ALLENTOWN – Decades of a Republican majority in Allentown will end in 2015 after voters elect two newcomers to the Borough Council.
Two three-year terms on the town’s governing body will be on the ballot on Nov. 3. The winners will take their seats in January.
Incumbent Republicans Dan Wimer and Margaret Rose are not seeking re-election.
There are four candidates seeking the two council seats — Democrats Barbara Hallmark and Thomas Fritts, and independent candidates Johnna Steinmire and Robert Strovinsky. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 3.
The candidates were asked to respond to the following questions: Why are you seeking a seat on the council? What issues will the community face in the next three years that will need oversight and action?
Fritts: “A while back, now four years, I discovered discerning citizens voicing their concerns about some of the very things I noticed and could not understand — abandoned properties, dilapidated sidewalks, environmental issues, vacant commercial businesses and increasing water and sewer bills without notice to residents.
“Decisions were being made about our future with no communication or transparency, so I began attending council meetings and voicing my concerns through reasoning and regular attendance. Getting involved has worked. Things are changing.
“Today, I serve on both the Streetscape Committee and the Planning and Zoning Board, and I serve as chairman of the Economic Development Commission (EDC). As the EDC chair, our committee recently launched an online survey and more than 100 surveys were completed in the first week from residents who gave feedback about our downtown business district and their interest in volunteering for future committees. Things are turning in a better direction in Allentown and it needs to continue. That is why I am running for council,” Fritts said.
Hallmark: “I have owned a small business for 20 years which I hope showed my children what life looks like after college. Before settling in Allentown, we lived in a similar small town with lots of open space, but over the years I was dismayed at the un- controlled growth there. Allentown’s buildings, parks and history are so important to me that I want to devote my time in these areas from a municipal perspective.
“For example, many people have said how sad it is to see all the abandoned homes in decay. Along with abandoned properties, our sewer plant needs to be improved. As a councilwoman, I will endorse a new vacant building ordinance and low-interest funding that will result in lower sewer fees.
“I will use my business skills to oversee that we are receiving outstanding services from the engineering and public works departments. I care about the environment and preserving what is great about this borough, so I am asking for the chance to serve on the council,” Hallmark said.
Steinmire: “I felt compelled to run for office due to the rising cost of living in Allentown. I have been watching friends who raised families here move out due to excessive taxes. I have lived in Allentown for 16 years and like many of my neighbors, I want to retire here.
“That being said, municipal costs need to be contained. Building relationships with surrounding communities and increasing shared services with Robbinsville and Upper Freehold will be beneficial for all.
“The village of Allentown is a treasure, nearly 0.6 square miles in area, found in the most densely populated state in the country. It is essential that we preserve Allentown’s historic charm and take the necessary steps to stop encroachment and unnecessary development in and around its borders.
“If elected, additional issues I would address include traffic and speed control on borough roads with stricter enforcement of the speed limit and diverting commercial traffic around Allentown, replacing or updating the deteriorating water and sewer systems, establishing transparency in local government, creating a positive business climate, and increasing parking for the business district,” Steinmire said.
Strovinsky: “I have been involved with local town organizations and talking with residents and I see a lot of hard work being done to make Allentown a better place for all. I was inspired to get more actively involved in the decision-making process and look to enhance the good work and assist in addressing the hard issues the current council is facing.
“We need to address water and sewer (system) replacement issues, abandoned and foreclosed properties that require upkeep, and improved communications with Upper Freehold and Robbinsville to use shared services, including everything from town maintenance support to offering enrichment programs for our residents,” Strovinsky said.