Slideshow photography by Robert Simonelli, Jr.

A Message from the Mayor

​

September 29, 2020

 

Residents of Spotswood,

 

I hope all is well with you and your families. Fall is upon us, and, as I mentioned in a previous letter, I spend my weekends in the Poconos. It is amazing how a two-hour drive to a change of scenery can relieve so much stress. If you’d like to see how well it works, take a ride northeast this weekend; the forecast looks good, and the colors are changing rapidly. It’s beautiful.

 

On to our numbers; they are climbing again, but that was to be expected since a lot of restrictions are being lifted, together with the change in weather. We are now at 132 positives and, thankfully yet sadly, we remain at 4 lost souls. The information I receive lately seems to indicate an increase in younger adults testing positive; most likely because our seniors are being a little more careful, while our youth…well, let’s face it, we all thought we were invincible at that age.

 

The Schweitzer-Mauduit property is up for sale, and there have already been three parties in touch we me regarding usage and what the town would be more receptive to. None of the inquiries regard housing, since the area is zoned commercial and we are working towards keeping it that way.

 

Shall we talk a bit about rumor mills? Unfortunately, there are those who would go out of their way to disrupt our lives with misinformation. This holds true for everything that is currently being done within the Borough, as well as with any plans the candidates in the current election cycle have for the future. Please do not fall into to that trap; take the time to ask the individuals, themselves, rather than buying into what may be posted on social media. This is an especially important election year. There are a number of challenges ahead for those seeking office, mostly due to COVID-19 and its financial impact. For me, the most important question is not whether you are going to raise or lower my taxes, but what are you going to do with those taxes? All these candidates should, and some do, have meet and greets. GET OUT THERE; they need to hear from you! And you need solid information to make the right choice. Please practice safe protocols at any event you attend.

 

Let’s get spooky! The Recreation Department will soon be unveiling their Halloween event; keep an eye on our website and the REC Facebook page. The Borough currently has no plans to shut down the usual door-to-door trick-or-treaters. If it stays that way, I would strongly recommend safe protocols. Treats usually come in individual wrappers in a large bag. For everyone’s safety, I suggest using gloves to hand out the treats, and I would advise against anything that is not wrapped, such as fruit. I have been asked why I don’t cancel the holiday and my answer is simple; at some point, people must assume responsibility. (I am not a fan of Big Brother.)

 

I am closing today with one of my favorite quotes from Walt Disney, as it seems more relevant today than ever:

 

“Our greatest natural resource is the minds of our children.”

 

We often see children in a defenseless, naïve state, but we fail to acknowledge that they are the people of tomorrow. There is an opportunity for the world to become an amazing place for innovation, knowledge, and prosperity, and that opportunity is in their hands.

 

As always, Stay Safe, Be Smart, and Stay Healthy,

 

God Bless,

​

Ed Seely,

Mayor

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We wish to thank Captain George Ahrend, a former Borough of Spotswood resident and police officer, for sharing his artistic talent in contributing to the design of the Borough of Spotswood's seal. We thank Mr. Thomas Sullivan, a former Borough of Spotswood resident and sanitation employee, for sharing his artistic talent in contributing to the design of the Borough of Spotswood's seal.

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