Politics & Government

Column: Lakehurst Mayor's Borough Update for March 4

Mayor Harry Robbins writes about scouting and other borough topics

Hello Neighbors,

On Friday the 17th of February, my wife Eileen and I were lucky enough to be invited to the Lakehurst Cub Scouts Blue and Gold Dinner. The Blue and Gold is a celebration of the birthday of the Scouts. That night Lakehurst Pack 10 was celebrating a birthday of their own, 65 years old. The Cub Scouts is 82 years old itself. There was a song and a skit performed by the scouts, as well as delicious food supplied by parents. Folks, you don’t know what you’re missing. Some of my fondest memories with my family were when I was involved with Scouting, camping, fishing, the pine wood derby. Trust me, you will never regret it if you and your son(s) join the Scouts. It’s only one hour a week out of your busy life to make memories that will last a life time. Thank you, Pack 10.

Talking about scouting, let’s not forget our Girl Scouts. It’s that time of year, yes that’s right I’m talking about Girl Scout Cookies. My favorite is DoSiDos. There are so many to choose from, but they are all good. So please help support this fine organization and pick up a box or two.   

Find out what's happening in Manchesterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

I’m sure that by now most of you know that our Code Enforcer Mr. Tilton is no longer with us. However, that does not mean that we will not have code enforcement. The code enforcement will now be done by the Lakehurst Police Department. So let’s remember small town pride starts at home.

Well it’s budget time again and the borough’s accountant and our CFO are crunching numbers. When they are done the Finance Committee, Resident Advisory Committee and myself will start sitting down to try to trim some fat. Wish us luck. It won’t be an easy job.

Find out what's happening in Manchesterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

I would like to thank both Dave Winton and Brian LaVance with Public Works. Our water tower is what gives the town the water pressure. Each foot of water in our tower equals 2.31 psi. Thanks to Dave and Brian maintaining all those relief valves on the fire hydrants when the tank was empty for painting, we never had any pressure drop. Thanks again.

On Thursday, Feb. 9, the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee advanced S-959, which requires the fluoridation of all public community water system in New Jersey. On Monday, Feb. 6, the Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee released the companion bill, A-1811. Both bills have been given second reading and are poised for final action in their respective Houses.

Being a DEP licensed water treatment Operator myself, I oppose both these bills. First off, fluoride is a very strong chemical. If you were to look at the back of any toothpaste with fluoride this is what you will read: Warning: As with all fluoride toothpastes, keep out of reach of children under 6 years of age, if you accidentally swallow more than used for brushing, seek professional assistance or contact a poison control center immediately. Second, the cost of the chemical and the equipment, not to mention the man hours can add up to a rate increase, and last, since when is big brother worried about our smiles.

God Bless America, God Bless Lakehurst and God our Troops,
Mayor Harry Robbins


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here