My best wishes to you and your family in the New Year.  We in Florham Park truly have much for which to be grateful:  dedicated volunteers and employees, one of the lowest tax rates in Morris County and an outstanding quality of life.

Our community also faces many challenges as we enter the new millennium:  issues involving water, traffic, recreation and the task of balancing our borough's planned development with the need to preserve open space and maintain quality schools.  Please be assured that the Borough Council and I have been taking a proactive posture in addressing these topics.

We have developed a long-range plan to ensure an adequate water supply, properly delivered, for many years to come.  We are meeting with state and county representatives to brainstorm solutions to the traffic congestion that plagues not only Florham Park, but also our entire state.  The need for additional fields to meet our residents' recreational needs is a top priority, and the Council liaison positions we have established with the Board of Education will assist all of us in meeting long-term goals.  Finally, our newly formed Environmental Commission will be a great asset to boards, departments and other commissions.

Ever mindful of the impact planning has on all of the above issues, the Planning Board will begin a Master Plan review early in the new year.  The Council and I will also propose that a portion of our municipal tax be dedicated to purchasing parcels of land to be preserved as open space.

In closing, I want to recognize the outstanding contributions that Councilman Tom Hadley and Borough Administrator Dwight F. Longley have made to the Borough of Florham Park.  Tom did not seek re-election this year and Dwight will be retiring after being with us for 14 years.  Tom will best be remembered for his tireless efforts on the Fourth of July parade and his creative leadership during our Centennial celebrations.  Dwight has served with distinction, competence and dedication.  We thank them for their efforts and wish them all the best.  They will be missed.

We are pleased to welcome Sam McNulty as our newest Councilmember.

Finally, please accept my sincere thanks for electing me to another term.  I am honored to serve as your mayor and pledge to always remember that government is a service industry.

Sincerely,
Barbara B. Doyle

*Saga of A Crossroads-Florham Park

Eleanor Weis