'We Need to Keep Growing': Maley Seeks Re-Election
Collingswood's long-serving mayor tells Patch he is comfortable running on his record.
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Of the more than 30 years he has lived in Collingswood, municipal lawyer James Maley has served as the mayor for 13, and has held office in the borough for another eight besides. Maley's practice has been headquartered in the Collingswood since 1987, a town in which he has raised three children, welcomed two grandchildren and expects two more in June.
James Maley says he will be back at the baseball fields again this year: His oldest grandson is starting T-ball.
"I'm completing the cycle," he jokes.
Maley has seen a lot of changes in Collingswood in the years since his own children were playing Little League. And he has weathered a lot of campaign seasons in that time, too.
As Maley stands for re-election to the borough government with his fellow incumbents, Commissioners Mike Hall and Joan Leonard, he says he's become accustomed to criticisms of the trio voting as a bloc.
"This is not the first time we’ve heard if everybody’s working cooperatively as a team, that’s bad," Maley said. "I’ve been hearing that in every election we’ve been involved in."
The problem with that argument, he said, is that he doesn't understand how that united front hurts the interests of the town.
"You can look to other towns to see where dissension within the three that’s public does not make for a better government," Maley said.
"We don’t agree all the time, but once we reach a consensus, that’s the view that we put out," he said. "I think you need to point out what’s bad in town because the commissioners have a really good relationship."
Maley said the trio has been clear on its philosophy that Collingswood needs to actively redevelop in order to add to its coffers, even amid cost-cutting measures.
Under the 2-percent budget cap laws, he said, "You’re not allowed to generate new revenue by taxing people. We need to keep growing.
"Through this economy, for all the troubles and the issues we’ve had with growth, we have grown," Maley said. "And in order to meet those budget demands, even though we have no room to build, we need to be increasing ratables."
Planning a borough budget that fits within the constraints of the 2-percent statewide cap is "the most important issue" any elected official faces in New Jersey, Maley said.
Collingswood has already done a lot to make "major changes in personnel, in the number of people who work for us and what their terms of employment are," he said.
"Having done that, now comes the really hard part: to continue to live within the 2-percent cap and not be changing services," Maley said.
Maley's administration has already stared down tough cuts, laying off 25 percent of its full-time staff to keep up with the cap, and "you can't do that again," he said. Thus the commissioners are seeking as many shared-service opportunities for the borough as they can arrange.
"I think the direction we’re going is really about sharing more, finding ways to do the services we provide on a more cooperative basis where we can get some economies of scale," Maley said.
"Re-evaluating every function we have about how we can do it more efficiently, cheaper," like the town's aggregate energy purchase agreements; "I think that’s the biggest challenge," he said.
Despite the layoffs and the limitations placed on municipal purse strings, Maley said Collingswood has maintained a strong level of public safety, especially given its proximity to "one of the top five most dangerous cities."
He recalls that conditions in the borough hadn't always been so pleasant, and points out the leverage this gives Collingswood when recruiting the businesses that are its lifeblood.
Maley points out that there was a time when the owners of the Marlton-based restaurant Word of Mouth were reluctant to open a location in Collingswood (they occupied the location at which El Sitio is located for some time before).
"They didn’t want to come down because we were close to Camden," he said. "Today that’s not a topic that ever gets discussed.
"That’s a huge change in attracting business and people living here," Maley said. "The foundation of it all is public safety and the fact that we are what we’ve become even sitting where we sit."
In the end, Maley says, voters will ask themselves if they think Collingswood is headed in the right direction.
"Tell me what’s wrong with the town because of the way we’ve been running it?" he said.
Joseph Forrest
12:25 pm on Monday, March 18, 2013
Expecting honesty from a lawyer/career politician? Ha! Step away from the glitz and glam of Haddon avenue, and you will find parks that are not maintained or developed, residential streets in bad shape, neighborhoods that look a bit depressing, and for sale signs on every block because people can't afford the taxes. Guess theres nothing to see here. And what's wrong with running on a slate of political hacks that give you free reign of the city? Oh, can't imagine what's wrong with that! And what about the fiscal crisis that supposedly doesn't exist? All of the debt that we are servicing! How about the ridiculous PILOT agreements that have been approved? These agreements shortchange the borough of 100's of thousands of dollars. Nope, still can't see what's wrong with the current slate. What about the arrogance, hostility, and bullying that is so commonplace when a resident questions the government slate? Perhaps the degradation, alienation, and vilification of residents who challenge poor municipal policy, also not important? No? I guess that's how all municipal employees treat their taxpayers. Yup. You're right, Maley. All is well in Collingswood. Nothing to see here.
