October 9, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 5 Mahwah Township launches new Mahwah Delivers app Mahwah Mayor Bill Laforet recently announced the launch of Mahwah Delivers, a free application (commonly known as an “app”) available on smartphones. This app is the township’s official civic engagement tool and will allow residents to stay in touch with the municipality. Laforet advised that this new, easy-to- use service will give residents access to important township information and can simply and quickly report issues and track their requests online and via their mobile phones. According to Laforet, Mahwah has part- nered with PublicStuff, a CRM software company, to launch the app and digital communication solution. Mahwah Delivers is available in the Apple and Google app stores for immediate use. The mayor explained that residents can use the app if they see something that needs to be fixed, such as potholes, street lights that are not working, missing traffic signs, dangerous conditions, or garbage related issues, and they can submit issues and images via an iPhone or Android and the Mahwah Delivers website. Laforet explained that requests submit- ted through smartphones are automatically geo-tagged and residents who do not have smartphones can send their issues through any mobile phone with Internet access or SMS text messaging. Users are also able to add comments to further describe the issue or problem that exists and residents can easily track their requests, support other requests, and receive status updates via notifications from town- ship officials. “The relevant staff members who receive the request will resolve the prob- lem quickly and efficiently,” Laforet said. “With Mahwah Delivers, the township is able to manage and improve the efficiency in which they respond to service requests. Mahwah has also added Civic Apps to the mobile app and website, which will give residents access to township officials, important weather and traffic conditions, sporting events, and community activities, The Morning Book Discussion Group at the Mahwah Library, 100 Ridge Road, will discuss Edith Wharton’s “Ethan Frome” on Oct. 21. The group will meet at 10:30 a.m. This story takes place during a bleak New England winter. Ethan Frome is an isolated farmer trying to scrape out a meager living while also tending to his frigid, demanding, and ungrateful wife Zeena. A ray of hope enters Ethan’s life when his wife’s cousin Mattie arrives to help. “Ethan Frome” is a compelling classic and a powerful tale with compelling characters trapped in circum- stances they seem unable to escape. The book group is open to all. Call (201) 529-READ for more information. by Frank J. McMahon Classic will be discussed to name just a few.” Laforet said he recognizes the need for technology in local government to provide efficient and transparent services with a high degree of accountability. “After Hurricane Sandy, we realized the importance of providing a platform for gov- ernment not only to communicate with resi- dents but also for residents to communicate to government officials their concerns and problems,” Laforet said. “Mahwah is one of the first communities in the state to use this technology and Mahwah Delivers provides it in an innovative manner and will keep the township at the forefront of technology.” Laforet also pointed out that Mahwah was recently ranked one of the top 26 New Jersey communities in which to reside. “It is a beautiful community commit- ted to maintaining a high quality of life and PublicStuff is ready to enable the town staff and residents to take that forward,” Laforet said. Lily Liu, founder and CEO of Public- Stuff, said her company is “very excited to have the Township of Mahwah on board and to help provide their residents with more access to township services. We hope to enable residents of Mahwah to be more involved and engaged members of the com- munity and to improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods.”