Frustration At Power Delays Evident At Bernards Committee Meeting

BASKING RIDGE, NJ—The Township Committee met Tuesday night for the first time since Isaias left thousands without electricity for nearly a week, and the frustration of committee members was evident.

"I was really astounded by what I heard [on a call with JCP&L last Thursday] because we had gone several days and hadn't heard a thing about when crews might be here," said Committee member John Carpenter. "They are the most miserable communicators...they don't share information."

Carpenter said his issue wasn't with the front line workers, who he acknowledged worked around the clock to get power back on, but with the leadership of JCP&L.

"I challenge the people that run that company to give their employees the tools they need to communicate with the people they serve," Carpenter said.

Mayor Baldassare said he was looking forward to addressing the problems affecting Bernards residents with the utility in the near future.

"There is a communication problem, and its very frustrating," the mayor said. "We're anticipating having a JCP&L representative in the coming weeks, we'll invite our residents in and have a question and answer."

In other business, the Bernards Township Police Department appointed a new officer, Thomas Dill. John Riggio was appointed to full membership in the Township of Bernards Volunteer First Aid Squad of the Basking Ridge Fire Company #1. The Township of Bernards Volunteer Liberty Corner Fire Company appointed Thomas Tancredi a full member.