The following is an ‘Ask The Mayor’ question submitted to TLS, and the Mayor’s response. Email your questions for the Mayor to [email protected].

Question:

Dear Mr. Mayor,

Thank you so much for making yourself available to answer our questions and concerns.

However, most of the time I can guess your answer to the traffic related questions…”it the County”.

Is there a way we can reach out to “the County” to express our frustration and make requests? I’m sure there is strength in numbers. Aren’t they appointed to serve the people of Ocean County?

How would you advise we get our voices heard on all these dangerous and aggravating issues that pertain to the County?

Thank you,

Frustrated Lakewood resident

Response from Mayor Coles:

Good morning

We are in contact with the county several times a day, inquiring about the status of various jobs or asking permission to make some repairs of adjustments to alleviate issues in town. I think communication with our elected officials is a healthy thing. I have said many times that the folks who are on the roads every day usually have more insight into fixing problem than some professional engineers.

I truly enjoy getting to know our residents, either through emails like this, phone calls or the many personal interactions I have while I am out shopping and somebody asks if I am really the mayor! While I may ask our professionals to gather information about some of your requests, I personally respond to all of them.

I think it is very healthy for officials at all levels of government to get to know their constituents. I think it would be a good idea for people to reach out to the County Commissioners and let them know how they feel about the job they are doing or make suggestions similar to those presented to me. I can’t tell you how many times a simple “Thank You” from a resident has brightened an otherwise bad day and made me feel good about the job we are doing .

Maybe the Scoop could offer the Commissioners an “Ask The Commissioner” forum, so we can hear from them directly. I think we would all learn a lot.

Thanks

Ray

Editor’s Note: We reached out to the Commissioners with this request.

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