Skibitsky Promises Challenging Year During State of the Town Address

Mayor Andy Skibitsky started his second term Tuesday night by delivering a State of the Town Address where he declared the challenges the town will face due to the effects of the national recession and state budget crisis.

Skibitsky, who was sworn in by Lt. Gov.-Elect Kim Guadagno, said his administration will continue to urge the Town Council and professional staff to do more with less. He noted that he and the Council have taken this approach to town finances over the last few years.

"Westfield is fortunate in that our foresight allowed us to weather the storm better than most," Skibitsky said in a roughly 10 minute address.

Skibitsky cited three aspects of the town's fiscal stewardship over the last year with the new debt management plan, $2 million in outside grants and a AAA bond rating from Standard & Poors as the top fiscal accomplishments over the last year. He noted that the Council will continue to move in this direction in 2010. He said he currently does not know the final fiscal impact from the state. Christie has announced an over $9 billion projected budget deficit for the coming year and state aid numbers could be cut in a Christie budget. The mayor noted that because of this, it is not known how much state aid Westfield will receive in the new year.

"In 2010 we will continue to scrutinize every budget line," he said. "We will continue to keep the communication lines open with our county and state representatives."

Outside of the financial arena, Skibitsky noted several other accomplishments from the Council during 2009. These include the adoption of a package of new local laws to establish the new land use regulations for the town. In addition he touted his entry of Westfield into the Sustainable Jersey program and the creation of a green team to govern Westfield's environmental policy and participation in the program. Skibitsky said he anticipates the green team to make recommendations on environmental policy to the Council in 2010.

Skibitsky, a Republican, was taking the oath of office following his landslide victory over Democrat Bill Brennan in last November's election.

In addition to Skibitsky's taking of oath of office and annual address, four members of the Town Council took the oath during the ceremony Councilmembers Dave Haas and Vicki Kimmins were both sworn in to second terms. Councilmembers Sam Della Fera and Keith Loughlin were both sworn in to their first terms on the Council.

The Council conducted a series of routine business items to keep government functioning in the first months of the year. This includes the appointment of town legal staff, the transfer of funds and the payment of bills. Skibitsky and the Council also made appointments to various commitees and boards around town.

Skibitsky also used his annual address to thank his wife and four children for helping him through his time as mayor.

"I could not do this job without you," he said.