Shutzer, Le Vine begin new terms on council
BY CLARE MARIE CELANO
Staff Writer

FREEHOLD - Mayor Michael Wilson told the audience at the Borough Council's Jan. 7 reorganization meeting it is his wish and prayer that the inspiration of the time of year "can one day soon lead to peace and tranquillity among our neighbors, our country, and even our adversaries throughout the world."

Wilson referenced the ushering in of the new year and congratulated Councilwoman Sharon Shutzer and Councilman Marc Le Vine, who were sworn in to begin three-year terms on the council.

"The people of our town have returned these two individuals to office because of their dedication to the office and the clear vision of our future they project with their decisions and their actions. Along with other council members, these two people share my passion and love for our town," Wilson said.

The mayor noted the resignation last year of former councilman Kevin Coyne, who stepped down from the council to accept a columnist position with The New York Times. Wilson said Coyne's love of the town coupled with his keen sense of its history made him "one of the finest public officials I have had the honor to serve with."

Wilson said the sense of Coyne's loss was quickly filled with the historic appointment of Jaye Sims, the first member of the borough's black community to serve on the council. Sims was elected in November to complete that unexpired term.

"Jaye has been a quick learn and his zeal of purpose and knowledge of the issues that confront us will hold him in good stead," Wilson said. "Jaye's presence is refreshing and I look forward to serving with him well into the future."

The mayor then addressed the capital improvements completed during 2006, which included the installation of brick sidewalks along South Street. This project was made possible from a state Department of Transportation grant.

Wilson thanked state Sen. Ellen Karcher (D-Monmouth and Mercer) for what he said was her dogged pursuit of those funds.

Also completed were brick sidewalks along West Main Street from the center of town toward Borough Hall. This project was funded in part by a Community Development Block Grant, according to Wilson.

"This project included the development of a plaza in front of Borough Hall," the mayor said. "It also includes the installation of a water fountain donated by the Freehold Rotary Club. This fountain is already another exclamation point in our downtown."

Wilson thanked the organization for its continued support and commitment to the community.

A sidewalk repair program involved more than 35,000 square feet of concrete poured to repair sidewalks over the summer months. The cost of the project was shared by the borough and homeowners.

Looking toward the future, Wilson said the council recently awarded a contract to Schoor DePalma to develop a design plan for the downtown area.

"Such a plan will elicit the ideas of the downtown merchants and residents and will be helpful to businesses new and old as they map out their own future," Wilson said.

He said the improvements will lead to a "long-term vibrancy of the downtown area."

The borough will also move to sell the old police station on Hudson Street, according to Wilson.

"Conveyance of this property to a private interest will transform an eyesore and place it back onto the tax rolls," he said.

He said the town will once again pursue a Community Development Block Grant. Wilson said he will be seeking meaningful ideas in the months ahead, including the possibility of including Throckmorton Street as part of the downtown improvements.

Wilson paused momentarily and could almost be seen switching gears.

"As your mayor, I am compelled to make mention of the issue of our time - illegal immigration. I suppose we can begin this year with a newfound sense of hope. Perhaps the newly elected leadership in Washington will understand the urgency of this issue and the impact it has had on small towns such as ours."

He said he thought "tax dollars would be judiciously spent on tours of small towns who are victims of (federal officials') neglect in dealing with this issue."

During the reorganization, Councilman Kevin Kane was elected to serve as council president.

Borough appointments for 2007 include legal representation from McKenna, DuPont, Higgins and Stone, and engineering services to Abbington Associates. Kathleen A. Sheedy was reappointed as borough prosecutor; Richard Kelley will be the alternate prosecutor.

Shutzer thanked borough employees and people who volunteer their time to make the community a better place.

"If we look good, it is because of them," she said.

She praised Borough Administrator Joseph Bellina, saying he is tireless in his efforts to secure grant funds for the borough.

"I have worked with three business administrators and I never imagined there was so much grant money available and Mr. Bellina has managed to find it for us," Shutzer said.

Le Vine said the borough has a unique destiny to fulfill and a promising future. He said he will continue to do what, in his heart, he believes is in the best interest of the town.

Sims thanked his fellow council members for making his transition to councilman smooth. He said he was glad to have witnessed so many wonderful projects be completed.

Kane thanked everyone in the audience for coming to the reorganization meeting and for volunteering in the borough.

"The people in this room are the ones who make this town go," Kane said.