AQUA AT IT AGAIN

This time in Blairstown

Thanks to the New Jersey Herald for its reporting on this issue.

Water system an issue in debate among Blairstown candidates

Posted: Oct 30, 2014 12:03 AM EDTThursday, October 30, 2014 12:03 AM EDTUpdated: Oct 30, 2014 12:03 AM EDTThursday, October 30, 2014 12:03 AM EDT

Photo by Tracy Klimek/New Jersey Herald Sylvia Zika, center, independent candidate for Blairstown Township mittee, answers questions during a debate on WRNJ Radio Wednesday as Democrat Carol Cook, right, and Republican Stephen Lance

By JOE CARLSON

jcarlson@njherald.com

WASHINGTON TWP. — The possibility of selling the township's water system was the hot topic as four of the five candidates running for two, three-year seats on the Blairstown Township Committee sparred over several topics on WRNJ Radio Wednesday afternoon.

Republican incumbent Stephen Lance, Independent challenger Dr. Sylvia Zika and Democratic challenger Carol Cook took part in the debate from the WRNJ studio in Washington Township. Democratic challenger Tom Palmieri joined in the debate by telephone about halfway through.

Republican incumbent and current Mayor Herman Shoemaker did not take part in the debate.

Though the first question asked to the candidates was about what the candidates would do to fill empty store fronts, the candidates quickly brought up the township's water system.

“I would work to repeal the ordinance that has increased water charges at least fourfold,” Zika said when asked what she would do to help bring businesses to the township. “Right now the amount paid is based on how many units are in the building and not water consumption.”

“I would also work hard against the sale of the Blairstown water utility, which will send it (cost) even further,” she added.

Lance countered Zika about the water charges, saying the ordinance was put in place as “a matter of fairness.”

“The Township Committee undertook a study and found that some multi-family houses had one meter while some had multiple,” Lance said.

As for selling the water system to a private company, Lance said he didn't believe that it would happen.

“It is on the committee to explore all avenues,” Lance said. “Five years ago the committee explored the opportunity and Aqua offered us $100,000. We turned it down and they approached us again. Do I think it will get sold? No, but we have to explore all opportunities.”

Cook also said she opposed selling the system.

“I do feel that when you privatize things rates, go higher,” she said.

After the first question, WRNJ Radio News Director Joyce Estey asked what each candidate would do about the water system.

“I would want to investigate it with citizen involvement,” Zika said.

Zika said the privatization of the water system would be another example of government control over its citizens.

Lance reiterated that the Township Committee was doing its due diligence in exploring the sale of the water system and that if there was interest in selling it, the sale would be subject to a referendum by the residents of Blairstown.

“I do feel that we should consult with a hydro geologist,” Cook said. “When did that second well all of a sudden lose its water? I think we should research that.”

“I think we can preserve our water better than some private company,” she added.

Palmieri said the water system can be improved with leadership from the township and input from the community.

“The Township Committee needs to provide leadership to improve quality and to reach out to the state and federal government for grants to do this,” he said.

Another issue raised by Estey was what each candidate would do to improve the communication between the township and its residents.

Lance said that members of the committee are looking at ways to stream the audio from meetings over the Internet for residents who cannot make it to the meetings.

“Even though we are all Republican, we sit there and fight with heated arguments,” Lance said in an effort to show that members of the committee don't just spend the entire meeting agreeing with each other. “Hopefully we can do something electronically, but it is also up to public to come to committee meetings. They should make an effort to come out as well.”

Cook said the Township Committee needs to look at ways to shorten the meetings, which she said can sometimes go until 11 p.m., and that if she were elected she would make it a priority to find answers to questions that residents ask her.

Palmieri suggested some sort of newsletter, but Lance countered that it would have the possibility of becoming a political instrument, which the committee did not want.

Zika said she had talked to more than 1,000 residents who all feel the government was not listening to them.

“Many meetings people feel intimidated or ridiculed. That's why they do not attend meetings,” Zika said. “They are constantly interrupted, then told they are not allowed to speak any longer.”

In their closing comments, all the candidates agreed that all they want to do is what is best for the residents of Blairstown.The entire debate can be found at wrnjradio.com