collingswoodmom
3:02 pm on Monday, March 18, 2013
I would like to only comment to Mr. Joseph Forrest. The Park..you speak of, I'm guessing that is Knight Park? The town doesn't own it. It is owned by the Knight Park Trustees. So really, not the town's issue, Although they do help to maintain it. However, the town doesn't get any grants for the maintenance of the park b/c it is privately owned ( no county or state $, unlike say cooper river park) And the work that has been done there has been largely by volunteers. Either the little leauge, the trustees, or friends of Knight park or the Knight Park Playground committee( also a volunteer group). So you really can't put that one on the town or it's government. If you would like to see it improved, perhaps you could volunteer, like many other town residents have.
Will McGowan
3:05 pm on Monday, March 18, 2013
My main issue is the property taxes that we are paying here. I am going headstrong on the plan to lower them and the candidates who offer a viable plan to do so. It is a bit hard to swallow paying almost 10K when the Lumberyard folks are getting abatements. However, I don't really hold our mayor 100% responsible for that; I chose NJ and part of that is my fault.
What has turned me off is the "Donald Rumsfeld" type of rationalization over the whole Lumberyard tanking. At no point did I see the "gang of three" accept any type of responsibility for not intervening before the project moved to Main Street for salvage. Instead, the "economy, economy, economy" was the fallback. Those prices were too high to begin with and staging finished units did not start until the 9th inning...when it was way too late. I attended a meeting and was very respectful in asking a question to the mayor but got the politically correct "brush off" in the form of "next!"; thats when they lost me. I don't want to be treated like a reporter at a Bill Parcels press conference when my dollar is up for debate.
Jill Warner
3:09 pm on Monday, March 18, 2013
not getting my vote, with that stupid fountain idea going on
John D
3:19 pm on Monday, March 18, 2013
Love it how the folks who have worked their butts off over decades to improve Collingswood are reduced to "hacks". If there's one thing to be learned from Mr. Forrest's incessant Patch comments it's that he's a perennial malcontent with too much time on his hands. Our taxes are high because we live in New Jersey. Take a look at your bill sometime. About half goes to funding the school district. Another 25% goes to the County and 25% funds municipal government. My taxes are around $8,000. So, of that, only $2000 goes to fund local government. I think that money is well spent. The police and fire departments do their jobs well. Trash gets picked up on time. There's a vibrant network of community groups that put on a ton of events that really bolster our community's fabric and these groups get nothing but support from the current slate of "hacks". I don't need to sell the quality of the Farmer's market to anyone. And, Roberts pool is a gem. I'd say I'm getting my money's worth - and then some. So, if you ask me if this "career politician" (who, incidentally, earns about $3500 per year for his services as Mayor), is getting my vote, the answer is yes. And, there is lots to see here in Collingswood - most of it good.
MJT530
4:31 pm on Monday, March 18, 2013
@John D - Well said.
@Jill Warner - Get over it. You obviously don't walk/live on Haddon ave. If you did, you would want traffic to slow down like the rest of us.
Interested Bystander
6:33 pm on Monday, March 18, 2013
Agreed, John. And 'change for the sake of change' makes no sense unless you know specifically how such change will improve things. I don't agree with every policy decision, but we are blessed with smart, dedicated leaders who understand the meanining of the word 'consensus'. I don't want public discord on the commission - look at our neighboring town(s) for that...and nothing gets done. Could the mayor use some softening of his style? Sure. But in terms of substance, we are very lucky to have the leadership we have at the local level.
Joseph Forrest
11:47 am on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
@John D - Perhaps you'd like to elaborate on ALL of the WONDERFUL things that the Mayor is directly responsible for? Please. I'm so eager to hear this mystical tale of how he single handedly saved the borough from doom and degradation! Accordingly to people like you, all that is great about Collingswood is directly because of the "leadership", all that is bad isn't their fault, and whatever is left over, we should just shut up and go about our business. Wow. You must have graduated from the Maley school of civic affairs and politics. "working their butts off"? Yes - attending cutting those ribbons on Haddon Ave is a real chore. Ignoring residents and shutting them down, also very hard work. Not only did the gang of three save Collingswood from eternal hell fire, but they also did it part time, too! Wow! I'm inspired. I can't wait to hear YOUR story.....
