EAST BRUNSWICK — It may be too early for lawn signs and canvassing, but the township’s Democratic Organization has launched its campaign with the announcement of this year’s candidates for Township Council.
Incumbents Catherine Diem and Edward Luster will seek re-election, with newcomer Peter Grimando also on the slate.
Three four-year terms will be up for grabs on the five-member council in November, including seats presently held by Diem, a council member since 2003, and Luster, who is finishing his first four-year term. Luster is currently council president.
First-time candidate Grimando will be running for the other available seat, currently held by Republican Councilwoman Camille Ferraro. Ferraro was elected to a one-year term last November, when she defeated Democratic incumbent Matthew Korten.
Ferraro is now seeking her first full term, running on the Republican ticket with first-time candidates Michael Hughes, a former Board of Education member, and Jim Wendell, a project manager at a con- struction firm. The Republican slate was featured in an April 29 story in the Sentinel.
Ferraro previously told the Sentinel that the GOP was working on fleshing out its campaign, but noted that the trio’s platform will certainly advocate for transparency in government. Similarly, the Democratic trio has yet to finalize the issues that will be addressed in its campaign platform.
However, all candidates agreed that they would like to keep up the fiscal progress of the current administration.
“We definitely want to continue building on the financial improvements that the township has seen over the past few years,” Diem said. “We want to continue making the right fiscal decisions, and continue streamlining municipal government operations. It’s an ongoing process.”
Diem, who currently serves on East Brunswick’s Recreation and Parks Advisory Board and as liaison to the Middlesex County Council on Affordable Housing, said the township’s current fiscal restructuring is the result of a steady transition plan that Democratic Mayor David Stahl began enacting in early 2009.
“There’s no start or end to this — changing the way government operates takes time and persistence,” Diem said, noting that the budget has been reduced by 12 percent in the past two years. “But since we anticipated [an especially difficult budget year], we’re ahead of the curve. Many municipalities are just starting what we began two years ago.”
Diem said she is committed to balancing fiscal responsibility with a high quality of life in East Brunswick, and noted that she would continue to work with the Township Council to find ways to save money.
“We don’t know what area of municipal government we’ll look at next, since situations change and needs change over time. All areas will be up for review, and we’ll certainly make sure we study all information available before we make any big decisions,” she said.
One area that is under review is the possible dissolution of the East Brunswick Sewerage Authority (EBSA), which will be the focus of public hearings later this month.
“There was once a purpose and need for the EBSA, but the township has changed, and those needs can be met in a different way,” Diem said. “But we’re going to take input from the public, look at the information at hand and make the best decision. Nothing has been done yet.”
Luster, who has served on the Water Policy Advisory Board and the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board, said the proposed dissolution of the EBSA is in line with the council’s efforts to reduce municipal spending.
“We’re doing what we said we would do, and that is examine all aspects of government,” he said, noting that one of his main goals is to lower taxes. “We’ve been creative in coming up with ways to minimize spending thus far, and we will continue to look at all possibilities.”
The current council president said various budget areas would be looked at in the future, but just what will be focused on remains to be seen.
“Our government is changing so quickly,” he said. “I wish I had a crystal ball that could prepare me for the next move.”
Grimando agreed that township finances are a hot-button issue, especially at the current time.
“Creative fiscal responsibility is probably the single most important issue facing the township today, while maintaining or advancing the quality of life,” he said. “Step one is to review everything that was at the status quo and challenge the paradigm that was previously viewed to see what could be changed.”
Grimando said his experience operating a software firm would provide the skill set needed to be a council member.
“I understand how to put together a budget, and I will execute it to the ideals of the township. It’s not rocket science,” he said. “It’s all about doing what’s best for the township and the residents at large.”
Grimando noted that he is a “doer,” and said that as a 21-year resident of East Brunswick he has a vested interest in the quality of life of its residents.
The trio will run unopposed in the Democratic primary election on June 8.