SALEM -- In what's believed to be a first, the freeholder board will hold a town hall meeting this week to gather suggestions from residents on what what can be done to better Salem County.

Why hold such a gathering?

"Communication, communication, communication ... and transparency," Freeholder Director Bob Vanderslice said. "When you believe that a government is 'of the people, by the people, for the people.' you want to include as many people as you can."

"This event allows an opportunity to update our residents and, most importantly, these meetings are to initiate conversation and hear ideas from our constituents to improve our county."

The town hall will be held Wednesday in the Davidow Theatre at Salem Community College in Carneys Point beginning at 6 p.m.

It's believed the idea of a town hall meeting might be a first in the county.

Vanderslice, who took over as freeholder director in January, said he wanted this year to be different. He said he has met with department heads and employees, but wanted to take it a step further and "go to all of the stakeholders."

The format for the town hall will include some brief comments from Vanderslice about the board's mission and vision, then the meeting will be opened up to the public for their comments and questions.

County facing year of change, challenges

What are officials hoping to gain from this special meeting?

"Any idea or suggestion that will benefit all of the stakeholders in Salem County," Vanderslice said. "At every meeting I have encouraged the attendees to 'think differently.'  It is imperative that all elected officials think that way."

Last year the county had a difficult time crafting a budget because of falling revenues.

The county is again facing a challenging year when it comes to putting together a balanced budget. At last word, officials said they were looking at a county tax increase of about 8 cents.

Several union contracts also remain unsettled and county employees have appeared at recent freeholder meetings urging the board to come to a fair agreement with them.

Residents can comment at the twice-monthly freeholder meetings, but at this town hall Wednesday there will be no business conducted. It will be all about interaction between the board and the public.

"I believe that while our challenges are great, with everyone working together we can accomplish much," Vanderslice said.

Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Bill Gallo Jr. on Twitter @bgallojr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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