Joseph Forrest
12:07 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
By the way, John D, it doesn't matter how much money Maley Makes. Maley has a bad attitude, he's arrogant, dismissive, and runs the town as if it were his personal game of Monopoly. THAT is a career politician - a personal who rules for himself, rules for the interests of himself and his buddies, and view his seat of power as an opportunity to legislate his beliefs. And to make matters worse, he's a lawyer, too!
Joseph Forrest
12:14 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
@Bystander - "Consensus"??? HA! Yeah...that's what it's called...."consensus". Shows how little you know about politics. Yeah, good thing we don't have pesky things like "different opinions" or "checks and balances" in the borough. I'm with you on this consensus stuff. I love a small band of friends who can disregard the mindless chatter of residents and those damn things called "facts". Psh. Who needs that stuff. Nope, not me. I like my government the way I like my yogurt: white, thick, and low-calorie.
John D
1:35 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
The lady doth protest too much, methinks.
Collingswoodnative
5:53 pm on Monday, March 18, 2013
John D, I agree with where the taxes are going, however I'm not happy with the education in this town. We spend more per student and have poorer results than the surrounding towns. Haddonfield spends less per student by thousands and has much better results. But don't get me started on the Lumberyard, my taxes are over $9100 and am sure I can't sell my house for the price it's appraised at. Also I've been trying for five years to get the pot holes fixed on my street. Phone calls, emails, it's like the old song by Genesis:"No Reply At All".
Jill: the fountain idea is bad, MJT I walk the Ave., tell the cops to slow down.
The mayor won't read any of this because he said at a meeting I attended he dosen't read any news accounts of what's going on in town.
MJT530
8:21 pm on Monday, March 18, 2013
I was going to say "I will tell the cops to slow down when responding to YOUR 911 call"..but i love thy neighbor.
Collingswoodnative
10:12 am on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
MJT530, it's obvious to the most casual observer that "you know not of what you speak".
When you see them tell them to hang up the cell phones and stop texting while driving, they can't have that many confidential informants that they laugh on the phone with.
Will McGowan
3:18 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Personally, i don't think the fountain is that bad of an idea. We are a pedestrian friendly town and Haddonfield has a circle near the Acme that serves the same type of purpose. Either way, a fountain is small potatoes as far as I'm concerned. As far as schools go, we drop off at the HS because of Woodlyne as the sending area. It is evidenced on paper and has been for years. I was told that by geography, those kids should be in the Camden district?
I have no real hate for the mayor as far as a person. I just think the time has come for fresh ideas and after a 17 year term, I don't think he/they had a bad run. If this is the case, the fate of the election is with the voters who may or not feel the same way. My personal taste would to see Collingswood grow in a direction that satisfies one identity and that comes from the will of the people. We will never be Haddonfield and never be Philly but we have to know what the pulse is for a dry town that exudes a restaurant culture, "what else" exists? Too many closed shops on the avenue. Why? What can we add? IS IT TIME for liquor? How can we get rateables to keep taxes in check?
Mayor Maley and the crew have had their time but I would like to see a more aggressive change.
I was also hoping we would "land bank" the Lumberyard instead of apartments so that didnt help my thinking.
MJT530
6:22 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
@Will - My understanding with the liquor issue is that if the Boro issues the liquor licenses it has, then the Boro loses use of Knight's Park. I'm guessing the folks in town prefer using the park over having liquor in town and a community park that we can't use. Not sure though. Wonder if there is a way it can be changed...does anyone know?
Collingswoodnative
8:24 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
NO, NO, NO!! You're wrong.
Even Mayor James that I don't agree with has stated here that it's not correct.
The only restrictions to the use of Knight Park are: "No gunning, no zoo, no admission".
Nothing else, nada, zip.
MJT530
7:22 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
I know the state issues liquor licenses based on the Boro's population..i think its 1 license for every 5-6k in population. That would give Collingswood 2 or 3 licenses. But that raises a new question...which restaurants do you let have the 2 or 3 available? I'm sure some restaurant owners would not be happy if they didn't get one of them.
Lauren Burgoon
7:25 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
The latest rules are for every 3,000 people, one consumption license, and for every 7,500 people, one distribution license. But the town wouldn't (and couldn't) just give them away. They're auctioned to the highest bidders.
Lauren Burgoon
7:26 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Actually, I'm not 100% on that last point. I believe most towns do auction them, but I don't know if they're required to by law.
