We are writing this letter to all the residents of Upper Freehold Township in support of Deputy Mayor Steve Alexander and Committeeman Bob Faber in the general election on Nov. 6. We are asking that you vote for Steve Alexander and Bob Faber.
Last year, close to this time, we had the distinct honor of working with both men closely when Upper Freehold found itself as ground zero for six parcels of land to be used to grow marijuana for medical purposes. We, as concerned citizens, galvanized quickly to confront the intent of Breakwater Alternative Treatment Center to grow marijuana on one of the six different locations. This was in clear violation of federal law despite the state passing a law allowing the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes and six medical marijuana dispensaries and more marijuana farms.
Steve Alexander met earlier on with group of concerned citizens to assure them that the entire Township Committee opposed such action in Upper Freehold. Bob Faber, with his elder statesmanship, was a solid rock of opposition to such a veiled attempt at calling growing marijuana a farming activity. These men, along with committeemen Bob Frascella, Stan Moslowski Jr., and Mayor Horsnall- Mount, were unified and solid throughout it all.
Steve Alexander and Bob Faber did their homework and knew that in other states many of these programs were more problematic than their intended usefulness. More than 200 municipalities in California alone have shut down medical-marijuana dispensaries. Our elected officials, led by Steve Alexander, were not afraid to stand up for the residents of Upper Freehold, protect our township and see that the marijuana farms would not be near our children’s bus stops and would be consistent with what we are teaching our children in our schools, and we would not have to worry about raids from the federal government that are going on in Arizona, California and Colorado, just to name a few states that have such programs. More importantly, they fought for our quality of life.
Nearly 1,000 residents, without regard to political affiliation, signed a petition opposing the marijuana farm, but even prior to that Steve Alexander and Bob Faber were already acting to protect the residents of Upper Freehold. Through their leadership they heard the united call of the Upper Freehold residents and did what every citizen is shouting for our elected officials to do … act. With careful consideration, Steve Alexander authored the resolution that would deem any business wanting to operate in Upper Freehold to be in compliance with both state and federal laws. This legislation not only was enacted by our township committee but used by many other neighboring towns to protect themselves from the problems that now are very clear in those states that choose to allow marijuana farms and dispensaries inconsistent with federal law. They even were successful in getting the Monmouth County Freeholders to unanimously support Upper Freehold in its opposition.
Now, because of the strong leadership and quick action by Steve Alexander and Bob Faber, instead of a marijuana farm that would have looked like San Quentin State Prison, as described by the very people who wanted to build it, we now drive by a beautiful farmers’ market full of fresh produce and pumpkins at the corner of Sharon Station Road and Route 526.
Steve Alexander and Bob Faber did not act for just one political party, they acted for the greater good of Upper Freehold like they always do. We encourage you to vote for Steve Alexander and Bob Faber on Nov. 6.
Kimberly Lima
Chris Dubois
Dr. Curtis Byrnes
Vanessa DePompo
Karen Viafora
Terri Sajkowski
Upper Freehold