Morris Township Committeeman H. Scott Rosenbush stepped down this week after serving 19 years, five of them as mayor. He and his wife Cindy are moving to Salt Lake City.
The committee will appoint a successor at a special meeting on Wednesday, March 25, 2015, at 5:30 pm, said Township Administrator Tim Quinn. The unexpired term runs until Dec. 31, 2015.
Here is the text of Rosenbush’s farewell speech, delivered to the committee on Wednesday:
Mr. Mayor, Members of the Township Committee, Mr. Quinn, Mrs. Amelio, Mr. Mills and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Public,
One of the responsibilities of the Township Committee is succession planning – making sure that we train and groom employees for increasing responsibility and perhaps management positions. I believe that succession planning should also apply to the Township Committee. Given the current makeup of the Committee I believe that the Township is in excellent hands.
It is with this in mind that I respectfully submit my resignation from the Morris Township Committee effective at the end of this meeting.
The greatest honor I have ever received is that of being elected to represent and serve Morris Township. It has been my great pleasure to do so for the last 19 years.
That’s not to say that it has all been smooth sailing. We have dealt with some contentious land use issues including proposed developments at Delbarton and Honeywell. These projects were resolved differently but both outcomes serve the best long term interests of Morris Township.
Not only did we survive three major storms in two years but we are a better and stronger community as a result. I will never forget the small plane crash on I-287 that killed a family or the extremely difficult process and painful impacts of our first ever layoffs.
Ironically some of the most frustrating things that come before the Committee are differences between neighbors. These are difficult to resolve because we can’t legislate courtesy or common sense and those are the qualities needed in these situations.
We have had many achievements over these years. These are shared successes because they are always the result of a team effort. Some have been initiated by the Township Committee but often they come from our employees, our volunteers or the public.
Our most enduring accomplishment is maintaining the financial health of the Township. We inherited a conservative fiscal strategy from our predecessors that serves us very well. We have maintained it over time and it is our obligation to do the same for future generations. I’m confident that this Committee and its successors will continue to do so.
There is much work yet to be done by the Township Committee. Some of the challenges are outside of our control such as COAH obligations and the future cost of health benefits. Fortunately we have more influence over issues such as maintaining our infrastructure, updating sewer service agreements, and succession planning.
I have many people to thank and won’t be able to name them all. First I want to thank both of my wives – Cindy and Gayle. It was and is their love, support and patience that allowed me to serve our community. I want to thank the members of the Township Committee both past and present.
Of course the Committee has to look at the ‘big’ picture’ when we evaluate the impact of projects and situations in our community. Our different backgrounds and experiences allow us to bring different approaches to an issue and come up with the best possible outcome for the Township. It has been a pleasure to be a part of this team.
I must thank all of the Township employees and volunteers – also past and present. I have learned from each of you and I am grateful for all of your efforts. We challenge you in many ways – from budget issues to asking how your department will serve our customers in the decades ahead. You have always responded professionally and you make Morris Township a wonderful place to live and work.
Of course I have to thank the public. You have entrusted me with this position and I have always done what I believe is in the long term best interests of Morris Township. Thank you for your support and confidence over the years.
Morris Township is a very special community. This despite those who would try to, or would benefit by, dividing us. Many of us still care for and look out for our friends and neighbors. I hope that this never fades because in today’s world it makes us unique. I am grateful for all of the people that I have worked with over the years and many lasting relationships that I have formed. I will miss the Township and the people.
In the humble words of Red Skelton – “Good night, and may God bless”.
Scott was always a sincere and respectful person, willing to listen to what others had to say. We will miss him. I am hopeful that whomever fills his shoes will also be that kind of person.
He is a good man and will be missed.