Budget cuts start at the top by the Council and public demanding its professionals perform as professionals. Taxpayers deserve no less.
Pete Weale
Penns Neck
