Mayor Donohue to Seek Second Term in Middle Twp

COURT HOUSE — Speaking before the Feb. meeting of the Middle Township Regular Republican Organization, Middle Township Mayor Tim Donohue expressed his “enthusiastic intention” to seek a second term on Township Committee in 2014.
“We are not where want to be yet. But we are a long way from where we started,” Donohue said. “The pace of change in government can be maddeningly slow. But we have made significant strides toward smarter, right-sized government in Middle Township.”
Donohue was first elected to Township Committee in November of 2011. He become Mayor in January 2014. Donohue cited the zero tax increase in 2012 and two consecutive years of spending under the all time high of 2011, as important achievements.
“Deputy Mayor Dan Lockwood and I remain committed to keeping the Township levy below that all time high for a third consecutive year,” Donohue proclaimed. “As we continue to make the hard decisions on salaries, contracts, debt service and healthcare, we are bending the cost curve of Middle Township government downward.”
Donohue praised the Township’s employees for partnering with Township Committee to keep costs down, while continuing to maintain the level of services that residents expect.
“With hard work and creative input from our staff, we have put the brakes on over a decade of yearly levy increases that exceeded 12% and saw the cost of our levy double in just seven years.”
Donohue said he was proud that Township Committee had taken on several issues that had been ignored or kicked down the road for years.
“It has taken time, effort and political courage to finally come to terms with tough issues like affordable housing, healthcare reform, runaway spending, lack of long term planning and low employee morale.”
Mayor Donohue said residents can look to bright develops on the horizon in 2014. Work on the Ocky Wisting Recreation Complex will finally commence in April and plans are being finalized to connect the Lower Township and Middle Township bike paths. A revamped sewer billing process has greatly increased proper billing and could lead to a rate reduction in 2015. The revised property maintenance code is aggressively targeting problem properties and accelerating the process of demolishing longstanding eyesores. A multi-faceted plan is in motion to mitigate long term flooding issues, replenish bayside beaches and protect environmentally sensitive ecosystems on our bay shore.
“With the reorganization of many departments, the hiring of an outstanding Business Administrator and Public Works Supervisor and the institution of our comprehensive employee wellness program, the pieces are falling into place to really make a difference in raising the level of customer service for our residence,” Donohue explained. “If we can achieve this goal, while continuing to hold the line on spending, I’m confident we will be moving towards fully keeping the promises we have made to the voters of Middle Township.”
Donohue said his second term would focused on building on the solid foundation for positive change laid the past few years. He is committed to working with all parties and interest groups to build a better Middle Township.
“Voters are sick of the empty rhetoric, angry tone and childish finger pointing that pervades government at all levels,” Donohue said. “They want us to find common ground that promotes the greater good and improves the quality of life for all. That’s my agenda. I’m ready to work with any person or group who shares this vision.”