McCarthy 'Ready to Hit the Ground Running' on Committee
Committeeman-elect John McCarthy is developing plans for his first political position, and wants to hear from residents about their ideas and concerns.
Cinnaminson Township Committee’s just-elected member, John McCarthy, may be new to the political scene, but that doesn't mean he isn't already fully prepped to get the job done.
McCarthy won an uncontested race on Tuesday for an open seat on the township committee. He'll assume the position at the committee's reorganization meeting in January. McCarthy, 54, has never held a position in public office. In fact, up until now, he’d never even run for one.
Earlier this year, the Republican committee in town approached McCarthy and asked him to consider running for the open seat.
“I decided it was a very worthwhile endeavor,” McCarthy said. “Giving back to the community is something I’ve always done, and this is another way to accomplish that.”
McCarthy’s previous volunteer work experience includes coaching for Cinnaminson travel basketball, volunteering for the St. Charles Carnival, serving on the Cinnaminson Economic Development Committee and serving as the president of Mayfair Town Watch.
Although he is new to the committee itself, McCarthy has attended many of its meetings in the five years he has lived in Cinnaminson.
“I’ve studied the issues and (I'm) up to speed on what’s going on in my town,” McCarthy said.
While there are several things McCarthy hopes to work on while a committeeman, he has become increasingly concerned about Route 130.
“I’ve read reports that the stretch of 130 from Burlington to Pennsauken is one of the most hazardous roadways in the state,” McCarthy said. “We should be encouraging public transportation, yet pedestrians can’t walk on a sidewalk to get to a bus stop along the highway. In fact, many bus stops are just mud and grass.”
McCarthy noted that working with NJDOT on these issues won’t be easy, but that it’s important to highlight the problems so progress can be made.
McCarthy also aims toward making Cinnaminson a more affordable town to live in.
“I’m a property taxpayer like everybody else,” McCarthy said. “Government must do everything possible to lighten the load on those who pay the bills.”
McCarthy also wants to work with the school district, fire district and other towns to find ways of reducing costs.
As far as schools goes, McCarthy wants to reduce costs, but not at the expense of the student experience.
"I wouldn't want to cut valuable programs our children are receiving," McCarthy said. "Something I think worth exploring would be to turf the fields and practice surfaces. While there's an up-front investment, you can save a lot of money with ongoing maintenance expenses."
While McCarthy prepares for his newest challenge, he wants Cinnaminson’s residents to know his ears are open.
“I’m hoping to bring a fresh perspective to the table and to be open and approachable to all township residents,” McCarthy said. “I’ll do my best to let residents know that I am accessible and there to try and help solve their problems and address their concerns.”
McCarthy will join Don Brauckmann, his running mate; Anthony Minniti, Ben Young and Kathleen Fitzpatrick on committee. Committeeman John Rooney did not seek re-election. And although McCarthy is the new kid on the block among the governing body, he's ready to help.
“It’s exciting to begin this new adventure, and I’m anxious to get started,” McCarthy said. “I’m looking forward to helping residents and working to make a great town even better. I’m very optimistic about Cinnaminson’s future. I’m ready to hit the ground running.”
Dan
4:35 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
Here are two points for consideration:
-what is the status of the land at Rt 73 and Forklanding Road?
-is it possible that Cinnaminson could add camera lights on Rt 130?
I am sure these two issues have been previously discussed, but my old medicine impacted my memory. My new meds have given me a new lease on life......wow waiting for more grouse to fly by my window........
Thanks for asking. Good luck on committee John!!!
John
4:44 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
Well, I think the state controls the camera lights and there was talk about 2 sites on 130...I could be wrong about that but people have said that is a way to increase money
by enforcing the laws....guess we shall see...I have an idea, put out radar on willow drive and enforce the speed limit....have a good day.....
Ric
7:00 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
Hi John,
Red light cameras will only raise money that we taxpayers will never receive any benefit from. And our town will earn a reputation as a town to avoid. Not a problem until you go to sell your house or refinance.
It makes no sense to me for Cinnaminson to turn into a northern version of a sleepy southern town living off tickets written to strangers driving through. I’d rather see our obese township government curtail its spending.
Lauren Burgoon
4:52 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
Dan, Here's the last article we did on red light cameras: http://patch.com/A-xTNq
Dan
5:25 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
Lauren. Wow! Thanks for the information! I knew I missed it!
Ric
6:30 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
John McCarthy, Thank you asking.
Earlier this year Ken Gertie promised to put sidewalks in place during his presentation before council for his building plans at Meetinghouse Road and Rt. 130.Based on that commitment his plans were approved. But now it is almost winter and the sidewalks have not been put in. Yet he is now advertising for tenants.
