Passaic County Executive questions

2/19/2008

Dear Editor,

In response to a February 19, 2008 article Freeholder floats exec idea, Freeholder James Gallagher supports the creation of a County Executive. It is interesting to note that Freeholder Gallagher supported this idea several years ago when the county was faced with still another democrat budget crisis. The meetings several years ago were held at the Paterson Museum. Unfortunately, Gallagher’s efforts were not successful several years ago even though there was bipartisan support. 
 
  This year Gallagher wants to have a charter study who would formulate their findings into a referendum question for a change in government. It seems Freeholder Gallagher wants to resurrect a change of government study when there is a colossal failure by his fellow democrats regarding the county budget. Freeholder Gallagher has been a Freeholder ten years and the county budget has taxed hardworking residents out of Passaic County. Freeholder Gallagher has been an active part to the overwhelming tax and budget problems that face our county presently. 

  The county Executive is an excellent idea but Freeholder Gallagher should include district Freeholders in his change of government. If Freeholder Gallagher wants true transparency in county government then he would support and include district Freeholders. What district Freeholders would accomplish is that county government would be inclusive and transparent. A true voice would be heard with true representation of the whole county in a bipartisan manner.  

  Another quick solution for a change of government is that as a Freeholder, Freeholder Gallagher could propose this change of government with a resolution on the Freeholder agenda. Why wait for a commission study when Freeholder Gallagher has the ability to put a resolution on the agenda. This would see where the rest of the all democrat board stands and would eliminate the prospect of Freeholder Gallagher grandstanding to the press or questions of ambition of higher office. 

  The change of government with a County Executive and district Freeholders would benefit the taxpayers of Passaic County with a checks and balance system built in with the District Freeholders. The taxpayers and residents can not afford the present tax and tax government that is presently seated in Passaic County. I urge Freeholder Gallagher to present a resolution immediately to the Freeholder board supporting a County Executive and District Freeholders.  

Mike Ramaglia, Chairman
Passaic County Regular Young Republican Organization