MANALAPAN — Two candidates are waging a race for one three-year term on the Manalapan Township Committee that will be on the ballot on Election Day, Nov. 3. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Democrat David Kane and Republican Rebecca Ginsberg are bidding for the seat.
The winner of the election will join the governing body in January and replace Republican Ryan Green, who was defeated by Ginsberg in the June primary.
If Ginsberg wins, Republicans will maintain a 5-0 majority on the committee. If Kane wins, the Democrats will have a minority voice in local government.
Kane, 32 of Manalapan, is an attorney.
Ginsberg, 55, owns a graphic arts services business.
Kane said Manalapan needs a new perspective on the Township Committee. He said the governing body needs a representative who understands the needs of today’s families and has a vested interest in securing the town’s future.
“As a father with a growing family, I will bring the long-term vision to the committee that is currently missing,” Kane said. “I want to preserve Manalapan and ensure it remains a place where we can raise our children.”
Ginsberg said she is seeking a seat on the committee to continue contributing to what she called the community’s positive atmosphere.
“I have served this community as a volunteer in many ways in the years I have lived here,” she said. “I feel I can accomplish even more if I were serving on the Township Committee.”
One issue the current members of the governing body are dealing with is the Manalapan Crossing project. A developer has proposed building a mixed use commercialresidential project at Route 33 and Millhurst Road.
Residential uses are not permitted on that property, but the committee has introduced an ordinance that, if adopted, would permit residential uses on that land under certain conditions. The committee is expected to consider the ordinance for adoption on Nov. 10.
Kane said he is opposed to the proposed project. He said the committee is seeking to rezone the property to include up to 600 apartments.
“The committee attempts to justify the project by arguing the township will raise new ratables, but ignores the negative effects the project will have on traffic, roads, congestion, noise and property values,” Kane said.
“More importantly, it is unclear whether the township actually will net any new taxes after services are provided to the residents (of Manalapan Crossing), which would leave our pockets empty while diminishing our quality of life. … I will stand up to the Committee and oppose unprincipled development,” he said.
Kane said if the ordinance permitting residential uses at the Manalapan Crossing site is adopted before he joins the governing body, he would still stand by his opinion.
“One person cannot change (something) alone,” he said. “The bigger point is to send a signal to say we cannot just go through with projects without the consideration of the residents’ quality of life.”
Ginsberg said any defined opinion regarding Manalapan Crossing is premature. She said if the land at Route 33 and Millhurst
Road is rezoned to permit residential uses and the developer submits an application, the Planning Board will hold hearings and listen to public input about the project, as will the Township Committee.
“What I will not do in office is give an opinion about something before we have the facts just to pander the public,” she said. “I will look at whatever project finally emerges after the public has spoken and I will act based on what I believe is best for the people of Manalapan.”
Kane said two issues he would find important to address if he is elected are property taxes and drug abuse in the community.
He said Manalapan residents have been dealt tax increases in recent years and he said the town lacks a program that would prevent the spread of drug use among Manalapan’s youth.
“During the budget process, we need to make sure we cut any unnecessary spending and look closely at the manner in which we spend our money,” Kane said. “We should consider opportunities to generate commercial ratables that add to our tax revenue without decreasing our quality of life.
“Manalapan, like Monmouth County as a whole, has a growing drug problem. While we need to avoid unnecessary spending, preventing drug use is critical to building a positive future for Manalapan and stopping the expanding use of drugs,” he said.
Ginsberg said recreation and drug issues are two topics she would like to oversee as a committee member. She said providing facilities for adult recreation would be beneficial to the community.
“We have a community that is older than it was when I moved in and the people whose children are off to college or getting married want to remain active and in good shape,” Ginsberg said.
She said she also wants to work to keep taxes low while providing the services necessary for Manalapan to grow as a community.
“We can work with other parts of the community, including the schools, to educate, enforce and prevent drugs from becoming the serious problem it is in neighboring communities,” Ginsberg said.
— Contact P.J. Candido at [email protected]