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At its meeting on July 7, the Mayor and Council approved a resolution requesting that the Bergen County Clerk place a public question on the General Election Ballot in November. The following public question and “Interpretive Statement” will be on the ballot:
Public Question:
“Should the Borough consider conducting a deer cull by bow and arrow annually for three years for the purpose of managing the deer population?”
Interpretive Statement:
“This public question asks whether the Borough should consider establishing a deer management program to address issues associated with the deer population within the Borough. The program would provide for a deer cull by use of controlled bow and arrow hunting by professional bow hunters, which is a management technique approved by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Supporters contend that deer management may reduce vehicle collisions, damage to vegetation, and impacts on local ecosystems. Opponents contend that lethal management methods are unnecessary or objectionable and that nonlethal alternatives should be used. This public referendum is non-binding.”
Borough voters will vote “Yes” or “No” on this question. The Mayor and Council, by this referendum, are seeking to ascertain the sentiment of the Borough voters on this question. By placing this referendum question on the ballot, the Mayor and Council is not advocating for or against deer management.
The Borough is planning to hold a public forum in September to educate the public on deer management and provide an opportunity for the public to provide their input. The Borough will record this public forum for those unable to attend. Information will also be disseminated in advance of the November election, with the objective of providing resources to allow residents to make an informed decision on how to vote on the referendum question.
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