My name is Jackie DiCarlo. I am a Mount Holly resident and business owner in our town. I grew up here but after many years away, moved back 17 years go.
I am writing to you about our township administration and the atmosphere that has been created by them during their town council meetings. It has become apparent to me that the senior members in charge do not want or care that the public hear what is being said. If they did, there would be microphones for each of them.
I was a Deputy Mayor in another town for a period and when the five-member committee sat in front of our audience, each of us had our own microphone. All team members such as the attorney, planner, administrator, township clerk and engineer also had their microphones. There was also a microphone for the public to address the council.
Furthermore, after each resident spoke or asked a question one of the members of council would remark and attempt to answer the question or if unable to answer it, would explain to the resident that they would investigate and get back to them with a solution or answer. This was the courteous and respectful way to handle these comments or questions during the public portion of the meeting. Standing in stark contract, the current atmosphere at Mount Holly council meetings is not audience-friendly and I feel that council members are often not respectful to those speaking.
For the past several years they have had many complaints about not having a sound system. I believe they do not want the public to hear what is being said or decided upon. It is to their advantage to keep the public in the dark.
Since council meetings have been moved to the Fire Station the situation has gotten even worse as the room is larger and council sits far, far away from the audience. Some Council members do not even make an effort to be heard. And I think they want it that way. Why else would this situation exist? I am sure Mount Holly could afford to purchase microphones, and if council chose to do so the public would feel more respected.
My hope is that the newly elected council will act on this situation and supply microphones ASAP.