MINORITY PARTY SPEECH

January 5, 2011

Good Evening.

I am Freeholder Dale Cross and it is my sincere honor to present to the residents of Salem County and to present to our distinguished guests the Minority Party Address on behalf of Freeholders: Acton, Laury and myself.

First, we would like to welcome our Congressman Frank LoBiondo, New Jersey  Senate President Steve Sweeney, and our 3rd District Assembly representatives; John Burzichelli and Celeste Riley.  

We congratulate our fellow Freeholders Julie Acton and Lee Ware as well as our County Surrogate Nicki Burke on their respective re-election.

We would also like to ask all of our elected officials in the audience this evening, too numerous to introduce individually, to please stand and be recognized. 

We congratulate you and thank you for your service during these very difficult times.  It is also important to recognize those that were not successful in their election bid because, win or lose, that is what our great country and the democratic process is all about.  We thank all of you and ask for your continued support of this County because as you know, it’s going to be a year full of very tough national, state and local decisions.

Finally, as the son of a proud Korean War veteran, we would like all of our veterans and those currently serving to stand and be recognized, we certainly owe a debt of gratitude for your service.

I would like to take this time to introduce and give thanks to my father Stewart, my lovely wife Kathy, my son Kyle, and our beloved daughter Gabrielle for their love, never-ending support and encouragement because without it and a healthy balance between the two, the ability to serve would be increasingly difficult.  I would also like to thank the spouses and families of all of those serving in elected office and volunteer positions… it’s not easy.  Lastly, I would like to publicly thank my employer, PSEG, for their continued support of my position.

2010: We welcomed Freeholder Ben Laury and his many years of public servant experience to the Board.  With that, in one of those classic, “be careful what you wish for” moments, we faced one of the most difficult years since The Great Depression.  Suffice it to say, it’s a pleasure facing these challenges alongside he and Freeholder Acton.  Let’s take a look back at some of the lows and highs that occurred in Salem County.

During the 2010 budget process, we were able to stabilize taxes but it did not come easily.  Although our Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Doug Wright and his staff worked diligently during the day, we only met on two occasions as a seven-person Freeholder Board which totaled roughly 4.5 hours.  At the completion of two meetings, we were staring in the face of a potential $.03 tax increase as well as an approximate $500,000 increase in spending.  We met separately to analyze the numbers that were presented.  It was during that time away that we said to ourselves, “Why did you, the voters, elect us to represent you?”  At that time, we went back to the [Majority] table and stated that we will not support any increases in spending or the tax rate because the people of Salem County simply cannot afford it.  Many will look at this as “politics at its best / worst.”   We did this because it was the right thing to do and the reason why we were elected.  Within twenty-four (24) hours and a few minor adjustments, the budget was complete.  Spending was reduced by $700K from the previous year and the [County] tax rate would see no increase.  Unanimous approval, which is often alluded to, was not an accident.

For the first time in many years, perhaps ever, a Minority representative was appointed to the Administrative Committee and we realize it did not come without some backlash from their party faithful.  On the surface, it appeared to be that olive branch that said, “it’s time for change” and for the most part, that was the case.  However, when campaign agendas were allowed to interrupt good governance, one could allege that there is the bi-partisan Admin committee and then there is the “real” Admin committee, the one that conducts business on major issues without Minority participation or transparency.  The result? The speedy introduction of a potential $9M bond ordinance (later reduced to $6.2M after the Minority party was finally given the opportunity to participate in the discussions) and the formation of an unnecessary Insurance Commission, another layer of government formed without the proper due diligence it deserved.  If it were just about saving money we would be in full agreement however, that does not appear to be the sole motivation.  At the time, this had to be in place immediately in order to start January 1^st, 2011 and to the best of our knowledge, we have not discussed it since its October adoption.

More recent, and perhaps most important, we were made aware of significant shortfalls at the Mosquito Commission and the much publicized Nursing Home. 

Despite the importance placed on the budgets and spending at the beginning of the year, the Commission budget was exhausted by November. In order to rectify the situation, the County will need to transfer necessary funds in order to cover the remaining Salary and Wage deficit.

