This Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018, the Morris Township Committee will swear in two Democrats at the same time, a first.
But at least one of the departing Republicans is not going quietly into the night.
At the final committee meeting of 2017, outgoing Committee Members Dan Caffrey and Louise Johnson reflected on their service — and Caffrey added a parting shot at his successor, local Democratic Chairperson Cathy Wilson.
No. 1 on his Top 10 list of things he won’t miss, Caffrey said, was “Mrs. Wilson saying that my laugh drowns out the audio on the video cable program that nobody watches. HA HA HA HA!”
He referred to the Friends of Televised Access in Morris Township, a YouTube channel Wilson created for webcasting meetings of the then-all Republican Township Committee.
Wilson, who will be sworn in with running mate John Arvanites on Wednesday, chose not to respond to the remark.
“I look forward to working together with residents and colleagues of all political affiliations to accomplish many good things for community!” Wilson said.
Caffrey’s nine years on the Committee included a stint as mayor. He opted not to seek a fourth term last November; he is relocating to South Carolina for his job.
Never afraid to speak his mind, Caffrey stirred animated public debate last winter after suggesting on MorristownGreen.com that liberal “snowflakes” should support President Trump.
Caffrey acknowledged his outspokenness at last month’s meeting, thanking Township Attorney John Mills for being his “voice of reason.”
“Sometimes it didn’t take,” Mills joked.
Caffrey had kudos for fellow Committee members, town officials and employees. He cited the Township’s AAA bond rating, low tax increases, upgrades to both municipal swimming pools, and a new recycling center and community garden among Committee achievements during his tenure.
He also predicted that a massive mixed-used development unfolding at the former Honeywell headquarters will be a plus for the municipality. Honeywell moved to Morris Plains a few years ago after Township residents questioned redevelopment plans.
The Citizens for Better Planning made his list of things he won’t miss.
“There have been a lot of fun times, and a lot of contentious debates,” Caffrey said.
“I got involved because I do care. And [the Township] will always hold a special place in my heart,” he said, noting his three children were born and raised there.
From the audience, former Committeeman Jeff Grayzel, a Democrat, thanked Caffrey and said they got along by talking baseball.
“There is absolutely no disputing the dedication that you guys have had to Morris Township,” said Grayzel, who called it a pleasure working with Caffrey on what can be a “thankless job.”
Johnson, who unsuccessfully ran for re-election with newcomer Nicole Saphier, said she plans to stay active in civic life and has applied to serve on several boards.
She had special praise for Township Administrator Tim Quinn, Attorney Mills, and Township Clerk Cathy Amelio for their “heavy lifting” behind the scenes, and wished Wilson and Arvanites luck.
“If there’s ever a piece of advice that bears heeding, it’s to listen very carefully to Tim Quinn and John Mills,” Johnson said.
“When they present you with decisions or options, you can be sure that the homework is always done, and the possible consequences have been analyzed from every angle.
“I’ve always considered my role on the Township Committee as one of supporting Tim and all the excellent Township employees reporting to him. They know what they are doing, and often the best course of action is to stay out of their way and let them do it.
“You will know when it’s time to take action or make a decision,” Johnson said.
“If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”
Cathy Wilson, thank you for taking the high road on this issue. We look forward to the civility and spirit of cooperation you will bring to the Morris Township Committee.