Always Highlands Mayor Carolyn Broullon can cite a number of ways in which she has helped Highlands residents and would continue to do on a daily basis if re-elected next month to another four year term as Mayor.
But to those residents who want an answer right away, want something researched, or simply want to feel important and know someone is listening to them, her response could be summed up in a single sentence: “ I am always here and ready to meet anyone at any time to hear what you have on your mind.”
VeniVidiScripto asked both Mayor Broullon and Rebecca Wells, a former councilwoman who is opposing the mayor in the mayoral election, a question on how an individual resident of the borough, not the borough as a whole, or a group of people, club or organization, would benefit the most if she were elected.
Wells opted not to respond to the question at all.
Broullon not only responded, but listed a series of ways the individual resident and taxpayer benefits by her leadership. In saying “I am always here and ready to meet” it is an indication of the open government, the transparent way she has served the municipality during here time not only as mayor but on the council previously as well.
When it comes to issues that face the entire town, Broullon does her research and discusses the matter with both professionals and elected officials. But then she calls for special meetings; she calls for the professionals to stand up before the residents, explain their plans and take questions from the public. She only takes action after hearing all the viewpoints, weighing all the information, then deciding the way the people indicated they wanted to be answered.
The retaining wall the Army Corps of Engineers wanted to build around the borough is only one example. Rather than to accept the expertise of the Army Corps, its offer of tens of thousands of dollars, and its ideas, Broullon turned to the public, called for an open meeting, and let the public be heard.
They were, and when it was all over, she listened. And the wall will not be built around Highlands, just as the Highlands residents asked.
When the question of regionalization with Sea right in the school district was the hot topic of conversation, rather than make a decision herself, the mayor called for a non-binding referendum, simply a vote to let her know what the people wanted. The result was their overwhelming support of Yes, including Sea Bright into the school district and accepting the millions of dollars they want to bring with their handful of students.
The mayor listened, but the town, and Sea Bright, have since been frustrated by expensive, never ending legal actions by two other towns who do not want to lose Sea Bright’s money. That matter is now before the New Jersey Supreme Court. With arguments heard last week, it appears hopeful the Highlands voters will finally get an answer. But regardless, the people of Highlands know they expressed their opinions and the mayor listened to what they wanted.
Perhaps one of the primary assets of having Broullon as mayor if individuality of each resident is an important criteria, is the Feed and Seed, the pet shop owned by Broullon and her spouse, Danika, and located in the heart of town at Miller Street and Bay Avenue.
The mayor is there on a daily basis when it’s open. (Closed Sundays and Mondays.)
While she is adept at assisting a pet owner with selecting the right kind of food for a dog, or helping a youngster pick out and unusual toy for his kitten, she is also there to greet ever resident who comes in with a question, a problem, or simply reassurance of some event or incident going on in town. At her computer in a second’s notice, she can research information or direct questions to the proper person for immediate assistance. And she gives answers.
You might not always like the answer, but you will have the most up-to-date information and will be able to recognize the transparency of her statements.
When questioned specifically on how the individual resident profits from her leadership, Broullon described herself as “a dedicated public servant who is always looking to best serve the taxpayers, from updating infrastructure to rebooting our public spaces.”
As to what’s in it for the individual taxpayers, she said “it is my proven record of winning more grants to fund these initiatives than any other administration.” As proof of her statement, Broullon added “Previous administrations proposed projects, but never got it done. Again, I’ve proven I get projects from brainstorming with Council to delivering results to the people of Highlands.”
In the end, the mayor agreed the single most explanatory response to the question, What is in it for me, Joe Resident, is simply “I am always here and ready to meet anyone at any time to hear what you have on your mind.”
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