Residents of Lower Township:
I don’t have their money, and I knew that fact coming into this campaign. The Independents for Lower operate on a shoe-string, and the Republican Organization has a war chest, stretching all the way to the state organization in Trenton. I have to endure their ads, radio, and half-truths and now I would like you to listen for a moment as I set the record straight.
You Were There:
Remember four years ago? It was Mike Beck and Kevin Lare as Independents. It was all over our campaign literature. We were YOUR TEAM. But Lare lasted about a cup of coffee as an Independent and then fled back to the Republican Organization, ending up with a brand new county job. It was your trust that was betrayed by Lare, not mine. I’m not against political parties at all, only those with self-serving leadership.
While Lare and his cronies have been skimming the jobs at the county, and solicitor contracts for Republican Chairman Donahue, where have they helped your sons and daughters to find employment here in Lower Township? On the other hand, as mayor I have already begun to create jobs in our town with my economic initiatives.
You were there when council was reprimanded by the county prosecutor for Lare’s back room emails. And you were also there when a Lower Township council meeting was cancelled for the first time in history because of Craig and Lare’s political shenanigans. How many times have the actions of these people embarrassed us as residents?
Budget:
Former Mayor Craig wants to be your budget “watchdog.” The term “out-of-control-government spending” was invented during his term. He authored the largest tax increase in Lower Township history and now wants to be your watchdog? You’d be better off with a canary.
Fishing Pier:
Kevin Lare (June 4, 2012 council minutes): “it (Fishing Pier) is an outstanding idea–full steam ahead.” Both Lare and Walt Craig voted to spend money on engineering fees on this project (council resolution 2012-78). The recreation board and council voted unanimously to support the pier, and I as mayor have repeatedly stated the project rises and falls on the ability to obtain outside funding and solve local issues.
Then why do they pan the project now? Simple, they distort the issue and ignore the facts presented to get elected. They offer support on council for the pier and then criticize it in their ads.
Public Safety Building
A Public Safety Building Committee examined this issue and alternatives for months. It arrived at a unanimous decision to relocate to town hall simply because it would cost less to build a brand new addition than to repair adequately the old building. But please pay close attention:
Both Lare and Simonsen were on that committee; both missed multiple meetings and the final vote, yet have criticized the committee decision. This is far, far from leadership. They had the ability to take a stand and vote no, which is leadership, but instead chose to not participate. You don’t accept a committee appointment, fail to attend the meetings, and then criticize afterwards. That’s failed leadership. But why do they do this? Simply to get elected!
Government in 2012 Lower Township, with 23,000 residents, is more than a hobby or even a part-time job but requires a commitment, and the citizens get back what the elected official puts into it. If you don’t have the time to attend committee meetings, or council meetings, don’t raise your hand. In 12 years, as councilman and mayor, I have never missed a meeting.
You saw what I saw, and now is the time for you to take a stand. Learn the truth, and vote for a bright future for Lower Township with people who care. Don’t be blinded by their money. This is your chance to help me to help you.
Please take a moment and visit us at WWW.INDEPENDENTSFORLOWER.COM
Ordered and paid by Beck and Clark.
