Thoughts of a New Councilperson

By Leo Janas

It is hard to believe in the heat of August that it has been seven months since I was sworn in as the newest councilperson during the cold first days of early January. While I had previously served on the Environmental Commission and the Board of Health, being on borough council has provided a whole new set of experiences and I have learned a lot.

Although I had briefly held elected office in the past and worked in government before, I did not really understand how much effort and expertise properly running a local government requires. The public meetings have specific laws, regulations and protocols that must be followed to ensure that deliberations and votes are carried out properly. This is particularly true for the first several meetings of the year when the budget and tax decisions are made. But before these meetings are held and decisions can be made, a whole host of professionals work to ensure that the governing body has the information that it needs to act. This is also true for the Environmental Commission and the Planning/Zoning Board, of which I am a member as the council liaison.

Another thing that I learned, and have been very grateful for, is that our local government does not experience the bitter, partisan politics that appears to pervade so much of government from the federal to the state and local level. Everyone was welcoming in the beginning and continues to be helpful and patient with the questions that a new person like me has. Even more important, my colleagues consistently approach issues in a spirit of cooperation, trying to do what seems best for the community without constantly imposing their own interests or ideologies. I know that we will never have to vote on huge issues like defense spending or national immigration policy, but I think other politicians could take a lesson from our mayor, administrator and all our other elected and appointed officials when it comes to trying to get things done without partisan bickering.

Local government works under the laws and regulations set by the state and federal government. As we look to important elections both this year and next, I would ask that voters evaluate candidates in part by what regulations and programs they propose regarding how to help local governments do their jobs better. Not just funding, but good laws and policies can help boroughs, townships and cities to provide important services like adequate local roads, good policing and solid land use planning. I do not often hear state and federal officials discuss these matters, but they can be vitally important to local governments trying to provide better services to their communities.

Of course, good government begins with good people, and I would encourage anyone who is able to consider volunteering for our local boards or other activities. Califon already has a strong sense of civic involvement and a whole host of community events run by dedicated volunteers, but there are still usually unfilled positions that could benefit from the time and talents of more citizens. I truly believe that government works best when it is seen less as “them” and more seen as “us,” and there is no better way to do that than to get more people involved. I am certainly glad that I did.

Last modified: September 6, 2016