A message from Wall Township Mayor Jeffrey Foster

I do not normally post on blogs or comment in chat forums, but the November 7th comment made by Mr. Eric Brophy on the Wall Patch, was incorrect and must be addressed.  Mr. Brophy is not only an attorney, but is the Democratic Party Chairman in Wall Township who knows how to reach me; my cell phone # is public knowledge and is listed on the township webpage.  We are currently in a crisis situation and this is not the time for partisan politics.  Keep in mind, Mr. Brophy has a political agenda and his statements are not accurate or reliable.  Right now, our main concerns are for those without electricity and heat.  A major portion of North Wall and some areas in the Sea Girt section have not had power for 10 days.  This includes my own personal auto repair business and home.  I have no connection with the Racestar gas station and its sales as Mr. Brophy stated.  On November 1st, the owner of Racestar informed me there were 7,000 gallons of fuel in the ground but no power to the station. He subsequently purchased a generator and had it installed at his own cost, so the residents of Wall would have fuel for their generators and cars; It is my understanding that gas prices were never changed from those which were being charged prior to the storm.  Wall Township Police Department was notified that he would be opening until he ran out of fuel, which is what happened.  The Wall Township Police Department and resident customers were very appreciative of this process.

More importantly, I would like to provide the Patch readers with a brief power update. The Township Committee is very concerned about all of our areas without power and especially the condition of the Glendola Substation located at the corner of Marconi Road and Brighton Avenue which was flooded out by a 13ft tidal surge.  Last week, JCP&L brought in a mobile unit to switch over the power.  They had hoped to re-energize the system one phase at a time (there are a total of 4 phases) in hopes of restoring power two days ago.  However, we were informed that continued complications have been encountered by JCP&L during their efforts. 

Furthermore, we are proud of the efforts of our municipal employees including the Police and Public Works Departments in an effort to eliminate road hazards throughout the Township.  However, last night’s nor'easter, has caused them to encounter more downed trees and wires, which complicated all of our efforts. 

I understand everyone's concerns and frustrations.  Three of the five Township Committee members are also without JCP&L services at this time.  We understand there must be changes in the Marconi power station – to elevate it or to move it.  

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Keith Brown from the Wall Patch for working with us on an almost hourly basis, beginning last Monday before the storm even started, in an effort to provide public information.  Please see attached storm updates sent from the Wall Police Department.  Since 10/29/12 the Wall Police Department has issued 26 press releases to local news media outlets.  These updates are sent from the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) as a Press Release, and are forwarded to local news organizations as they become available.

Please call 1-888-LIGHTSS to report any power outages or electrical wires that are down.  Also, for the most recent and accurate updates, please register for Global Connect on the Wall Township Police webpage (www.wallpolice.org).  I cannot emphasize enough the need for all residents to go online, through your own system, or if without power, through a neighbor or friend's system, and register your cell phones for Global Connect.  That is the primary way we can get information out to our residents in any type of emergency.

JEFFREY FOSTER

Mayor, Wall Township