Councilwoman will continue to ask questions
It’s been nearly one year since I took my oath of office and I’ve recently been asked, “Why do I ask so many questions?” In my opinion, reading and researching issues that are brought before the Township Council is my number one priority.
In 2010, Vernon voters adopted the Faulkner Act Mayor-Council Plan as their form of Government. According to the Optional Municipal Charter Law N.J.S.A. 40:69A-1 et seq., the Mayor-Council plan consists of two separate but co-equal power centers, each directly elected by the people. This separation creates checks and balances that are common in government. The mayor is the chief executive and shall exercise executive power over the municipality. The Town Council is the municipal Legislature and shall exercise legislative power by ordinance. The Mayor-Council plan makes a virtue of the idea of divided and shared power. Neither mayor nor council has the absolute last word in all instances. The system requires constant consultation between mayor and council, sometimes cooperating, sometimes competing and conflicting, always acting as a check and balance on the other. Hopefully out of this sometimes friendly, sometimes hostile flux, comes, good public policy.
The Township Council does not take direction from the mayor. However, the Township Council does have the authority to override a veto by the mayor of an ordinance by a 2/3 vote.
Vernon employs several Attorneys. Our Township Attorney is Kevin Kelly. John Ursin is utilized when a conflict arises for Mr. Kelly. As the conflict Attorney, Mr. Ursin represents Vernon on all matters pertaining to Mountain Creek/Crystal Springs, more recently the Enabling Ordinance for the Redevelopment Zone and proposed indoor water park.
All elected officials are entitled to contact the hired professionals, including township attorneys to seek advice on town matters. Council members do not need permission from the mayor or one another to perform the duties for which they were elected.
I will continue to do my own research and ask questions to whomever I see fit, in order to reach an informed decision prior to voting on matters that affect the residents of Vernon Township.
Jean Murphy
Vernon Township Council Member