EAST BRUNSWICK — The three candidates for mayor say they’ve gotten completely different responses when going door to door on their campaigns.
Democrat David Stahl, Republican Christi Calvano and independent Donald Klemp all said they’ve received very positive feedback from residents this year as they make heavy use of the door-to-door approach.
In Klemp’s case, he is also using a trailer that carries a large “Klemp for Mayor” sign.
“I take my trailer wherever I go door to door, and people can see I am in the area,” he said.
Calvano said residents are telling her they are fed up with high tax increases, as well as the stalled Golden Triangle project. She said residents are upset about the redevelopment deal because it has not stabilized municipal taxes, which have risen last year and this year.
Klemp said when residents talk about the other candidates, they have not had many comments about Calvano, but had negative references to Stahl. He said that Stahl’s “way” has put people off, and that many do not trust him.
“I try to focus on myself and my positives,” Klemp said.
Stahl said he and his wife have been going door to door, often accompanied by council running mates Nancy Pinkin and Denise Contrino. He said he is “very upbeat” about the campaign, and has been going door to door for two and a half months. He said he has covered about 80 percent of the township.
“The feedback has been great, and I am looking forward to the election,” he said.
Stahl said he’s found that residents are very concerned with the economy.
“You talk to a lot of people directly impacted by what happened on Wall Street,” he said. “I talked to a lot of seniors who have 401Ks and suffer a lot, and it will put a tremendous change in their retirement plans.”
Stahl said the national and international woes also affect families with school-age children, even if the family has the ability to weather the storm and wait for an upturn.
“They have bills to pay today,” he said.
The number one concern from residents “is how we plan to provide tax relief,” Stahl said.
Calvano said residents are upset by what they see as a lack of financial planning from the current township administration, as well as budget mismanagement.
“They are a contributing factor to the increase in taxes,” she said.
Klemp limited his use of campaign signs to about 25, and one sees that when driving around town.
“I think there are a lot more signs than necessary,” he said, referring to other campaigns. “I think it’s been very cluttered. I see them 10 feet apart, when just one would do.”
He added that the does not feel the signs are very effective anyway.
Klemp, a longtime Democratic councilman, said he could see being reunited with the Democratic Party if he wins the election.
“I have not forsaken them,” he said. He has complained that the party did not give him a real chance to win the mayoral nomination.

