Mark A. Petraske of Montgomery
Our local campaign for Township Committee has always been about electing the best qualified person for the job. In this tough economic environment, with every family looking at a budget, and controlling costs at every turn, our leaders should have a fundamental understanding of what the average taxpayer has to go through.
I have been following the local campaign with interest and believe it is time for Kacey Dyer to stop the negative campaigning, the very hostile tone of her campaign, and explain how she is fundamentally qualified to decide how your tax dollars are spent.
I have little doubt that Kacey Dyer is a nice person, or that she comes from a fine family. I simply believe that her opponent, Keith Hovey, is better prepared and better qualified to serve on the township committee.
Our elected officials should pay property taxes and understand how much we pay for the privilege of living in this great community. Keith Hovey, and his wife Rebecca, own a home and pay property taxes.
Our elected officials should be up to speed on the critical issues of the day, and present ideas for improving our community. Mr. Hovey has demonstrated knowledge of the key issues, and presents a number of ideas about improving our commercial area, improving services and saving tax dollars. Ms. Dyer talks only of her contempt for current elected officials, and shows a fundamental misunderstanding of the Skillman Village situation and the affordable housing issue, asserting incorrectly that turning the whole NPDC property over to the county would reduce Montgomery’s COAH obligation. It would do no such thing.
Our elected officials should be accessible and open to public dialog, welcoming the opportunity for a free and open discussion with township residents, as Mr. Hovey has.
Our elected officials should be active and involved in the community. Mr. Hovey is engaged in volunteer work for open space stewardship, Earth Day, and the Board of Health. He is active at his church, St. Charles Borromeo, and is well-known in his thriving neighborhood. He’s also an enthusiastic member of the Van Harlingen Historical Society and Montgomery Friends of Open Space.
I want my government leaders to understand what I am going through, and to at least have an understanding of what it means to pay taxes. I want someone who has personally invested himself in the community he wants to serve. I want someone who does not shy away from an open exchange of ideas, or frank and honest discussions about the direct issues that face our community. Fundamentally, I want someone who understands what my tax dollar means to me and my family when deciding how it is spent.
Keith Hovey is the kind of person you want in local government — smart, responsible, open-minded, knowledgeable and accessible. Please give him your vote for Township Committee.
Mark A. Petraske
Montgomery