On a much larger scale, the Improvement Authority-run Nursing Home continues to be in the spotlight for all of the wrong reasons.  Although conditions and care have improved for our senior population, the facility continues to operate with a substantial deficit, one that recently required the Freeholder Board approving a $3.5M transfer of funds, a required step since the transfer of ownership in 2008.  The overall loss of nearly $7M - $8M took place over a three-year period yet the entire Freeholder board was not briefed on the topic until December 1^st.  Is this the first time our Majority colleagues were hearing this same news or was it conveniently pushed until after the November elections?  One could certainly make a supporting case from the Minority perspective.  Without any further meaningful discussion on the subject, we were asked to approve this before year-end.  Much like the Insurance Commission introduction, it would be an insult to our residents to say that political motives were not partially to blame for their timely introductions, the political side of being a public servant that we could all do without. 

Although no single individual is to blame for these occurrences, a common thread does exist; they are authorities and/or commissions that operate as separate entities with only freeholder board appointed members and a single liaison.  In addition, it points out the glaring lack of oversight and accountability by the respective boards.  And, if after hearing these opinions you feel that we are grandstanding, we will respect your opinion but we will not apologize for those that feel millions of taxpayer dollars should be looked at as good will. 

The truly unfortunate, and often times overlooked, piece of occurrences such as this are the hardworking men and women at these agencies that are caught in the middle.  They don’t deserve this, they deserve much better from their leadership.

These examples show that there are certainly areas for improvement and we need to recognize that in order to learn and improve as a board.  We need to clearly understand the ramifications of our actions and every dollar needs to be scrutinized.  In looking back, a quote from last year’s Minority address unfortunately still rings true today, “When we look back at the challenges of 2009, it is time to hold those accountable in the same manner that the Freeholders are held accountable.  It is time to stop protecting political friends who lack appropriate skill-sets required by their job description.  It is time to implement a policy of only hiring the best qualified person for the job, regardless of their party affiliation.”

In stark contrast, there are many examples that exemplify true teamwork and when we all work together, we can be successful.  

In a bi-partisan effort, we joined in support of the Maternity Ward, a situation that awaits a decision by the State of New Jersey during the first quarter [March] of 2011.  Although we’ve made our case in objection of the restructure, this will ultimately be a business decision by CHS and if this decision ultimately takes place, we’ll work to ensure the best possible alternative for our expectant mothers and unborn children.

Probably the most significant accomplishment that will take place in 2011 is the addition of the much-needed radio towers.  Finally, after years of poor coverage due to an incomplete system but before a life is lost as a result, our emergency personnel and first responders are going to get the necessary equipment to complete this communication network throughout the County.  Only through bi-partisan support would this project be possible.  To those that will benefit the most when this is complete, we say to you, “we’re sorry it took so long.”

The work done by the Space Study committee gets us back to something that we feel is extremely important, a “working board.”   Due diligence was exercised throughout the course of the process that led to the first purchase of ‘real property’ in quite some time.  In addition, the retail portion of the property, that currently provides $114,000 of gross lease income annually, should allow us to ‘pay down’ the debt in a shorter period of time.  Also, Salem City will receive a Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT), a statutory requirement when purchasing real property that does not apply to leased property.

More importantly during this recession, as we transition from the “locate and purchase” phase to the “renovation” phase, we will be creating jobs for our local skilled labor.  It was imperative that our Salem County workers benefit from this project and we will work directly with the respective organizations and business agents, saving money on our labor and materials in the process. Our labor groups will have a vested interest in the local project and this will be an opportunity for them to showcase their talents.  These individuals will then spend those hard-earned wages with our local businesses, a win/win situation for the County. When it’s done, we will have a functional and flexible building plan that will not only be an adaptive re-use of the building but more importantly, it will add to the efficiency of Salem County government and be there for many years to come.

We also continue to hold true to the virtues of Salem County by unanimously supporting our Farmland and Open Spaces.  This has always been near and dear to the hearts of those serving on the board and should continue to be for future generations.  As we do this, we will continue to look at the delicate balance of Open Space and Economic Development potential.  As you travel the highways of this state and observe what has transformed throughout the years, our rural landscape and lifestyle will constantly be challenged.

Also notable, but not one that we can personally take credit for, Nuclear Power has become increasingly attractive the last few years.  With the need for additional base load energy, PSEG took the necessary preliminary steps for exploring the addition of a fourth nuclear reactor on its current site. Although we cannot hang our Economic Development hats on speculation, this is without a doubt, the single biggest potential project that could completely reverse the economic stagnation not only Salem County, but our neighboring counties and states as well.  Early Site Permit applications have been submitted and the site location, North of the Hope Creek reactor, has been approved but many questions remain unanswered, the biggest of which being financing for the potential project.

