Monthly Chat with Mayor Al Morgan: A Look at Local Government and Community Challenges

By Bobbie Peer

Published March 9, 2025 at 10:16 AM

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – New Providence Mayor Al Morgan sat down for his monthly discussion with TAPinto to provide insights into the workings of local government, upcoming projects, and the challenges facing the borough.

Understanding Local Government

Mayor Morgan emphasized the importance of educating the public on how local government operates. “Local governments are all different,” he explained. “New Providence is a borough form of government, where the mayor serves a four-year term and six council members serve three-year terms. But neighboring towns, like Berkeley Heights and Chatham Township, have different systems.”

He highlighted a recent visit to an elementary school, where he engaged with third-graders learning about government. “One of them asked me if I have veto power, and I was amazed that a third-grader knew what a veto was!” he recalled. The answer is, Mayor Morgan does have veto power.

Budget Challenges and Upcoming Projects

A significant challenge for any local government is managing the budget. “Everybody is scrambling for money,” and nobody wants to raise taxes,” Morgan said. “But providing good services takes funding.”

Two major projects are on the horizon: renovations for the police station and the Public Works building. “The police station hasn’t been updated since 1982, and some of the Public Works buildings haven’t been touched since the 1950s,” he noted. The borough plans to finance these projects through bonds, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Roles and Responsibilities of the Mayor

Morgan outlined his three primary roles: “I’m the Chief Executive Officer, which means I sign contracts. I’m the presiding officer, overseeing council meetings. And I’m in charge of public safety, which includes police, fire, and rescue services.”

He also makes appointments, many of which require council approval. “I inform the council on everything. We work together, especially on public safety matters.”

Working with the Borough Administrator and Council

Day-to-day operations rely heavily on the borough administrator and clerk. “Bernadette [Cuccaro], our borough administrator, and Denise [Brinkofski], our clerk, create the agenda for council meetings,” Morgan explained. “Every Tuesday, Bernadette holds department head meetings. I attend some of them—not because I don’t trust what they’re doing, but to stay informed and thank them for their hard work.”

Morgan praised the borough’s teamwork. “New Providence is like a big family. All the departments interact and support each other.”

Collaboration with County and State Officials

As a Sergeant at Arms for the New Jersey Assembly, Morgan has close relationships with state and county officials. “I know most of them on a first-name basis. Senator Bramnick, Assemblywomen Matsikoudis and Munoz, Congressman Tom Kean”—I can call them anytime,” he said.

Despite political differences, Morgan maintains a strong relationship with county commissioners. “People say, ‘Oh, they’re Democrats,’ but we’re all here to serve our communities. I don’t ask for things often, but when I do, they come through.”

Encouraging Youth Involvement

Morgan hopes more young people will get involved in local government. “Come to council meetings. Don’t be afraid—we don’t bite! We always encourage Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and students to ask questions. They are our future.”

Reflecting on his own journey, Morgan, a lifelong New Providence resident, shared: “If you told me in third grade that I’d be mayor, I’d have thought you were out of your mind! But public service is a calling, and I love it.”

Misconceptions About Local Government

Many residents assume the mayor has control over everything in town, but state and federal regulations often limit local decision-making. “That’s one of the biggest misconceptions,” Morgan said. “For example, school policies and districting decisions are made by the Board of Education, not the mayor and council. People think I have authority over that, but I don’t.”

Final Thoughts

As the conversation wrapped up, Morgan reaffirmed his commitment to serving the borough. “I’m lucky to have a great council that works together. We may argue, but we find solutions. That’s what government should be about—working together to make our community the best it can be.”

With his deep-rooted connection to New Providence and dedication to public service, Mayor Morgan continues to lead with a focus on collaboration, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement.

Editor’s Note: New Providence residents with questions they’d like addressed can email bpeer@tapinto.net for consideration.