Vernon mayor deserves salary increase

This is the first time I have ever written a letter to a newspaper, I guess retirement offers many new opportunities. Over the past 38 years, I was a member of the Vernon Township Police Department, the last 12 years serving as your chief of police. While a member of the police department, I was not able to express my personal opinions for obvious reasons. Now that I am retired and a just a resident of this town, where I have lived yearround for more than 45 years, I feel I must speak out on an injustice.

I have had the opportunity to serve with just about every town council that Vernon has had in recent memory, working closely with all of the township managers and administrators, as well as the elected officials. As chief of police, responsible for the safety of Vernon Township, I was actively involved in many personnel, financial and planning decisions critical to the operations of this community. I can honestly say that this mayor and council is the best governing body I have ever had the pleasure to work with and to serve.

While working with the mayor over the past two years, I was impressed with his ability as a leader and manager, his commitment to Vernon and most importantly his willingness to allow employees to do their jobs without interference. When critical decisions were necessary and when the mayor’s presence was required Vic Marotta was there and everyone knew what was expected.

During the time that I worked with previous town managers, these individuals were being paid well in excess of $120,000 a year. With our recent change of government, the position of township manager has been eliminated and we are no longer paying the salary for this position. In its place we now have an elected mayor who is working full time to perform those duties that were the towns manager’s. Even the proposed $70,000 per year is a low compensation for this job, especially in view of the many cost saving measures that our mayor has put in place.

I find it difficult to understand how a small group of people can spread such misinformation to a township that always valued it township employees and respected the job that they do.

During my time as a police officer and finally as your chief for the past 12 years, I believe that I earned the trust and respect of the people of this community. I would not risk that trust and respect when I ask that you support our mayor, Vic Marotta, and the proposed salary ordinance for the office of mayor.

Roy Wherry
Vernon Township Chief of Police, retired.

Highland Lakes, N.J.