Download the Township Manager's 2007 Annual Report (340 KB PDF)

As Montclair Township enters 2008, municipal government is significantly and substantially improved from where it was just a few short years ago. In every area of local responsibility, things are better. In fact, with township government continuing to do its part, our community was safer, better, and more attractive in 2007, and is positioned to continue to have a great quality of life.

Meanwhile, the challenges we face in Montclair are both different and the same as elsewhere. While other areas are challenged economically, Montclair is strong. But this very economic vitality threatens our diversity, and as a result we do have complex issues to deal with. The statewide property tax crisis affects us just like everyone else. New state budget and tax cap regulations threaten our ability to fund discretionary programs held near and dear by the community, such as pre-K, the arts, environmental and economic development programs, recreation programs, First Night and so on. The desires of people to have good programs, and to live here and visit here, continue unabated, and while this poses challenges for us, we can and will thoughtfully meet those challenges as a community.

Municipal government itself is very much moving in the right direction. The leadership of Township Council in providing the policy guidance and overall support needed to achieve important goals and objectives cannot be underestimated. The current Township Council has been especially good not only at having a strategic vision, but also in maintaining the focus and commitment necessary to get the job done. This is certainly remarkable in municipal government in this day and age. Furthermore, what distractions there are, have not deterred the relentless parade of accomplishments of the past few years.