Joseph Forrest
9:02 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Lauren is spot on. Beat me to the punch! Based on Colls population, we would be just shy of being able to issue 5 licenses for consumption and one for distribution (wine store, etc). With all due respect, I don't see the issue here. This is America (sorry for the cliche preface), why should we care whose feelings are hurt if they can't afford a license? If they were in cherry hill or Philadelphia and they could find a license or afford one that is for sale, who cares? That's business. Besides, Collingswood restaurants are mostly small, therefore lower overhead, which allows them to be profitable based on the volume that downtown draws each day/weekend. Think about it. If our restaurants weren't small (nothing wrong with that) their overhead and expenses would likely not be sustainable, given the volume and foot traffic that is currently generated. They would cross the magical threshold that each business has, and they would fail without liquor sales. Most restaurants, from what I've heard, wouldn't be interested in a license. They're too small to pay big bucks for a license. They investment and the subsequent added revenue wouldn't jive. In my humble opinion, the distribution license would be perfect for a classy retail establishment that would focus on wines and specialty spirits. As for the 4 consumption licenses, I imagine something cool and unique, such as a brewpub or craft beer operation that would be similar to the pour house, only COOLER!
Joseph Forrest
9:02 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
But Maley has confessed that this isn't about residents wishes. Nope. It's about his personal biases and beliefs. He launches into a fear mongering tirade about booze transforming collimgswood into Manyunk! Ha! As if! Those fear tactics are nothing new. It's the gold ole fashion argument "don't allow booze! It will attract the rapist, burglars, and gang bangers!" It's ridiculous and absurd. The town has changed drastically over 15 years. Lots of new people, and many older folks who totally support liquor coming to town....in a classy collingswood sort of way, mind you. I suspect this will have the go the way of moorestown and many others. Someone will eventually get a petition circulating. I believe you only need 10% of the registered voters who voted in the last general election. So you get 500-600 signatures, and presto! It goes to a town vote. I'm slightly exaggerating, but that's the process in a nutshell. Who's ready to get some signatures?
Joe
12:39 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Step on up! Or is it easier just to complain from a keyboard?
Matt Skoufalos
9:40 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
More on liquor licenses here (next to last question):
http://collingswood.patch.com/articles/all-will-be-revealed
And, more recently, here (scroll to the final point, which also debunks the Knight Park thing):
http://collingswood.patch.com/articles/liquor-licenses-dog-park-answers-to-patchers-2013-wish-list
Will McGowan
10:10 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
The Knight Park rumor has been going on for years but Mayor Maley confirmed it recently, that it is not so. We will NOT lose Knight Park to privatization if liquor comes in. You are also correct about the amount of licenses we can get. I actually thought it was 3? My proposal would be a phasing in of a "high end" wine shop IN TOWN (The Lumberyard?) that could sell wines FOR BYO consumption. One of Jose' Garces (Garces Trading Co.) does this exact thing in Philly. This wine merchant offers discounts to diners in OUR RESTAURANTS and vice versa thus everybody wins. As for the other licesnses, we could look into a Triumph Brewery or another food related / craft beer establishment to keep the young folks here and not in Haddon Twp.
Kellie Miller
10:37 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Maley has been ruling this town for long enough. It is time for a change. I am a mother of 5 young children, have been to several commissioners meetings voicing concerns about my taxes and the tax abatements/spending on the lumberyard development. I've been brushed off, and witnessed our mayor speak to other residents with hostility and disrespected. I was embarrassed. It is time for a change in leadership. There is a group of citizens rallying around a fresh start for Collingswood. Please visit us at collingswoodfreshstart.com and see how you can get involved!
John D
10:48 am on Thursday, March 21, 2013
Ms. Miller, with all due respect, and assuming your kids are either in public school, or will be attending public school, I have a hard time listening to a family with 5 children whine about taxes. At $10,000+ per year per child in school costs, you will be getting from the borough far more than you pay in taxes for the foreseeable future. That's not to say that the borough or school district should not be careful with every penny it spends, but your family is slated to be subsidized by your fellow citizens to the tune of more than $50k per year if all of your kids are in school at the same time (which, from the photo on Collingswoodfreshstart.com, it looks will be the case).
That said, If you are sending your kids to private or parochial schools, I withdraw the comment and please accept my apologies for sounding snarky.
Patch User
10:37 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
re; Joseph Forrest, You are running for commissoner this year, right?
Joseph Forrest
2:29 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
No, I am not running for any position right now. I am not a "local activist" like some people, but I also don't sit on my sofa all day long and mindlessly complain. I get involved in various community events and activities when I can, and I've volunteered many times over the years. Unfortunately, I don't think we have enough community involvement. I see the same faces everywhere I go. Take away the glitz of Haddon Ave and the patrons from outside Colls, and you'll quickly see the stagnation that I'm referring to.