Message from the Mayor of Mantua for July 3rd

Dear friends of the community,

Leading a large community like Mantua Township is not about politics or partisanship, but about being a visionary and leading by example. Doing what is right for the community as a whole, so to speak.

Like the vast majority of you, I am tired of the vitriolic political climate at our highest levels. There is no place for it in local government, and there is no place for meanness, division and derogatory behavior here in Mantua Township.

As Mayor, I have consistently worked toward more coherent and transparent governance. We have remained focused on what we can control as elected local leaders here in our own community, avoiding outside obstacles and distractions.

Let’s think for a moment about Mantua Township, its excellent government services. A safe place to live. An exceptional park system, senior services and recreation programs. Excellent schools. Great residents. No local property tax increases. A highly sought-after real estate market. We were recently ranked the third best community to live in Gloucester County out of 24, and the tenth best municipality to live in out of 169 communities in southern New Jersey. We must always strive to improve, but we must also be exceptionally proud of this incredible place we call home.

My goal as Mayor has always been to represent every resident fairly and impartially to bring us together. To be a great leader, one must have strong moral and ethical standards. To be able to make difficult and sometimes unfavorable decisions, while putting personal feelings aside. That is how this City Council has led over the years, and that is how we will continue to lead today and in the future.

We are a truly close-knit community of family, friends and neighbors. Don’t get into a national fight over people who don’t even know your name or know anything about Mantua. Let’s stay positive and work together. Let’s continue our vision of moving Mantua forward in a positive and responsible way, and stay focused on our little piece of greatness that is within our control.

I recently met with Jerry McGough and Michael Lloyd of the Total Experience Foundation (TEF). Jerry is one of the founders of the Total Turf Experience (TTE) on Lambs Road in Mantua Township (a premier sports and entertainment center) and started TEF, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operating out of the Total Turf Experience facility at 614 Lambs Road.

TEF’s two main goals are Thanksgiving meals with turkey and trimmings and a Christmas breakfast with Santa for the less fortunate. Last year, TEF fed 8,800 people for Thanksgiving and 1,200 people for Christmas, in addition to providing toys and more.

As part of a partnership, TEF offers these two programs “free of charge” to our community. Mantua Township will participate this year during the upcoming holiday season.

Last Monday night I attended Mondays in Mantua, a weekly car show held at the Toll House Plaza on Route 45.

The show typically features over a hundred cars every Monday night throughout the summer. It’s a great opportunity to support the car enthusiasts who attend and patronize our local businesses at the same time. I really want to encourage residents to come out to this great event on Mondays starting at 5:00pm.

Deputy Mayor Pete Scirrotto recently lost his brother, Mark Scirrotto, at the age of sixty-five. Pete cared for his younger brother as he struggled with health issues. Those who know Pete know that he is truly one of the kindest people in our community and was a loving and caring older brother to Mark. Please keep Pete and the Scirrotto family in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.

Upcoming canton meetings and events:

• Saturday, July 13 is the next MTPD car seat safety checkpoint at the Sewell Fire Station between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Saturday, July 13th is the next drop-off point for our Public Works Center’s breakdown center between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

On behalf of Deputy Mayor Pete Scirrotto, myself and the entire Township Committee, we look forward to continuing our service with honesty, integrity and confident leadership.

Respectfully,

Mayor Robert T. Zimmerman, MAS