WEST MILFORD Flicking through the pages of a glossy travel brochure will soon send the mind wandering to far off places. Now that summer has finally hit with soaring temperatures and school-free days, those dreams of distant beaches or visiting with rarely seen relatives is all the more likely. Imagine people leafing through the pages of a newly issued tourism newspaper and setting off for destination West Milford? That’s what the township’s Tourism Commission is hoping will happen. The commission released its first major project last week when The Highlands Source became available. The commissioner, former council member Paul Bailey, is confident the eight page glossy newspaper will be a hit. “The paper is a solid foundation level effort,” said Bailey, “It is something you do because other successful communities do it.” The newspaper includes articles and features on things to do in West Milford, as well as places to eat and rest. There is also a pull-out map of the town visitors can use to traverse through the scenic spots and active areas already well known to locals. The newspaper cost approximately $12,500 of taxpayers’ money. “We [The Tourism Commission] plan for the paper to be self-supporting as early as next year. That will ensure that it is constantly working for us and not just another burden on the taxpayer,” said Bailey. As well as the newspaper, the commission has a Web site set up, www.visitwestmilford.org, and an information number, 973-728-2888, with news on upcoming events in town. At a time when the town council is counting every penny to avert the kind of financial meltdown seen at the state level, you might think there would be overwhelming approval of Bailey and his confidence in tourism. Not so. In fact, Bailey has outspoken opponents on the township council, namely James Warden and Bob Nolan, who would rather not see him in the commissioner position at all. Bailey said, “If everyone understood the importance of economic development in West Milford, we would not be in the position we are in today. To do nothing is to guarantee failure.” The entire town and, in particular tax-weary homeowners will get a return from tourism investment. According to Bailey: “The real benefit is to the local property owners, the taxpayers. Tourism in West Milford will help build a robust business economy, improve the ability of businesses to provide goods and services by expanding their customer base beyond the limited resources of the local residents.” Among the Bailey’s future goals is a system of self-guided tours of historic homes and natural vistas that uses cell phones to highlight each location; a Bass Tournament in 2007; and a resolution to the weed problem in Greenwood Lake so power boat races can take place.