Record 10/5: Teaneck Offers Behind-the-Scenes Glimpse

As reported in Wednesday's Record, the Township of Teaneck is offering its second session of "Leadership Teaneck," a ten-week program designed to acquaint residents with Teaneck's history, governmental structure and the major issues that are addressed in running this 39,260-resident township. See yesterday's Record or click on http://tinyurl.com/au8n7 for the article at the Record's http://www.Bergen.com web site (registration required).

Teaneck offers behind-the-scenes glimpse Wednesday, October 5, 2005 By BRIAN ABERBACK STAFF WRITER

TEANECK - The township is offering residents a unique glimpse into the inner workings of government and the prominent issues that face town officials.

"Leadership Teaneck" is a 10-session course that tackles such topics as public policy and politics, land use, budget and finance, and educational issues. The program, in its second year, starts Oct. 31. The free, three-hour sessions are held on Monday nights at police headquarters.

The town, in conjunction with Fairleigh Dickinson University and the Board of Education, sponsors the workshops. They are a valuable tool for those thinking of running for local office or volunteering for a township advisory board, Mayor Jacqueline Kates said.

Kates said "Leadership Teaneck" is ideal for civics novices who want to learn about their town's day-to-day operations and long-term planning.

"We felt people needed an opportunity to know more about government, to feel involved," she said.

One class focuses on different forms of local government. Teaneck is one of a handful of towns in Bergen County in which mayor and council candidates do not run according to political party. Teaneck's non-partisan elections are held in May rather than November.

"It's useful for residents to understand our form of government because it is somewhat unique in New Jersey," Kates said.

The initiative grew out of a "visioning" process in 2003, a series of discussions meant to generate goals that would improve the township.

"Part of the discussion centered on how to get more people involved, whether it be on [volunteer] boards, running for office or just being more informed," Kates said. "I suggested that we have some kind of a program like this."

Kates approached FDU to help coordinate the course. Ron Calissi, executive associate dean at FDU's school of administrative science, said the university was happy to participate. The school, he said, shares the program's goal of raising public awareness and participation in government.

"It gives everybody an opportunity to learn about their community and its critical issues," Calissi said.

Calissi said he is not aware of other municipalities that offer a government 101 course for citizens.

"Teaneck is very progressive and should be commended," he said. "It's important that people get involved and know how their government works, and what they can do to help improve things."

Gervonn C. Romney Rice, a longtime resident who enrolled in "Leadership Teaneck" last year, said she felt more connected to the town after finishing the program.

"The information was interesting, and the speakers were really good," Rice said. "Whether you have ambitions [to run for office] or not, it's a great opportunity as a citizen to be fully aware of what's happening around you."

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'Leadership Teaneck'

What: A 10-session course running from Oct. 31 to Jan. 30 for Teaneck residents that outlines and examines issues that face local government.

When: 7 to 10 p.m. Mondays. Participants are expected to attend at least eight classes.

Where: Police headquarters.

To register: Registration is free, but limited to 50 participants. For more information, or to register, call the township manager's office at (201) 837-4810, or e-mail admin@teanecknjgov.org.

Topics : A history of Teaneck; forms of local government; public policy and politics; land use, budget and finance; community development, public safety services, interrelationship among local, county, state and federal governments; decision-making, problem solving and strategic planning; cultural, gender and age diversity, and educational issues.

E-mail: aberback@northjersey.com Copyright © 2005 North Jersey Media Group Inc.

Alan Sohn NEW: Now available in convenient blog format at http://TEANECK.blogspot.com See http://www.TeaneckInfo.com for the complete Teaneck Community Calendar. Send your event to mailto:Events@TeaneckInfo.com for inclusion on the site. "Scientia Est Potentia"