On a much smaller scale, with some creative thinking from the Revolving Loan Board, we were able to rejuvenate what had become an idle program and offer our small local businesses the financial capital that they desperately need in order to stay afloat.

Other notable accomplishments in 2010:

• Salem County was [unofficially] the only county of the twenty-one (21) that was able to avoid any furloughs or layoffs.
• The Phase I Renovation of the Old Court House renovation.
• Our first-ever Energy Symposium focusing on Renewable Energy.
• The Lester Harris Committal Shelter at the County Veterans’ cemetery.
• Our Sheriff increasing revenues by $840,000 per year by housing the Gloucester County female inmates.
• The License Renewal and Extension at PSEG.
• Talks are continuing forward with a potential County-wide EMS service that would help supplement our overworked volunteers and help them reduce response times to those in need.

As you can see, there were many opportunities to be proud of during the past year and often we do not take the time to celebrate the successes, regardless of how big or small.

Looking ahead to 2011?  I am not sure that is a sentiment shared by anyone holding an elected position or trying to balance a household checkbook at this particular time.  The New Year will hold many challenges for the board, most notably the annual budget.  However, this cannot be our sole focus as many important decisions loom in the coming year.

First and foremost, we will need to pay close attention to the effects that the state-imposed 2% Hard Cap will have on our budget.  With many of the tool kits still pending, the uncertainty of how this will translate to the bottom line is unknown yet very significant.

Almost as important, we face a necessary decision concerning the future of the Improvement Authority and it’s oversight of the Nursing Home and Solid Waste facility.  Regardless of how you look at it, these are hard-earned taxpayer dollars that are being exhausted on unexpected overruns and significant fines and it has been allowed to happen far too long. Major reform is overdue.  Egos need to be checked at the door. If this does not take place at the board level, ownership options need to be discussed.  If it remains as it currently is, conversations should incorporate the men and women that work there on a daily basis.  Let us ask you, “Does the Improvement Authority track record instill the type of confidence necessary as we head into a potential bi-county, multi-million regional sewer project?”

Along those same lines, we are at a crossroad with our Salem County Rail Line.  In conjunction with the Salem Port, this operation offers the County the best ‘near-term’ job creation and economic development opportunities.  If we are unable to secure significant funding that would allow for total replacement of the obsolete rails, transfer of ownership discussions could very well be in order.  We need to ensure that our local partners that rely on the service are included in any and all actions.

In 2010, the voters of New Jersey once again voted in dramatic fashion for a new beginning through new leadership.  Their message is loud and clear once again: Put a stop to soaring taxes and the wasteful spending within all levels of government.

We have substantial work to perform in order to balance our 2011 budget, keeping taxes in check as a result, yet still maintaining the core services that our residents need and expect. It is our job to analyze and separate the ‘wants’ from the ‘needs’… a difficult process this year more than ever. As a cohesively working board, we feel that we can meet the many challenges facing our County but it will require the seven of us rolling up our proverbial sleeves if we are to be successful.

As the Minority Party, we are ready to accept the challenges 2011 will bring.

We will continue to work hard, we will continue to challenge what we think is wrong, we will continue to question what we don’t understand, and we will continue to defend what is honorable and right.  We must do this under the principles of the oath that we have all taken to uphold our values as we govern. We must do this with the interests of our residents in the forefront of our minds, not party affiliations, and it should continue to be done with the respect and professionalism that this office deserves.

In closing, I would like to say that I am still humbled to be in this position and thankful for the opportunity to ‘give back.’  To quote our County Clerk Gilda Gill, “it’s a wonderful experience.”   I am also appreciative to be able to work together with a great group of County employees.  We ask them to do “more with less” and they continue to do so in a big way.  Our department heads continue to play a vital role in our successes and we thank you.

And, in the spirit of what is truly important, we feel it necessary to acknowledge the tragic circumstances surrounding the Hitchner Farm accident and remember those that lost their lives and the families so deeply affected by their loss.

[If we could, let’s please bow our heads and pause for a moment of silence]  Thank you.

In addition, we ask that you continue to keep the Ware family in your thoughts and prayers as they currently battle through a difficult time.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to be with us this evening, it means a great deal.  It is a privilege to represent the citizens of Salem County and my honor to serve you.

Thank you and May God bless you and your families.