January 2015 Mayor’s Annual Address
Our Pioneer Spirit
I am very honored, and extremely excited, to be seated in this center seat, especially with such a hard-working, dedicated council whose sole purpose is to help move New Providence forward with prosperity in our pioneer spirit of teamwork and cooperation. Our future is bright with many additions to our community. I have witnessed through my tenure as mayor that teamwork, tenacity, and communication, are the recipe for success.
Many different issues continually face mayor and council; therefore it is imperative to have a dependable and reliable system, trustworthy networks, and accurate information that are received in a very timely manner. Communication is key. Over the years, I have established contacts throughout our federal, state, county, and municipal levels of government, as well as, the private sector and with our business community. This helps us to make educated and well-informed plans and decisions. Municipalities large and small often have similar problems. The Union County League of Municipalities was a venue for local officials to discuss problems, issues, and exchange ideas, programs, and resources. Many of our local mayors are very interested in re-engaging this venture, and I am proud to let you know that New Providence will be leading that charge. Additionally, two former popular programs that were also very successful will be reinstated: “Mayor’s Forum” and “Chat with the Mayor”. The “Mayor’s Forum” is a television program that will be broadcasted our local channels, and designed to showcase different borough departments, volunteer organizations, programs, community highlights, and businesses in our community. “Chat with the Mayor” is a program that will provide our residents an opportunity to informally discuss concerns, ask questions, and have informal conversations about New Providence. I look forward to working closely with all of you to help promote our great community.
A government-business partnership is key to a robust local economy. We are so fortunate to have such a dedicated and involved local business community that has over the years provided New Providence with fun and exciting community events including our Independence Day Celebrations, the Street Fair, Summer Concerts in the Park, and much more for all to enjoy, while drawing attention to our local business establishments. Government needs to also promote awareness by helping support events through announcements and highlighting patronage in addition to creating a more business friendly environment, which includes more streamlining, and working more in partnership when issues arise. We are very fortunate to have a council that has and will continue to connect and work closely with our business community.
As many of you know, I am a Pioneer through-and-through, and promoting a pioneer spirit of teamwork and cooperation is what I feel makes New Providence so special and so unique from other communities. To support and help promote our “Pioneer Spirit” it is important for our youth to have an opportunity to make a contribution to their hometown in concert with our community, working side-by-side, shoulder-to-shoulder with all of our friends and neighbors, young and old alike. This year, we will be planning a “New Providence Day of Service” in the spring for individuals and groups interested in participating in this very meaningful and worthwhile endeavor. I hope to see active participation and look forward to seeing many old friends while meeting many new ones. All of us together are what makes New Providence such a great place to live and work.
Another vital part of our community is our dedicated employees, our public safety personnel, and especially our generous volunteers who continue to serve selflessly and tirelessly on our boards and committees. You are the backbone of our community, and you all deserve our acknowledgment and our thanks. Thank you.
Thanks and prayers to our police, fire, rescue squad, and our emergency management team, who continually put their lives on the line to protect us. We support you and we are grateful for your service. Thank you.
There is truly no greater honor for a hometown boy than to be mayor of the community he knows and loves so well. God Bless New Providence. God Bless New Jersey. And God Bless the United States of America.
Have a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year!
Mayor Al Morgan
