Since announcing our intention to terminate police services in Woodlynne, we have watched as Woodlynne has made efforts, without success, to find alternate police services. No other town has agreed to provide the service; the State has not stepped up with a solution; Woodlynne has not been able to assemble a plan to provide their own police service. So we have revamped Collingswood police services and decided to continue the service for another year, until July 1, 2010.

We’ve all seen the struggles every business, government and family has experienced during this recession. Collingswood is no exception to that reality, but the teamwork shown by all of our Borough family is the exception to the rule. This town is where you really want to be.

For the 30^th year, our Borough’s May Fair started the summer season for all the non-shore folks. And there are thousands of them. Run by a dedicated group of volunteers who work all year, the granddaddy of our region’s street fairs brings over 40,000 people to town for arts, crafts, great food and just plain old family fun.

Today marked the 10^th opening day of the Collingswood Farmers Market. Started in the deep Collingswood tradition of volunteerism, the Market is a boon to the farmers, healthy lifestyles and our business community – and it’s fun! While I wandered around this morning thanking the farmers and welcoming them back, they each thanked us for keeping this jewel of a market going.

Today the Police union hand delivered a flyer to residents warning everyone that I and the Commissioners are putting public safety “at risk”, had mismanaged the town’s budget  and inviting everyone to our regular Commission meeting Monday night. I too urge all to attend.

Since we advised Woodlynne of our intention to end police services on June 30, there has been a lot happening. Woodlynne has been working to find replacement police service; Collingswood has been working to find the affected officers a new job; there have been newspaper stories of accusations and finger-pointing. And there have also been talks.

In reporting on the end of the Woodlynne police sharing agreement today, the Courier got one thing wrong. They stated this could have been avoided by the hiring of one additional officer. Wrong. The Courier left a voicemail on my cell phone last night around 6pm and I called back with a message and sent the following email:

    Well, we gave it our best shot. Despite our best efforts, the Borough has decided to terminate its shared police service agreement with Woodlynne. 

    Towns operate under agreements to provide “mutual” aid to each other. The concept is a simple one: neighbors help neighbors in time of trouble. When there is a working fire here in Collingswood, Haddon Township firefighters respond to help. When there is a serious police matter in Oaklyn, Collingswood police will respond. Unfortunately, the budget crisis facing most towns is placing stresses on these mutual aid relationships. 

May 30 will be this year's Collingswood Night at the Phillies. Well, one of the big perks of the Mayor gig (some say it's the only perk) is to throw out the first pitch at the game. Well, I've looked so good out on that mound, and I can't prove myself anymore, that I thought it was time to bring in a relief pitcher.