A Conversation with Joan Kramar

Second in a series of interviews by the Realty Owners Association with a variety of people who are making significant contributions to Stone Harbor.  Joan Kramar recently became Stone Harbor’s new Borough Council President.

By Sherry Tomlinson

Secretary, ROA

Sherry:  Joan and I met on a cold sunny morning and talked about our town, events, and concerns over several cups of coffee. Since I see Joan all over town involved in so many organizations and making so many different kinds of contributions, I asked her why she had wanted to take on the additional role of council member in Stone Harbor.

Joan:  I felt we needed forward and positive thinking and that I could bring some new and fresh ideas to Stone Harbor. I have many years’ experience in business and that has been a significant asset to my work on Council.

Sherry:  What do our members need to understand about the way in which Council works?

Joan:  People need to realize that all the homework, the hard work, is done in the committees. It’s only after a committee is satisfied that a subject is well researched and ready to be presented that they take it to the full council. Each committee is comprised of three council members. Remember, in New Jersey we have a sunshine law that does not allow for more than three public officials to meet together in private - any more and the meeting has to be public. People need to understand the committees are where the real activity is.

Sherry:  The ROA has many members who are not able to vote, yet care very much what happens in this town. The ROA works to address this. How do you think the borough can address this issue?

Joan:  I think the ROA is already doing this through surveys, and I would like to see this continue, on the major issues, using a polling of all our people (taxpayers, second homeowners) so they have a chance to express their opinions for the good of our town. Those of us on the Beach, Rec and Tourism Committee have addressed the issue of communicating with the public, and we have contacted a media expert whom we hope to hire. We’re looking to improve our communications via TV, radio and the borough website. This will be discussed at the January Council meeting.

Another approach would be for these non-voting taxpayers to switch their voting rights to Stone Harbor. One voter can have a lot of influence in a small town like this. I would also encourage these people to stay informed and stay active.

Sherry:  Joan, how do we continue to attract visitors and homeowners?

Joan:  We have to balance the need to maintain the charm of our town with the need to grow. I would like to see us implement more cultural events and increase the recreational programs. Culinary programs are at the top of the list for many of our visitors and local people. Did you know that we have one fine dining restaurant that gives cooking lessons in the summer and then serves lunch? We need to communicate information like this to the public. Communication is the key!

Sherry:  Is there a particular project or initiative coming up in 2012 that our members would be interested in knowing about?

Joan:  I think there are a few:

·        The owners of the Shelter Haven property are planning to begin construction this year, after a long hiatus, on the corner of Third Avenue and 96^th Street.

·        Serious consideration is being given to revising the zoning code concerning motels with the intent of encouraging upscale heated units to accommodate visitors in the shoulder seasons of fall and spring. (I think many people don’t realize that many of those units are unheated.)

·        The new recreational support building will be ready by spring and will be the venue for sports, crafts, and community activities.

·        The second phase of the removal of the outfall pipes will begin to provide better visibility and safety for our bathers.

·        I personally would like to see more originality in the town’s displays, signage, lighting, etc. and better updating of the information kiosks.

Overall, I would like to see more teamwork, positive attitudes, and sharing of information on borough council. I look forward to the reorganization, which comes after any council election as new committees will be appointed who will bring new ideas forward.

Sherry:  Last question for you, Joan. How do you see Stone Harbor changing?

Joan:  I don’t ever want to lose the charm of our town, “the seashore at its best.” I think we need better branding, and we need positive changes in order to grow, changes like ones I just listed.   In addition, we need to keep open communication with the business owners to have a viable business district; we have to make sure these owners are a part of our process. We’re working hard, all of us, to develop the shoulder seasons.

None of this transpires without the cooperation of all the Council. Remember, committees offer suggestions, and then the approval comes from Council. I think all of the council members are open to messages from you, the ROA members, the taxpayers and owners. I know I welcome suggestions and concerns. Call me or send me an email at jkramar [at] stone-harbor [dot] nj [dot] us (kramarj [at] stone-harbor [dot] nj [dot] us). If I don’t have the answer to your question, I will find out the facts and get back to you.

It has been a pleasure serving on council, and I will continue to stand by my principles: honesty, integrity and dedication.