Mayor Cogger Sets the Record straight

Mayor Cogger Sets the Record straight

While I don’t believe that an internet blog is the best or most appropriate forum for a public official to address complex policy issues, I am compelled to address some misconceptions and some important  issues.  There have been a number of postings on this site that I believe require a response to provide clarification and explanation. Therefore, I am responding here to both set the record straight and let concerned Township residents know what is taking place concerning issues regarding Tuesday's election.

First, so it is clear, I do not rent any property to Mr. Alstede nor do I derive any financial benefit whatsoever from his operations. Mr. Alstede was permitted to operate a farm stand on the 3 acre property owned by my wife and I on Pleasant Hill Road. Approximately 10 years ago that farm stand was removed at my request. Mr. Alstede never paid me rent or other compensation and certainly does not do so currently. Statements made here claiming that I have a financial, or other business relationship with Mr. Alstede are simply inaccurate and false.

Mr. Alstede continues to farm my mother-in-law’s land as he has done so since graduating college. Any arrangement between them is their business and neither my wife nor I are involved.

Publicly elected service is about running for something not against someone. Distortion of the facts and downright lies may be clever tactics but seldom result in good government. Anyone willing to lie or use surrogates to do so deserves a wide berth. The simple facts are the operating budget of Chester Township is almost 1 million dollars lower today than it was when I became mayor. The debt is 51% lower and some of that reduction came from county and state money we were smart enough to acquire. No distorted Star Ledger report (which included school funding) will change that fact. The 6.5 million water project paid for by the EPA is real and you can see it being built if you drive down Parker Road. The Highlands Ridge community center was available as a warming center the 1st of October. We are completing the cosmetic work and will be done by December 1st for the Festival of Trees. During Sandy, I was at Town Hall every day and spoke with the president of JCP&L on a daily basis--this was to no avail and perhaps why JCP&L replaced their entire management team. We were one of a very few towns that had a twitter feed up prior to Sandy and will have a dedicated emergency radio station up and running next year.

I would say to my opponent that leadership starts with showing up. Since he has never attended a council meeting or showed up at any of our committee or board --how would he know what was going on. I didn't see him at our Town hall during Sandy or any time since.

Consolidating Chester Township and Chester Borough didn't happen because our independent consultant funded by the state calculated that the average home in Chester Township taxes would go up $400 per year. There was no economic advantage to Chester Township and any long term savings could not be determined.  Additionally, funding promised from the State to help with the costs of a consolidation was taken off of the table.

Today we have combined services with the Borough of the schools, library, fire, first aid, recreation, Pool and shared equipment with our DPW.  The Borough rejected our proposal to combine police.  In essence the only benefit total merger of the two towns is an increase in taxes.

Contrary to Mrs. Arrington's assertions I have always supported a study of the regional High School District and have said so many times publicly. I just don't support spending Taxpayers money to fund a narrow study that doesn't  analyze all of the facts. The proposed Mendham Borough RFP looks at all the data including funding options and I have been working with Mendham boro for several months in support of their RFP.

Spin doctors weave clever lies and distortions to deceive and leave no stone unturned.  One of my campaign supporters received a threatening and harassing call on Friday disguised as a campaign call from my opponent. This is an act beyond being despicable .

A general once said that the first casualty of war was the truth and I believe that the quote applies to the current campaign as well.

When you vote on Tuesday, vote FOR someone not against the facts.  Chester Township is a wonderful place to live. It got that way by the hard work and dedicated individuals who expect and deserve the truth.