By ROBERT LINNEHAN | The Cherry Hill Sun
When David Fleisher took the podium and addressed the large crowd of residents who attended the 2010 council reorganization meeting last week, he spoke of ushering in a new era for Cherry Hill.
Former Cherry Hill Mayor Susan Bass Levin swore Fleisher into his second non-consecutive term on council. After being sworn in, his fellow council members nominated him as the new council board president, inheriting the position from former president Steven Polansky.
Councilwoman Sara Lipsett was also nominated as the board’s new vice president.
Jacquelene Silver, Jim Bannar, and Susan Shin Angulo were also sworn into their new seats on council. Platt welcomed all three new members to council and noted that Angulo is the first Korean-American woman to ever serve in the state.
“This is a tremendous achievement in diversity. It has been long-publicized throughout the state that women have struggled to break the barrier and become elected officials,” he said. “I’m here to tell you that has never been the case in Cherry Hill. And now, the voters have chosen the first Korean-American woman to represent their interests on our Town Council.”
Working together with the three other new council members, Fleisher announced the township council would take new steps toward reconnecting with Cherry Hill residents, neighborhood communities, and keeping Cherry Hill affordable for all taxpayers.
“I’m proud of being part of a community that always has the courage to reinvent itself when the time requires,” he said. “I believe this is one of those times.”
The upcoming budget is going to be a difficult process for council, Fleisher said, and changes need to be made to keep Cherry Hill affordable. The first change, which was approved at the meeting, will be a 10 percent decrease in stipend for all council members.
Mayor Bernie Platt and Business Administrator Maris Kukainis will also take a 10 percent decrease in salary.
“As we emerge from this unprecedented economic crisis, it is critical that my administration continue a policy of universal belt-tightening,” Platt said. “And, as far as I’m concerned, it would be morally reprehensible for me to ask our residents and employees to sacrifice without sharing that pain myself.”
The salary giveback will save taxpayers more than $26,000 in the coming year. Town council members have not had a salary increase in more than 20 years, while the mayor’s salary has remained at the same level since Platt took office.
In the upcoming months Fleisher said two exciting new programs would be unveiled. The township is currently working on a comprehensive program to revitalize Cherry Hill’s swim clubs, which he described as the pulse of many community’s in Cherry Hill. Additionally, he said more shared services will be announced with the Cherry Hill School District.
A renewed focus on civic associations will also be a priority, Fleisher said.
Also new, the township council will hold a monthly public meeting with interested residents at Ponzio’s. Residents with concerns or questions can come to the informal meetings, have a cup of coffee, and discuss any issues they want with council members, Fleisher said.
“You can expect to see your township council everywhere. We will be present at every single event we can possibly attend,” he said.
