By Paul Goldfinger
January 24, 2009

Mayor Michael Brantley met with the Ocean Grove Homeowner’s Association today and revealed that Neptune Township was ready to go when the Obama stimulus package was announced. He said that town officials quickly submitted plans for a number of projects including infrastructure improvements such as widening Route 66 and modernizing storm and sewer systems. He acknowledged that Neptune would probably not get every thing that was requested, but they were hopeful.

Mayor Brantley, who took the top spot in town on January 1, was warmly welcomed at the meeting by President Paul Dunlap and about 60 homeowners. The Mayor expressed his appreciation to the OGHOA for its willingness to “get involved” in the process of moving Neptune Township into the future. He said that Ocean Grove “means a lot to Neptune” and that he wanted to encourage Ocean Grove’s citizens to come to town meetings and to express their concerns and ideas. In this way they will be more likely to see results.

The Mayor articulated his pride in Neptune Township, a town that he described as a “diamond in the rough.” He thought that Neptune would become a leader among towns in the area and he spoke about “sharing services” with surrounding communities including. the possibility that Neptune could become a regional 911 center. He also praised the Neptune Township employees for their dedication, and several audience members commented on exemplary services by the Neptune Police Department and by the Public Works Department.

Regarding fiscal issues, Mayor Brantley admitted that revenues were down, but the budget, currently being worked on, would include cuts in spending. He also acknowledged that state law required mandatory spending caps.

As for Ocean Grove’s issues, he specifically mentioned the parking and flooding situations. He noted that Ocean Grovers were well represented on Township boards and committees.

As for the schools, he acknowledged that relations between the town and the Board of Education have been “antagonistic” in the past, but he hoped for better relations in the future. He intends to have “some dialogue” with the Board and that perhaps they would open more of their facilities for township activities. That would help the town save some money.

The mayor was candid when he admitted that he did not like politics. He said that he entered public life “to help” and that he looked forward to working with the OGHOA in the future.