Message from the Mayor

Mayor James R. Barberio

“I am apt to believe that it (Independence Day) will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary Festival” predicted John Adams before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, on July 4, 1776. It appears that the signers of this great document understood that history was being made and knew it would be commemorated in a spectacular way. The great men that envisioned a sovereign nation did it under the penalty of treason, knowing they were risking their lives and their fortunes by putting their names on record to this most notorious of papers. These men were the most prominent statesmen of their time and didn’t always agree with each other on exactly how the new government should operate. They were leaders united by one common cause and a belief in the idea of a new nation where freedom would be crucial to its core values. They were responsible for shaping 13 colonies into the United States of America. The ideals that they put forth during that summer of 1776 are still trusted and believed in 246 years later.

Independence and freedom are often thought to be one and the same; however, they are not identical. Independence must be formed first in order to establish freedom. This is why the idea of independence was so crucial for the beginnings of our nation. To be independent, one must be autonomous and then freedom can follow.

Freedom brings the ability to make choices, but with freedom and choice there comes responsibility. The responsibility of freedom falls on all of us as Americans. We must make decisions that will ensure our nation is able to move forward and preserve democracy for future generations. The Founding Fathers knew this was crucial for a new nation to survive.

The lessons that we can learn from these enlightened thinkers are numerous. Working together despite differences in opinions and ideas and being able to compromise while keeping the integrity of a vision was not an easy feat. Tolerance and patience were needed even during heated debates at the direction they wanted the fledgling nation to take. Without those elements discussion would have halted and perhaps even ceased. The Founding Fathers knew that in order to move forward ego and pride had to be put aside. Their sacrifices were enormous and yet they proceeded knowing the country they were creating was worth it. Their biggest fear was that future generations would not be able to uphold the legacy of liberty that they fought to obtain.

As Americans we owe it to these heroic men to keep that legacy alive. We should embrace patriotism for our country not just on the 4th of July, but every day. We should honor this gift that we take as a birthright because if we do not it can easily be lost. So, as you enjoy watching the firework displays that honor our independence, remember the courageous Revolutionaries that had the fortitude to believe in something greater than themselves and see it through.

James R. Barberio

Mayor James R. Barberio

What The Mayor’s Action Center Does For You (973) 263-4262

Listens: The Mayor’s Action Center welcomes any request for service or information. No matter what the problem or question, every effort is made to give a prompt response. Please use GovPilot to report a concern, the concern can be reported at any time via online form or through the Gov-Pilot App.

Records: All requests for service, received through the Mayor’s Action Center, are automatically logged-in to ensure that every request is on file and can be easily retrieved. Requests are forwarded to the appropriate department and the requester will be updated along the process.

Resolves: The Mayor’s Action Center attempts to address residents’ concerns in a timely manner. Every request for action is tracked from inception to completion. Upon completion, residents will receive notice that the issue or complaint was addressed.

Examples of Requests:

Repairing of potholes; Drainage problems; Requests for signs; Litter; Icy road conditions; Illegal dumping; Housing maintenance problems; Animal control and removal; Street lighting; Curb repair;