Last week, the library board hosted the second half of its second annual ‘Meet the Candidates’ Night. Both candidates running for mayor introduced themselves and answered the following question:

Considering the 2% tax cap, putting together the 2013 municipal budget will be difficult. Please list some specific departments or areas of the budget you will look to, to cut costs. Do you have any specific ideas for increasing revenue to the township?

Highlights of what they said:

Bill Laforet

• Privatizing recycling would have saved significant amount
• Assembled blue ribbon panel of citizens who looked at budget, brainstormed ideas
• DPW workers would be moved to understaffed departments and money would be saved with privatization, not difficult decisions for him to make
• Meeting with PBA, blue collar and white collar unions to negotiate upcoming contracts
• Building and police departments produce revenue
• Tax appeal liabilities need to be reduced

Ed Sinclair

• Under privatization, six less people will be punching out everyday; five of those people are firefighters and ambulance corps members
• Are we looking at that as an expense we might incur if we reduce the DPW
• Will look at all budgets and lower costs that have gone up
• Mahwah needs an economic development plan
• Will form an economic development committee who will help market Mahwah – Sinclair will be like Mario Perillo
• Filling empty storefronts will make Mahwah a better town

See other videos from the Meet the Candidates night:

• Introductions
• Difficult Choices in 2013
• Are Mayoral Candidates Prepared For The Job?

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