Will the township require him to honor his commitment?
Here is a link to the original reporting at Patch in June or
http://cinnaminson.patch.com/articles/another-eyesore-will-get-a-makeover
Gentleman Jim
8:35 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
John, best of luck in your new position. Here are some thoughts since you are soliciting them. Firstly, the district should consider regionalization with neighboring townships. This would spread the tax burden and enable better facilities. Secondly, the facilities are well past their servicability. The schools are crumbling in not just this town, but in those towns which would be a natural fit for in a regional school district. Lastly, Trenton has monies set aside for those townships who wish to regionalize their school districts. This is a pressing issue which should take precedent over Rt. 130 bus stops and turf installation.
Ric
8:59 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
@Jim. Do you also believe BCC should tear down its Pemberton campus because many of its buildings are around the age of our high and middle schools?
So what is your motive for wanting to replace the alleged "crumbling" schools? You have repeatedly said “renovating/rebuilding is an imminent necessity.”
But none of schools are old - our newest school board member Fitzwater works in a school district where the average age of a school is more than double that of any of our schools. Let’s be frank Jim, even you and me are much longer in the tooth than any Cinnaminson school. I also know our schools are well maintained – us taxpayers pay a hefty bill just for that.
So Jim what is your angle? How do you benefit? What makes you such an expert on the condition of our schools?
John
2:34 pm on Saturday, November 10, 2012
@Hi Ric, thats a good question, I do not know the age of the schools but I do see a schools truck go bye my house all the time, guess he is a maintenance person....I also see today which is sat, dept of public works trucks going bye, guess they are on OT so I would like to know how they are working now????? I guess the taxpayers are footing the bill, oh well guess thats life here, cutting the fat is going to be very hard, once its in the budget it stays.....have a great day some day it will all get even, taxes, income and expenses....how long it takes is mind boggling....
Ric
3:58 pm on Saturday, November 10, 2012
Hi John,
Prior to 1966 grades 7 to 12 were taught by Palmyra. The high school was built in 1966 for grades 7 to 12. New Albany elementary was built in 1968. The middle school was built about 1976 for 7th & 8th grade. In the 1980's to1990's the middle school was actually closed down. There were not enough students to fill the so middle school students returned to the high school.
The population of Cinnaminson is slightly more than it was in 1970. The last major development was completed around 1965. Since then there have been scattered developments. And the effect of these later small developments on our schools has been minimal since many older families without children, like mine, are spending retirement here.
The middle school was reopened because taxpayers were outraged paying off the bonds raised to build a school not used. That is why Strable School was demolished and Memorial closed. Memorial school was then used by BCC for satellite classes. It is just recent that the administration commandeered the memorial school for their purposes.
“Gentlemen Jim’s motive is trying to earn money off construction work not needed.
Frankly John, I am annoyed at all these fools (administrators, teachers, township employees, council members, contractors, and the rest of the riffraff) who see the school district as their personal gravy train.
If you want to see how money gets wasted, look into the fiasco for the addition at the main library. 1.2 million in cost overruns
Ed Jenkins
4:31 pm on Saturday, November 10, 2012
How about shutting down these motels that attract nothing but bad elements that cause trouble in town... Drug dealers, prostitutes, burglars, etc....
Dan
7:56 pm on Saturday, November 10, 2012
John, What can be done to keep people from leaving Cinnaminson because of the taxes. I will be selling as soon as my daughter is out of high school.
John
6:53 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
How about the leaf pick up and the timing of such, now you are going to have a person issue summons for putting them out early.....I just put mine out but 15 other people put them out 2 weeks ago and our pick up is the first week in Dec....all the leaves are not down yet, so whats the point??????
John
2:57 pm on Tuesday, November 27, 2012
How about trying to control the school board....New buildings and a bond issue great
more taxes on top of our overassessed properties, life in our town
Maury
3:14 pm on Tuesday, November 27, 2012
"Control the school board"
Where do you come up with this stuff? Do you know how local government works John?
John
7:51 pm on Tuesday, November 27, 2012
@Maury, its all part of our tax structure right, they may not be able to do anything but someone has to control spending and not just float stuff for the taxpayers to pay, its just like the fire department and Burlington County, they just add taxes to our bill and we just take it....maybe U can afford it, give me some of your extra money ok......I have a problem with people who put leaves out 2 weeks before there pick up date the first full week of the month, oh well, sorry if I do not know everything
FbS
1:43 pm on Thursday, November 29, 2012
Good luck, John. I know that you will do a fine job.. John is one of the good guys, all.. He really cares about Cinnaminson.. :)