New Year, New Positions for Commissioners

Friday saw the start of a new year, and with it came the Township of Cranford's annual reorganization meeting. Though the members of the township committee have not changed, some of the commissioners' roles have, and Mayor Mark Smith, Deputy Mayor Martha Garcia and Commissioner David Robinson took their new oaths of office. Also sworn in was Tara Rowley, who was reappointed to the position of municipal clerk.

The committee members for 2010 are: Mark Smith, mayor, Mark Dugan, commissioner of finance; David Robinson, commissioner of public safety; Martha Garcia, commissioner of public Works and engineering, and deupty mayor; Daniel Aschenbach, commissioner of public affairs.

"The people of Cranford have expressed by vote their confidence in you," Reverend John McGovern of St. Michael's Church told the commissioners. "As you continue to govern and lead our community another year as our elected officials, may you respect the people's trust and be responsible for your actions and decisions, and demonstrate your commitment to the voters."

Smith's first act as mayor was to issue a proclamation honoring Frances Wismer, a nationally recognized arborist and member of Cranford's Tree Advisory Board for the last twenty years. Wismer, who is 90 years old, was unable to attend the ceremony. Smith called her "an endearing friend and mentor to many in Cranford" and declared her "publically recognized and applauded for her invaluable expertise and volunteerism for the community."

Wismer respectfully declined the offer of another appointment to the Tree Advisory Board, deciding that after 20 years it was "time to let someone else have a turn."

Smith then made his mayoral appointments to the Planning Board; Library Board; Environmental Commission; Green Team; Emergency Management Council; Historic Preservation Advisory Board; Tree Advisory Board; and Holiday Decorations Committee.

The new committee passed 90 resolutions, most of which had to do with the appointment of various boards, duties and titles. Clerk Rawley read them all through without stopping and received an ovation upon finishing.

Some of the resolutions included: the appointment of prosecutor and public defender; supporting a zero tolerance policy in regard to underage drinking; implementing a cash management plan; and designating various commissioners as liaisons and directors of certain projects.

The commissioners thanked their families, each other, and the people of Cranford who elected them. Some noted 2009's achievements, like keeping the tax increase to less than 5 percent or the reintroduction of a township master plan. Others mentioned plans for the coming year, such as the implementation of more affordable housing.

Smith closed the ceremony, and his speech focused on the creativity of Cranford residents and their willingness to try new things.

"The certainties that make us comfortable are the things that make it most difficult to try something new," he said. "And it requires courage to let go of certainties and it requires courage to be creative."