Council hopefuls discuss energy plans

by Sean Ruppert, Staff Writer
   Democratic incumbents and their Republican rivals for Township Council say that the town should become more energy efficient, as long as it is cost effective.
   Candidates from both parties said the town should study the issue before committing to any changes or purchases of new equipment or technology.
   Three Democrats — Councilwoman Carol Barrett, Councilman Joe Camarota and Councilman Charles Carley — are running against Republican candidates John O’Sullivan and Steven Walrond in the Nov. 4 election. There are three four-year seats on the ballot.
   The Democrats said they are in the process of commissioning an energy audit with an outside engineering firm that would design strategies for lowering the municipal government’s energy cost and use.
   Ms. Barrett said that one easy and immediate step that the township should take is to be more careful and conservative with its energy use in government buildings and vehicles.
   ”For one, we should stop all idling of township vehicles. Employees sometimes leave the engines on while they are working and that wastes a lot of gas,” Ms. Barrett said. “That is one small step, but it is an important one.”
   She said South Brunswick has gone to cost-efficient light bulbs in the Municipal Building, and that it could continue to place these bulbs in all of the township’s buildings. Ms. Barrett also said that she has found lights left on in the Municipal Building during the weekend when it is not being used, which she said should not occur.
   Mr. Camarota said the township could look into using motion sensors to turn of lights when buildings are not being used. He said the town should stay on top of technologies as they evolve and become more efficient and cost effective, like hybrid vehicles.
   Mr. O’Sullivan also supported using energy-efficient light bulbs. He said the township should also consider methods of producing its own clean energy.
   ”I was thinking about open space land, taking some of it that is not usable and turning it into solar farms or wind farms,” Mr. O’Sullivan said. “It’s just an idea, but it is something to consider.”
   He also said that solar panels on government buildings could be beneficial.
   Mr. Carley said that the township’s planned energy audit will generate a comprehensive approach to cost reduction, and will consider ideas like solar panels. He said that Township Manager Matt Watkins is in talks with PMK Group of Cranford to perform the audit.
   The Township Council recently approved the purchase of two hybrid-SUVs for use by inspectors and other utility department employees, as part of its regular replacement of used vehicles.
   Mr. Walrond and Mr. O’Sullivan said that they would be cautious in purchasing these vehicles.
   ”I would like to see the track record,” Mr. Walrond said. “We need to know that these vehicles can work in all different types of weather and can handle the wear and tear.”
   The candidates agreed that anything the township does should be done with cost efficiency in mind.
   ”If it makes economic sense, then it should be done,” Mr. Carley said. “It has to make economic sense though.”
   ”We need to be efficient in how we spend our money,” Mr. Walrond said. “We need to have a positive net gain.”