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BODY POLITIC by Jack Archibald, Atlantic Highlands Councilman

Contact Jack Archibald jack@ahherald.com View archive

MAKE BIPARTISAN COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

The coming weeks will show Atlantic Highlands residents where the current Democrat Administration is going. Like most municipalities, the weeks after Election Day are spent re-evaluating committee assignments and the hiring of various professionals for the town. As someone with a front row seat, here are a few unsolicited suggestions:

Put Councilman Lou Fligor on the Harbor Commission. As of now, Councilman Fligor is the only current council member not to have served on this commission. Everyone knows that Fligor brings experience and dedication to the job, and he was just re-elected by the voters of Atlantic Highlands. In the past, Republicans have appointed Democrats to the harbor commission and it has thrived. It is time for this Administration to come about and display a bipartisan manner.

Spread the committee assignments around. The power is concentrated in too few hands and sage advice often gets ignored. The voters recognized the fine work of Lou Fligor and Kim Spatola, its time that their voices get acknowledged by members of the majority. Reach across the aisle and put them in positions where they can thrive, because in the long run, the borough of Atlantic Highlands will benefit.

Use your attorney sparingly. At last count, the Administration had to hire three special attorneys in 2004, because of either conflicts with the current attorney or inexperience. By the end of October, the council had already exceeded its budgeted 2004 amount for legal fees. Not every decision, meeting or policy must be discussed with and attended by the attorney- only legal issues. It will save us all money.