PLUMSTED – Two incumbent members of the Township Committee are seeking re-election on Nov. 3. Republicans Jack Trotta and Eric Sorchik are running unopposed for three-year terms.
Trotta, 52, is serving as Plumsted’s mayor in 2015, and Sorchik, 63, is serving as the deputy mayor.
The candidates were asked why they are seeking re-election and to highlight the issues Plumsted will face in the next three years that will need oversight and action by the governing body.
In his comments, Sorchik said, “My decision to run for the Township Committee is based on the commitment to maintain our community’s current standard of fiscally responsible, efficient and ethical government that is open and accessible to the citizens of Plumsted.
“As a member of the committee, I will continue to focus on public safety issues. Plumsted has one of the lowest crime rates in Ocean County. By working closely with our emergency responders, I will see that that record continues.
“Additionally, by fostering responsible stewardship of our land, we will keep the community affordable and still maintain our land preservation and recreation programs.
“One of the ongoing issues facing the committee over the next three years will be the oversight of the downtown redevelopment project, which will include the building of a waste water treatment plant and the installation of sewers in the downtown area.
“The committee has been pursuing this endeavor for many years, to provide a sewage system for downtown residents and businesses alike, which in many cases have difficulty with their current septic systems. This will be accomplished without taxing residents who do not receive a direct benefit from the sewers,” Sorchik said.
In his comments, Trotta said, “Over the next few years, Plumsted will hopefully be implementing its long sought after sewers in the downtown New Egypt area. This is a vitally needed service in that area as the septic tanks and cesspools are failing, resulting in raw sewage being dumped into the lake and creek.
“The (waste water treatment plant) plan that has been submitted to the state will result in a much cleaner environment then we currently have. We are currently looking into low-cost financing for individuals and businesses who will hook up to the sewer system.
“The planned retirement development (adult community) is moving along in its planning. We are hopeful the developer will be breaking ground in the near future and this development will become a reality.
“This development will bring 800 to 1,000 residents to shop in our stores, helping our local economy, yet since this is an age-restricted development there will be no additional students added to the school system.
“I decided to run for election this year so I can help shape the future of these projects and the town in general,” Trotta said.
All five members of the Township Committee are Republicans. In addition to Trotta and Sorchik, Michael Wysong, Vince Lotito and Herb Marinari serve on the governing body.