The Journal is publishing the responses from Councilwoman Betsy Stagg with clarification that they were submitted after the publication of the original article and may therefore reflect an unfair advantage.
Responses of Betsy Stagg
All the candidates have stated that they intend to seek out the input, or assistance, of the Oakland Chamber of Commerce in terms of improving downtown Oakland and the local business climate in general. What would you expect from the Chamber of Commerce in terms of their input in improving downtown Oakland?
I am a member of the Oakland Chamber of Commerce. My business is located here in Oakland.
Businesses want to attract customers, at least expense. So that is what we are trying to do. Improve downtown with least expense for businesses. We will try to coordinate storefront looks and accessibility. But since main street is State highway 202, It will be VERY difficult to do anything with roadway, but we will do our best for all. As LEED certified professional, I will work in that capacity to help in saving energy and redoing any interiors with health friendly materials, wherever possible. We are moving toward a rezoning that will allow businesses to have 2nd and 3rd stories, so that their property values can increase and we’ll have residents willing to just walk around the area. This brings in others as stores see value and accessibility, and the all business improves.
As budgetary restraints will probably prohibit municipal funding for any major improvements to the downtown area, what efforts do you see the town being able to perform to improve the look?
I think we hope to redirect traffic to make area more pedestrian friendly, but, as above, with state “highway ” and a railroad running through it, it’s tough. Only a few have ever been happy with any plan drawn up.
If we continue to purchase Oakland’s open space will there be a need to reconcile the loss of ratables?
We are trying to improve ratable’s by improving downtown and developed areas. Buying open space outside the already developed areas makes sense. Expanding the use within our existing commercial and industrial areas make most sense.
The topic of “going green” has been raised at council meetings and is a subject of national discourse. Would you support a study to determine the logistical and economic feasibility of a windmill to provide electricity for the Valley Middle School, Library, Recreation and Municipal Buildings area?
I am in favor of improving our green footprint municipally, absolutely. But if you are talking schools, which is a great idea, they must participate.
In these tough economic times when the budget is such a big issue, many people are interested in knowing where candidates stand with regards to the estimated million dollar budget for the tennis court project. Where do you stand on this subject?
I definitely want to see tennis courts improved, but not for a million dollars. I have been working to find ways to do what needs to be done much more cheaply , but still deliver a viable product that will last more then a few years. Economy is very bad, but tennis is a sport you can play for life and should be promoted. So I am looking for a compromise.
The tennis court issue filled the council chambers with more people than anyone could remember in recent history. Although Oakland does its residents a service by broadcasting the meetings on Channel 77, do you foresee any effort the governing body can take to increase communal involvement?
It was great to see so many interested people at last meeting. I wish more people would get involved. It would make our job easier if we truly knew how people felt about issues.
At a recent council meeting, there was discussion that the water/sewer increases for commercial/retail users was potentially unfair with regards to “lite” and “heavy” users. Do you believe the formula in place is unfair? And if so, what would you suggest to remedy it?
Water and sewer rates were due for an increase. I am not happy with across the board sewer increase as it was done, but utility rates had to be increased somewhat. We are working on a new formula. The utilities MUST be self -sustaining and I did call for a smaller water rate increase last year, but others did not recognize need. Sorry, but it was necessary. We have excellent water, but we must maintain system. I have slashed water projects as Water & Sewer Chair and am holding rates as best I can along with the DPW and the consultant.
Water tax increase is for water needs. NJDEP continually requires more and more stringent testing and requirements, the same for sewer plants. Unfortunately they don’t supply funds to comply. We have VERY reasonable water rates. But, we also have a system that is aging and we must take care of this system and meet needs as they arise. We very purposely adjusted water rates several years ago to minimize rates for light users. This current rate increase mirrors that stepped system to maintain least rates for least users. Heavy users pay higher rates.
Why do all of Oakland’s residents subsidize those who have municipal sewer service?
By the way, there is very little by way of subsidy to sewer owners. Basically we share DPW personnel and equipment , but these guys and our equipment are here for all our needs.
What specifically would you do to assist residents in the Reserve who are facing dramatic increases?
The proposed sewer rate increase in the Reserve is absolutely beyond the Borough’s control ( we are not party to their contract with American), but we can certainly protest to the BPU on behalf of the Reserve residents. Since other Borough residents pay less, we could use that as a leverage in that American is charging inequitable rates to these homowners..A stronger action would be the Reserve joining forces with other sewer districts run by American and forming a class action suit. With enough participation, the costs would be minimal compared to going it alone. The State DEP is forcing much higher treatment practices and American must comply. Although the Reserve’s Treatment Plant is operating beautifully, once you are under their ownership, you must help pay for other systems that may be in poor shape.
With health insurance costs increasing every year and Oakland providing fully funded health care to the employees and their families, how are we controlling these costs and why are we not requiring contributions from the employees to defray these costs as it is done in the private sector?
We have negotiated new compensation and health plans with all of our Borough employees this last year and everyone is now paying into the system. With unions in such strong control, we can really only make small steps at a time. But, we have negotiated plans that are saving the Borough more than ever and the employees are paying in. Many residents are union members. They want their own cut of the pie as far as benefits and pensions but seem to resent others in unions having same. You just can’t have it both ways. This administration has made giant steps in reducing effects on the residents, but the giant steps appear small at first. The benefits to the Borough will be increasing in time, as new employees join on..
We have been cutting and cutting in all departments. Everyone is working harder with less. We’ll keep doing that until services must be cut to do anymore. I don’t think anyone wants Borough services reduced. Although many say the buck stops here, you just cannot ignore the fact that the State has been reducing our funding every year. We are working to join in shared services, apply for every possible grant. We are making a difference. Oakland is not alone in this matter. Remember, everyone on Council is also a resident. We are all hurting, but we remain committed to do our best.