By Matthew Sockol
Staff Writer
FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP – Two Democrats and two Republicans have announced their intention to seek a pair of three-year terms on the Township Committee in Freehold Township this year.
Democrats Richard Pelaia and Alexander Wisienski will seek the seats that are currently held by Republicans Lester Preston and David Salkin. Preston and Salkin are seeking re-election.
Pelaia, who has lived in the township for 12 years, works as a recruitment consultant and is making his second bid for public office in Freehold Township. He previously ran in 2016. He did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Preston, who is serving as mayor this year, has been a lifelong resident of Freehold Township. He is retired from his position as treasurer and chief financial officer of a marketing agency. Preston joined the committee in 2015.
“Having been home to my family for over 80 years, we have seen firsthand how much this township has to offer,” Preston said. “Our quality of life services are among the best in the state.
“We continue to provide cost-effective essential services to an increasingly metropolitan area while maintaining a small-town atmosphere. We do this by effectively developing a budget that encompasses the use of shared services, a proactive staffing philosophy, self-insurance and aggressive debt retirement strategies.
“Communities like ours do not happen by accident. It is hard work and requires the collective efforts of all of our citizens. It is the dedication of ordinary people who create the fabric of our community and are major part of what makes Freehold Township the family town it is,” Preston said.
Salkin, who is serving as deputy mayor this year, has been a lifelong resident of Freehold Township. He joined the committee in 1994. Following a career in the jewelry business he is now a full-time author.
“As a lifelong resident of Freehold Township, I have a connection to this community and consider it a very special place,” Salkin said. “The biggest challenge over the years has been controlling growth while adhering to municipal land use laws that allow for development.
“We have done this very well while meeting our affordable housing obligations, which have been extremely impactful all over the state. With the architectural controls ordinance and long-term planning, the master plan of the township makes sense and it has protected the township for decades.
“We continue to work with the state and county to seek road improvements because traffic is obviously the biggest issue in the region. With Freehold Township dating back to 1693, all roads lead to Freehold and the challenges are never-ending.
“That said, our infrastructure is sound and we stay on top of our own roads with our yearly overlay program. We also have one of the largest municipal water utilities in the state, guaranteeing our residents safe water at one of the best water rates anywhere,” Salkin said.
Wisienski, a retired bus operator for the New York City Transit Authority, has resided in Freehold Township for 19 months. He is making his first bid for Township Committee.
Wisienski said he was active in politics in Staten Island and served on boards and commissions.
“I decided to run for Township Committee because I would like to pursue options on a few ideas for taxable growth and savings,” Wisienski said. “I also believe in transparency.
“I understand at least one idea has been brought forth, but never acted on. That is the ‘shop local’ program. I would like to inform the public on its importance and benefits for our residents while also encouraging our small businesses of potential benefits for them.
“Another is my interest to find how our taxes can be spent more wisely,” Wisienski said. “For example, our Fire District No. 1 budget has been cut by some $239,000. We have a volunteer fire district with members risking their lives for free, yet we can’t provide a budget to keep them safe and happy? I would like to look into that further to see where more progressive changes can be made in order to maintain a well equipped fire company.
“When one party has total control of a town for over 40 years, governing can become sloppy and neglectful to the point we are in now with virtually no oversight, no accountability, no transparency. Complacency leads the party, the politicians, to believe they deserve to be in charge and they deserve to be re-elected just by virtue of longevity,” Wisienski said. “Our residents deserve to have a better idea who is working for them, who is making decisions and what those decisions are that affect their lives.”
Republicans hold all five Township Committee seats.