Cooperation a good sign for local govt.

courtesy photo

As January comes to a close and we begin to look forward to what everyone hopes will be a year of continued growth and prosperity, there seems to be renewed enthusiasm that 2024 will be a good year for the town of Hammonton.

Much of the reason for those positive feelings stems from the willingness of town officials to put aside old differences and work together for the common good.

The editorial staff of The Gazette recently spoke with Hammonton Board of Education President John Lyons and Vice President Luke Coia, (you can read the interview beginning on page 10), and they both mentioned how the school board seems eager to come together to find common ground on the issues that face the board and the local schools.

Lyons told a story of how after the board’s reorganization meeting earlier this month, the entire board went out to celebrate, something he’d never recalled happening in two decades on the board.

Members of town council had similar sentiments when they spoke to Gazette staff following their meeting on Jan. 22.

Moving around the room and talking to council members, there seemed to be a sincere feeling that most were willing to work together and put the needs of the town above any personal differences. They traded jokes and barbs, but it was all in fun.

This hasn’t always been the case in Hammonton. The town has gone through periods where strong political differences and personal feuds have hampered local government’s ability to do the jobs they were elected to perform.

Speaking last week to The Gazette, Assemblyman Michael Torrissi, a former member of town council, said he was impressed by the council’s enthusiasm and willingness to make the town a better place.

No one disputes that the town faces challenges. Having a council and school board that are united in overcoming the issues that they face goes a long way in finding not only strong, but long-term solutions that will continue to make Hammonton a special place to live.