To the editor:
It’s that time of year again in Manville when Democrat lies fall faster than the autumn leaves. Democrats will say and do almost anything to steal an election. Allow me to tell you the truth and refute their lies. Democrats don’t like the truth. My positions on the issues are perfectly clear.
First, I’m running for mayor and not seeking the soon-to-be-vacant administrator’s position, as rumored, due to Gary Garwacke’s pending retirement. I have a successful career in the private sector and only want to give back to my hometown and help all residents whenever I can.
I will never seek, nor have I ever sought, borough compensation for my service on our governing body. This year I initiated a council salary cut to help pay for a FEMA flood mitigation grant writer for important planning work long ignored by the Democrats in Manville. I will always put our residents first. And my entire council salary is donated back to the community every year, too.
As your future mayor you can trust that I will set the proper agenda to control spending. Manville faces a significant tax revenue loss (i.e., approximately $1 million) from the loss of 108 homes in the Blue Acres buyout program and abandoned homes that spot blight our neighborhoods. My agenda’s top priority is to stabilize our property taxes. I will accomplish this by controlling unnecessary spending and by applying for more state and federal aid rather than simply raising your property taxes every year.
Property taxes are of major concern to everyone I have spoken with. As this year’s Finance Committee chairman, I held the line on unnecessary spending with the lowest municipal property tax increase in many years. With more than 1,200 recent tax appeals filed, it is clear that residents want stabilized, lower taxes in their future. That can only be achieved with proper Republican leadership.
Another lie the Democrats are spreading is that I am looking to outsource our garbage collection. Nothing could be further from the truth. In this year’s finance committee meetings, the financial impact of doing so has never been discussed. It’s not on our radar screen in the future, either.
I have based my campaign on always telling the truth, restoring the trust in the office of mayor and being transparent by providing better communication to all residents.
New leadership is a must for the future of Manville. I pledge to provide a complete break from the past administration and their old “tax and spend” ways. My opponent, Mark Gregor, cannot say that since he has approved and voted for Mayor (Angelo) Corradino’s every wish during his one term on council.
Furthermore, I have no special self-interests that would benefit me personally. I do not seek, nor have I ever received, free health insurance on the backs of our taxpayers. Unlike Mayor Corradino, I would never accept new borough-provided sidewalks when my old ones are just fine. Also I would never self-appoint myself to a paid position, such as OEM director, as Mayor Corradino did for his own benefit. I vehemently opposed that appointment, unlike my opponent, Mr. Gregor, who sat by quietly as his mentor violated state statues that forbid Mayor Corradino from doing so. The time is now for a much higher standard of governing ethics in Manville and I promise to deliver.
In closing, I will continue my scholarship fund for graduating Manville High School seniors, which I have done for the past five years. Helping others and providing the proper leadership is what I believe being mayor is all about.
Your choice is clear this November. Mark Gregor is a true believer and disciple of Mayor Corradino and offers more of the same. Or choose a new direction and a better future with my leadership by electing Richard M. Onderko for mayor, and Michele Magnani and Ted Petrock for council.
Richard M. Onderko
Council President
Republican mayoral candidate
Manville
