Little Silver Mayor Bob Neff: A Poet Who Knows It

LITTLE SILVER, NJ - Mayor Robert Neff joined his council members Monday as the town made appointments and settled on policy decisions.

The business part of the meeting was the swearing in of new council members: Democrat Chris Healy and Republican Mike Holzapfel, who won over their respective running mates, Matthew Cohen and incumbent Dane Mihlon, in a close election in November.

Depending on your position on poetry at council meetings what followed was either very cool or cringe-worthy. According to a posting in redbank green, Neff delivered his state of the borough message with rhyme and his own particular brand of reason.

Here is the beginning:

"Iceboats on the rivers, skaters on the lakes, Jack Frost is more than nipping, the snow came down in swirling flakes,
A frigid start to twenty eighteen, we’re glad to see you’re here — come what may, we’re confident, our team is always near
And so it was in twenty seventeen, every emergency handled, our EMS and fire too, fire police to see us through
Our police caught bad guys, near and far, and sent the burglars packing, National Night Out’s a town event, the spirit’s never lacking,
The Homestead’s second floor was opened, though its cold, but just for now, history comes alive right here, the trustees show us how.
Improvements all around began, our sports field topped the list, but small things too, a fence, a light, and potholes asphalt-kissed.
There’s more to do — there always is — some sidewalks need attention, grants are key, so we’ll apply, seeking state pol intervention;"

After more than 20 stanzas, the poet laureate of Little Silver - Neff has been writing this annual works since 2012, according to redbankgreen - ends with best wishes for all:

"Change does come this year to council, we’ll miss Dan and Dane for sure, but Mike and Chris have come to help, public service will endure

So much was done, so much to do, thanks for listening to my rhyme, I’m almost done, we’ve had some fun, and we’ll get you out in time.

So for Corrine and Mike and Davide, and AJ, Chris and Don, Happy New Year to all of you — it’s cold out there, stay warm!"

Mayor Bob Neff does it his way: with poetry. Image via Shutterstock.