Opinion: Nutley Mayor Thanks Residents for Their Patience

The following was submitted by Nutley Mayor Alphonse Petracco.

The recent destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy has had a devastating impact on municipalities throughout the State of New Jersey, and Nutley was no exception. As your mayor, I would just like to thank all of our residents for their understanding and patience during this difficult time. I would also like to thank all of our municipal workers for the extraordinary effort they put forth to maintain essential services.

Employees from every department participated in our 24-hour Emergency Operations Center, and they are to be commended for their dedication. I know that there are those who say that services were not restored fast enough, and that information was not disseminated in a timely manner. Please understand that at various times throughout this event, our municipal facilities lost power as well as phone and Internet access. Our fuel supplies were interrupted as well. Our employees worked diligently to find solutions, and we communicated with the public utilizing the best means available. These efforts included C3 text message alerts, email, cell phones, and even public address systems in patrol cars. Every emergency presents its own set of unique challenges, and, at the same time, offers learning opportunities. 

Your Board of Commissioners strives to provide the best possible services to our residents, and you may be assured that we will be examining every facet of our municipal response to Hurricane Sandy to identify any areas that can be improved upon.

To those residents who may still be without power,  please know that the Board of Commissioners will not rest until the entire town is back.  Again, thanks to all for your help, cooperation, and understanding.