Debra Johnson, Monmouth Junction
It is clear that we are living in very challenging times. It is very necessary for elected officials, who oversee the use of the tax dollar, our dollars, to make wise decisions.
It is clear that the current mayor and council have made troubling decisions that have led to approximately 12 layoffs in the last two years, a 5-cent tax increase and an approx. 7.9 percent water and sewer rate increase this year alone.
For all of these “taxing” Changes, the municipal building is available less to us, we are paying for water we do not use, and using open space money to purchase land and its assets, the assets being a business. This letter lists just a few of the decisions that lead a community to be perplexed and in search of answers. Answers the current administration does not give us.
In addition, the Republicans running strike me as nice people, but they just ask questions and never offer any real or practical solutions or plans, they have no track record. At least they have not mentioned any.
When I had the privilege of being your mayor in 1997 and from 1999 to 2002, the budget increases remained level, the residential water rate did not increase at all, neither did the residential sewer charge. Since I left office in 2002 due to my mother’s illness, the residential sewer charge has gone from $76.74 to its current rate of $128.71, not to mention the water rate and tax increase.
I served as your mayor through the Iron Mountain Fire, through droughts and through 9/11, yet as a community we managed to successfully stand. No longer.
It appears when I go door to door, that there is no longer the comfort level speaking at council meeting, no longer is there a feeling that someone will listen. Jean Dvorak, independent council candidate, and I strongly believe that we must stay close to the community and partner with our neighbors to develop our home town. We must have budgetary stability again.
Debra Johnson
Monmouth Junction
Ms. Johnson is an independent candidate for mayor.

