Lifelong Medical Volunteer Who Moved to Jackson from NYC Snubbed by Township

Phil Stilton July 1, 2022

David Werner moved to Jackson Township three years ago and is enjoying the change of pace from his native New York City, he told the Jackson Township Council on Tuesday, but confused about the town’s rejection of his offer to serve on a volunteer committee.

Werner, an Orthodox Jewish resident and certified EMT worked for a volunteer squad in New York City before moving to Jackson for 25 years. He’s also a licensed social worker by trade.

He said he responded to a solicitation by the township to serve on the EMS advisory committee, but despite his qualifications, never received a reply from the township. He was not selected to serve on that committee.

“I filled out an application. I took the time and I sent it in,” Werner told the council. “But, I never heard back. I found it somewhat puzzling. I wanted to give back to the community, but I never heard a word, so I just wanted to go on record.”

Council President Marty Flemming said the township is not very good at getting back to people who don’t get selected.

“It seems like we’re not very good at getting back to people who don’t get chosen,” Flemming said. “We’ve heard this before. The Mayor appoints the committeeman, but there’s only so many spots that we fill.”

Flemming assumed it was because Werner does not know the mayor personally. It is known that Reina uses appointments to boards to reward close friends and political allies often.

“I’m guessing maybe because they didn’t know you or had no knowledge of your expertise, I can’t answer to that,” he said. “Thank you for submitting, but we don’t need you right now.”

Werner, is a member of Hatzolah of Central Jersey in Jackson. The council said he can apply again at the end of the year during the next enrollment period.

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