Councilman Beckerman Supports Police Merger With Fanwood

This letter to the editor was submitted by Scotch Plains Councilman and 2013 election incumbent Lou Beckerman.

To the Editor:

Saving tax dollars and delivering services efficiently are my goals as a member of the Scotch Plains Council. We have an opportunity to save dollars and improve police services through the proposed merger of our police department with Fanwood. 

After years of hard work and bringing together Fanwood and Scotch Plains, a committee of council members from both towns and Chiefs of Police from both towns have presented a plan that with not lay off the rank and file officers, will save $4.5 million over 5 years and increase police patrols in our community. There are details that need to be worked out but our colleagues in Fanwood are reasonable people and if our council continues to work in good faith, I believe that we can work them out. The Scotch Plains republicans have made it clear they are opposed.    

The opportunity to save tax dollars and improve service is at stake in this coming election.  If you believe that we should move forward with the merger and continue to seek ways to reduce our costs please cast your vote for me on November 5th. I have lived in Scotch Plains for over 30 years with my family and am committed to reducing our property tax burden and delivering essential services efficiently.  

Thank you. 
Councilman Louis Beckerman