Back

Print this Page

Mar. 23, 2006

Mayor Pelzman: “Ordinance will foster more participation”

Woodbridge Township Council has introduced an ordinance to clarify the process for citizens applying to municipal boards and commissions, Mayor Frank G. Pelzman has announced.

Joined by Council President Patricia Osborne and Councilman James Carroll, Mayor Pelzman spoke today at a Town Hall press conference discussing the ordinance and its expected impact.

The Open Application Law and Public Directory of Appointed Volunteer Municipal Positions ordinance was introduced at the Mar. 21 Council meeting. It will be given a second reading April 4, at which time it is expected to be voted on and approved.

“This ordinance is an outstanding example of the Township encouraging citizen participation in local government,” said Pelzman. “ Woodbridge is blessed with a surplus of qualified volunteers, but having an expanded inventory to draw from is something we welcome.”

Councilman James Carroll said the ordinance is a result of the Township responding to citizen input. “The issue came up when I was Council president last year, and we immediately set the wheels in motion to study the matter and come up with legislation. Our new Council President Osborne has been great in carrying it through.”

The ordinance sets up a process whereby a citizen can indicate his or her desire to serve in a particular volunteer appointed position. Citizens can submit resumes in advance of a board or commission opening, and the resumes will be retained on a register.

When an opening occurs, it will be posted on the Township web site and will not be filled for a period of 30 days from posting, unless the opening is of an emergency nature that legally necessitates it be immediate filled. During the 30-day review, names on the current register of interested citizens will be considered along with whatever other individuals might submit an application following the posting.

“This is an excellent way for people to become involved in local government,” said Council President Osborne.

The proposed ordinance is currently posted on the Township web site at www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us.

Back