Let’s face it: Governance by consensus is no easy feat.
In fact, it’s akin to cat-herding, thanks very often to diverse communities where everybody, it seems, has their way of doing things. And that’s because everyone is supposed to have their unique ways of thinking, and living, like they do.
Ah, but people need to come together in a community to make it as viable as it is successful – and likeable. That includes Bedminster Township, where the governing body has, for decades now, had to not just round up the cats, but meet their needs and keep everyone as happy as possible.
It’s particularly challenging in a township like Bedminster, which over the years has seen many, many changes in its make-up – in particular, the addition of The Hills, itself a microcosm of communities comprised of many races and cultural colors – which, by the way, we love.
But being diverse does not mean no one shares goals. In a community, those include reasonable taxes for excellent services as well as a safe place to live. Both have been challenges over the years, but of late the five-member, now all-Republican dais has met those challenges.
By the way, those challenges are exacerbated by steady increases in the cost of living, e.g. fixed cost increases like salaries and health care for municipal employees, but also challenges at a time when certain people think it’s a great idea to cruise major interstates, like Routes 78 and 287, enter a community and light finger everything from vehicles to personal possessions.
Well, Township Committee members Larry Jacobs and Renee Mareski are doing something about everything. Dais veterans, they have for several years now worked to maintain and improve services and offerings to residents. From the farmer’s market to a multi-town safety committee to keeping a leg on utility providers like Jersey Central Power & Light, they are doing what they can – and then some – to ensure residents stay put.
Yes, we like Democratic challenger Julia O’Brien too, be assured. But we think the Township Committee is in no need of change for now. The committee/cowboy cat herders all deserve kudos.
On Tuesday, Nov. 5, re-elect Bedminster Township Committee members Larry Jacobs and Renee Mareski.
Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in The Bernardsville News.