William J.

Gotto
Mayor

Township of Howell
4567 Highway 9 North ~ PO Box 580
Howell, NJ 07731-0580

Jeff Mayfield
Township Manager

Robert Nicastro
Deputy Mayor

Penny Wollman
Township Clerk

Edward Guz
Pauline M. Smith
Robert F. Walsh
Council Members

McKenna Torcivia
Director of Law
Tel: (732) 938-4500 ext. 2102
www.twp.howell.nj.us

Open Letter from the Mayor and Council

Dear Residents,
Creating and establishing a high level of trust, transparency and open lines of communication between
the community at large and elected officials is essential to the success and development of any
municipality.
Recently, the Township and residents have had to address controversial topics. Often, these subjects are
discussed on social media. Although many know that social media is an outlet for sharing opinions, it
doesnt always serve the community well when discussions are not based upon facts. This is unfortunate
because the result of disseminating misinformation and half-truths can create a divide among friends
and neighbors. As a society, we often believe what we read, without checking or asking for facts
because we want instant gratification; work, school, children, holidays everything that takes place on a
daily basis leaves us rushing around without much time to stop and listen.
Whether you like the elected official, disagree with his or her policy or support a different political
party, none of that should dismiss the quest for the truth.
As your elected officials, we understand that public confidence in the integrity of elected officials is one
of the cornerstones of our democratic representative process. We subscribe to the belief that every
elected official must perform his/her responsibilities with the highest sense of trust, ethical leadership,
integrity and competence.
We have a moral, ethical and legal responsibility to provide factually correct information.
Unfortunately, social media is not held to the same standard.
This is not about discarding the important role social media has in our lives, as social media serves
many positive roles in our society. We know when historical, tragic, or any other significant event
occurs-anywhere! It is a powerful medium and it should be treated as such.
In order to set the record straight and build a culture where our residents, business owners, and
constituents feel they have the ability to make a difference, we encourage everyone to attend local
council, planning board and zoning board meetings, write or call your state and local elected officials
and administration with questions you have before you make a decision to say something that is
incorrect or reach a conclusion not based in fact. As a society, we should settle for nothing less than the
truth.