To the editor:
I couldn’t agree more with some of the points raised in a recent editorial by Tara Andrews concerning our property tax increases.
That’s exactly why I decided to run for council, to give residents of Manville a better choice and expose unnecessary spending.
However Ms. Andrews over looked the fact that we have some of the highest paid elected officials in Somerset County, compensation put in place by a former Democratic mayor. Do you think our elected officials feel the same property tax pain we do by collecting $6,000 in council salary plus up to an additional $10,000 in health benefit credits; some even double dip as state and county employees.
Talk about a waste of tax dollars. We need to roll back recent salary increases to become more in line with surrounding towns. Money then would surely be available for future community days. Why such a big tax increase you ask? Well, all the money from the sale of the town’s water company, some $5 million, was spent to offset prior year increases.
As for flood prevention, this issue has been around for over 50 years. As a one-time flood victim living on North Second Avenue, I feel your pain. I believe it is a man made problem to a large extent by uncontrolled growth and development over the years with more run off being produced during heavy rains.
All our elected officials have let the town down on this issue, both Democrats and Republicans. Holding our current mayor accountable for a long term flooding issue isn’t fair in my opinion.
I agree progress needs to be made and that our new mayor should keep her campaign promises with some urgency. Bound Brook has made progress but is not safe without a flood retaining wall along the Raritan River.
There is some hope however. I feel if I win this election I can change things for the better. Manville deserves better. The status quo is simply unacceptable and I am sure you agree.
North 13th Avenue
The writer is an independent candidate for the Borough Council.

