Town cannot adopt ordinance, then refuse to enforce it

I was disturbed to read that the East Brunswick Township administration has no intention of enforcing the regulations related to leaf collection.

Township Attorney Michael Baker has been quoted as saying that there is no intention to issue a series of tickets to violators of the leaf ordinance. Others in the administration state that there never was an intention to enforce this ordinance, and that there is a hope that residents will comply voluntarily without any threat of enforcement.

This is contrary to what was said when the regulation was first adopted. At that time it was stated clearly that there would be enforcement. These regulations are designed to help control nonpoint source pollution of stormwater runoff. Leaves that are left in the roadway for weeks result in rainwater leaching harmful elements from the leaves into the storm drains and then into the waterways.

The state Department of Environmental Protection adopted these regulations for the protection of all of us. Municipalities are obligated to enforce them. In addition, these piles of leaves are a hazard to drivers, pedestrians and children.

It is bad public policy to adopt ordinances and at the same time refuse to enforce them. If the Township Council and administration do not wish to enforce these regulations, then they should repeal the ordinance.

Township residents are entitled to know what the rules are and that the rules will be applied equally to all.

David Seiden

East Brunswick