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Mayor Myra Campbell has released a statement which she plans to read at tonight’s city council meeting — the first regular meeting since the council’s controversial reorganization session on July 1.

At the reorganization, Campbell’s two running mates on the One Asbury ticket, John Moor and Amy Quinn, voted against her appointment as mayor. Voting in favor of Campbell [above, getting sworn in as mayor] were returning incumbents John Loffredo and Susan Henderson.

Click here for a prior Sun story on the reorganization.

The following is the statement released by Mayor Campbell for tonight’s meeting:

As the City of Asbury Park moves forward I would like to layout my plan of action for the coming years. However, first it is important that I share with you my beliefs and the basis for my decision to accept the challenge of being the Mayor of this city I have called home for 32 years.

I love my city and it saddens me that we are not as great as it could be for full time residents, seasonal residents, the business and arts ccommunities as well as our dedicated city employees. For over 30 years I was a middle school teacher. We all know that adolescents have hormones that create challenging situations for them. But, as the teacher of 120 students each year, I had to find a way to connect with each child and help them learn. I did that by being a good listener, by being non-judgmental, and by sincerely caring for each of those kids whose families trusted me with their precious children,

As the Mayor of Asbury Park, I have many goals to improve our city. And as the Mayor of Asbury Park, it is my responsibility to adopt the same principles as I did as a teacher: to listen to the thoughts and concerns of every private and business/commercial citizen.

We will not agree on everything, but I believe we should identify the concerns, beliefs, and dreams for our city that we share. We have more in common than separates us. We all want safe streets for our families and friends, successful local businesses, a vibrant arts community, exemplary city services, a solid tax base, and to make Asbury Park a destination for those seeking to dine, vacation, or enjoy recreational activities in a seaside resort conveniently located.

I seek to build partnerships with all of Asbury Park starting with my four council colleagues. In the coming months I want to meet with every civic, service, faith, homeowners/condo association, service club, business, and every group in our city. I ask you to invite me to your meetings to share with me your concerns and ideas. Together we can make Asbury Park a model city.

My goal is to improve the operation of city government so it runs more smoothly.  I pledge to you that there will be complete transparency in our administration. I pledge to you that when I meet with those interested in doing business in or with the city, that those discussions will include the appropriate City Staff.

We must work together in being goal oriented, problem solvers and more inclusive of all interested entities of the city.  As my guide I will follow the principles of Jim Collins book “Good to Great.”  I hope that you will volunteer to serve on the problem solving groups that we will be establishing to develop a solid multi year plan to address the needs of our city. Tonight I will give residents of the community, businesses, non-profit organizations and other interested parties the opportunity to participate in an advisory capacity as we improve upon a work in progress.  Soon I will be providing you with a business phone number and an email address so you can contact me directly.

On the following days I will be present in city hall to personally meet with anyone who has a concern or suggestion for improvement.  Wednesday: noon to 3pm and the 1st. and third Friday from noon to 4pm.

As the Mayor of Asbury Park, my goals include:

— To Bridge the gap and unite the diversity of people who live, work and play in Asbury Park

— To improve the quality of life for all including the residential, seasonal, business/commercial, creative, faith, service and recreational citizens or our city

— To Make City government transparent, accessible and responsive to all

— To reduce the crime rate and increase safety in our City

In an effort to achieve these goals I would like to form coalitions and partnerships with city residents and all other parties that are stakeholders in our city.  Now is the time to act and I accept the responsibility.

Myra Campbell, Mayor

City of Asbury Park

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