Township of Howell

Open Letter from the Mayor and Council

Dear Residents,

Creating and establishing a high level of trust, transparency and open lines of communication between

the community at large and elected officials is essential to the success and development of any

municipality.

Recently, the Township and residents have had to address controversial topics. Often, these subjects are

discussed on social media. Although many know that social media is an outlet for sharing opinions, it

doesn’t always serve the community well when discussions are not based upon facts. This is unfortunate

because the result of disseminating misinformation and half-truths can create a divide among friends

and neighbors. As a society, we often believe what we read, without checking or asking for facts

because we want instant gratification; work, school, children, holidays everything that takes place on a

daily basis leaves us rushing around without much time to stop and listen.

Whether you like the elected official, disagree with his or her policy or support a different political

party, none of that should dismiss the quest for the truth.

As your elected officials, we understand that public confidence in the integrity of elected officials is one

of the cornerstones of our democratic representative process. We subscribe to the belief that every

elected official must perform his/her responsibilities with the highest sense of trust, ethical leadership,

integrity and competence.

We have a moral, ethical and legal responsibility to provide factually correct information.

Unfortunately, social media is not held to the same standard.

This is not about discarding the important role social media has in our lives, as social media serves

many positive roles in our society. We know when historical, tragic, or any other significant event

occurs-anywhere! It is a powerful medium and it should be treated as such.

In order to set the record straight and build a culture where our residents, business owners, and

constituents feel they have the ability to make a difference, we encourage everyone to attend local

council, planning board and zoning board meetings, write or call your state and local elected officials

and administration with questions you have before you make a decision to say something that is

incorrect or reach a conclusion not based in fact. As a society, we should settle for nothing less than the

truth.

4567 Highway 9 North ~ PO Box 580

Howell, NJ 07731-0580

Jeff Mayfield

Township Manager

Penny Wollman

Township Clerk

McKenna Torcivia

Director of Law

Tel: (732) 938-4500 ext. 2102

www.twp.howell.nj.us

William J. Gotto

Mayor

Robert Nicastro

Deputy Mayor

Edward Guz

Pauline M. Smith

Robert F. Walsh

Council Members