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No deal with mayor and Saint Clare’s
(by David Jimenez - April 16, 2008)
With fingers pointed every which way, Mayor Ted Hussa wants to clear the air: a process that arises routinely whenever he wants to explore a new idea that provokes territorial responses from those that it might affect.
The latest brouhaha ignited from rumors concerning the expansion of emergency services in Denville by Saint Clare’s Hospital, a company that already provides ambulance and rescue services in the vicinity of Pocono Road and nearby areas. Denville is served by its own volunteer fire and rescue squad.
Hussa admitted he had exploratory talks with two executives from the hospital’s emergency unit.
“Issues were discussed that included the future of the town’s health fair and emergency services,” he said.
According to Hussa, John J. Egbert, chief of the Denville’s Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, was also invited to the meeting, where he made it clear that no changes were needed because Denville’s current service provided adequate coverage for the community.
In a letter to residents, the mayor wrote that no deals had been struck. In consultation with Marie Goble, the town’s chief financial officer and business administrator, he wrote that no recommendations were made.
As a new administration, Hussa said he feels obligated to reduce the cost of government by seeking out shared-service opportunities with suppliers and neighboring municipalities. In the past few months, he said that he has had similar conversations with government officials from Boonton Township, Mountain Lakes, Parsippany, Randolph and Rockaway Borough; conversations that can be characterized as preliminary, but promising.
Hussa said there is no effort to replace Denville’s ambulance service and rescue squad with Saint Clare’s emergency service.
“Whoever is casting doubt about my intentions is doing a disservice to the community,” Hussa said. “How can you seek out shared services agreements or uncover opportunities if you don’t talk?”
Denville Councilwoman Deborah Smith is not against the mayor speaking to groups and outside organizations in an effort to lower the tax burden.
“We respect and value our volunteers. However, in light of the governor’s cut of state aid to municipalities, he has mandated that municipalities seek shared-service agreements as a way to save taxpayers money. Anyway we can, end of story!”
Established in 1926, the Denville Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department operates stations at Main Street, Union Hill and Valley View.
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