All Around Pennsauken

By Joe Scavuzzo, Director, Department of Public Works

The week of May 20 is dedicated as “National Public Works Week.” Each year, the American Public Works Association (APWA) chooses a theme. According to the APWA, this year’s theme, entitled, “The Power of Public Works,” “gives voice to the impact the many facets of public works have on modern civilization.” The APWA’s overview includes some of the less glamorous functions: solid waste disposal, removing snow and the unseen work, such as emergency management response strategy planning for disasters. The latter part of the overview reads “and invites the public to celebrate their quiet dedication and indispensable influence on our way of life.”

In our fast-paced society of text messages and e-mails, we all feel rushed to complete our work and move on. It’s all too easy to forget the simple gesture of a “thank you.” On behalf of Superintendent Feriozzi and myself, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to “the guys… our guys.” From the mechanics to our crew chiefs and to our “boots on the ground,” we are a department that is depended on for support from various agencies and other Township departments, constantly being pulled in multiple directions. These guys make it all happen; and those that depend on the Department of Public Works are appreciative. I hear it all the time. While I firmly believe in the quality of our services, there is always that chance that we drop the ball on a task. At those times, a simple phone call to our office will rectify any issue. With you, our neighbors help, we constantly seek to improve our methods and ultimately, the service to Pennsauken.

As I sit and write this article the first week in April, it’s quiet around the shop. This means two things: I have some peace to write this article and everybody’s busy. At this point, our crews are beginning to restore our athletic fields, various parks and playgrounds, clearing basins before the overgrowth of summer begins, and removing hazardous trees and patching roads. It’s a time when we attempt to cover as much ground as possible.

While reflecting about the “quiet dedication and indispensable influence” theme from the beginning of this article, I think about how it applies to Pennsauken. For those that read April’s story on the passing of two of our department’s employees, Ken and Levi, the “quiet dedication and indispensable influence” element could not be more appropriate in describing these two and the rest of my crew. At frustrating times, there is a mentality of “I pay taxes and you work for me, so do what I want.” While I tend to agree with portions of the statement, the same holds true for each Department of Public Works employee. We all live in town, pay taxes, and work for each other. It is here that the “power” of Pennsauken’s Public Works exists: to work with our residents to collaborate on troublesome issues for a sustainable resolution that results in a better community.

The final “thank you” goes out to our residents and business owners for the opportunity to serve you. It is our mission to provide these services, week after week; maintaining a high quality of services by the work we do.

Keep a look-out for the 2018 food truck event, where our department looks to be on-hand to provide a “touch-a-truck” portion of the festivities, where everyone from grandparent to grandchild can hop in all of our different pieces of equipment! Department staff will also be available to answer any questions you may have.

Enjoy the warmer weather!