Letter: Thank You Mayor, Others for Work During Irene

To the Editor:

This is an unabashed fan letter to the mayor of Morristown, Tim Dougherty. His tireless efforts to provide solace and support to his community, aided by his able and compassionate wife, Mary, and, my area's councilwoman, Rebecca Feldman, who, like the mayor, could be found offering assistance, providing critical information, and all three together, letting those who met them feel that our interests were being looked after with care and persistence.  

Mayor Dougherty told me, last night at a neighborhood gathering (when he was advised to go home and get a good night's sleep) that, no, he was on his way over to Parsons Village where folks were still without power and that he couldn't sleep until all the residents of Morristown had their power restored.

It's in times of crisis like this that one can appreciate a political leader who genuinely seeks to help his community.  He deserves the support and admiration he receives.

Thanks and appreciation must also go the the able and dedicated members of the Morristown police and fire forces.  They did a terrific job keeping the peace, keeping the traffic flowing, and helping to sustain and in some cases restore a hurting community. And I can't help but also note that, given recent budget cuts, we have reduced police and fire forces so those who remain must be commended for going above and beyond for the citizens of Morristown.

It's a privilege to be a citizen of Morristown.

–Linda Stamato, Franklin Place