Mayor Pleased Council Reverses Course on Duplicative Senior Commission Initiative; Hopes That Inefficient Measure Will Not Be Revived

Last evening, in a reversal, the Hamilton Township Council tabled, or temporarily abandoned, a plan to override Mayor Kelly Yaede’s veto of a duplicative Senior Advisory Commission.

Previously, the Township Council planned to create what would have been a second Hamilton Senior Advisory Commission.  Mayor Yaede vetoed the measure, citing the fact that since 2004, the Hamilton Township Senior Center, which coordinates Hamilton’s services for seniors, has possessed a 45-member advisory commission with a diverse membership that includes representatives from Hamilton’s over-55 communities, as well as Police, EMS, hospital and non-profit (such as the Hamilton YCMA) representatives.  The commission had helped with the Senior Center’s self-assessment process that was required for its national accreditation from National Council on Aging.

During last night’s meeting, several Hamilton seniors voiced opposition to the Council’s plan.

“I am pleased that the Township Council has, at least temporarily, reversed course on this issue.  I hope they now agree with me that Hamilton’s seniors do not need two, duplicative Senior Advisory Commissions,” says Mayor Kelly Yaede.  “While I am still disappointed that their previous announcement made over-exaggerated attacks against me for my decision to veto this duplicative measure, I hope that in the future, they will consider my decisions with an open mind.  I also hope that the Council will note revive their inefficient proposal.”

For more information regarding this issue, visit: http://www.hamiltonnj.com/news/?FeedID=3255

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