​I recently met with Freeholder Steve Shaw, liaison to the county’s road department, and Mayor Marcia Asdal to check on the progress of the North Road paving. 
What a difference this project has made already! Big thanks to Freeholder Shaw for seeing this through, and to Councilman Tim Drag for  doggedly pursuing it since January. 

Last night, the Chester Township Council passed the 2019 municipal budget, which includes no increase in the municipal tax levy. As liaison to our finance department, I couldn't be more proud of the work that went into this budget - from our mayor, the Council, our Chief Financial Officer, our Administrator, and each department head. The process of creating the budget and the result itself were sound, responsible, and respectful of the taxpayer.

The Top-Line Numbers

The Chester Township budget for 2019 is $14,770,399.81, of which $8,669,600.78 is raised through property taxes for municipal purposes. The rest is accounted for in grants, state aid, and revenues such as building and construction permits and our shared service agreements (more below).

It was a pleasure to once again welcome  Senator Tom Kean  to Chester tonight. Special thanks to co-hosts Mayor Marcia Asdal and Councilman Tim Drag. We had a solid discussion about the reality of New Jersey’s fiscal crisis. 

Check out the below story from the Observer Tribune about our continued efforts to streamline local government and find new opportunities to share services.  You can also click here to access the article.

Mendham, Chester, Washington Township officials consider more shared services

Representatives from the Chesters, Mendhams and Washington Township have been getting together over the past two months to explore additional ways to share services.

 The Ad Hoc Shared Service Task Force was initiated by Mendham Township Committeewoman Sarah Neibart with help from Chester Township Councilman Mike Inganamort in an effort to have the towns help each other more on a regional basis. Although the group has only met twice, talks are ongoing and the idea of sharing equipment and manpower in a number of municipal departments in order to reduce costs now and in the future is gaining traction.

 “It’s something both Sarah and I had discussed a few months back,’’ Inganamort said. “I think it was because we were both new to our governing bodies. We thought it would be worthwhile. We have had two meetings and they both went really well.’’

Thank you the Observer Tribune for their endorsement! Read below.

In the township, Inganamort is trying for his first run at elected office while Moore has been a longtime school board member.

While he may be new to local politics, Inganamort has an interesting resume of involvement on the national level. He worked for a few years in the office of former Rep. Scott Garrett and helped with President George W. Bush’s re-election campaign in 2004. Inganamort also has financial skills that he applies as the managing principal at a Morristown-based firm that develops policy solutions for New Jersey foundations. Locally, Inganamort wants to boost shared services and improve the athletic fields next to the Black River Middle School, both worthy goals.

As an indication of the support he has on the council, Moore was picked to fill the balance of the term created after Matt Cass resigned in the spring. Moore has lived in town since 1980 and has broad experience as chairman of the Planning Board. He also serves on the Board of Adjustment and is a past president of the Chester Board of Education. Owner of a small business, Moore has the experience and savvy to keep costs down.

Inganamort and Moore will be strong additions to the council. We endorse them for election to the Chester Township Council.