By Matthew Sockol
Staff Writer
MILLSTONE – Two Democrats and two Republicans in Millstone Township will seek a pair of three-year terms on the Township Committee this year.
The current terms of Republicans Michael Kuczinski and Fiore Masci will end on Dec. 31. Kuczinski is serving as mayor during 2017 and Masci is serving as deputy mayor.
According to Township Clerk Maria Dellasala, Kuczinski and Masci, and Democrats Ray Dothard and Thomas Cantalice have filed nominating petitions to run for seats on the governing body.
Cantalice and Kuczinski did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Dothard, a retired aviator and Vietnam War veteran, has been a resident of Millstone for more than 25 years. He is making his fourth bid for a seat on the committee. This year, he was appointed as a permanent member of the Millstone Township Veterans Memorial Council.
“When I moved (to Millstone), it was a growing town,” Dothard said. “Now it has become stagnant. Once a town becomes stagnant, it is on its way to decline. This is evident in the local housing market and the decreasing school population. The more the township’s population trends down, it will be unable to support commercial development and businesses. If elected, I will bring a much needed different voice to the committee.”
Masci, the president and an owner of FancyHeat Corporation in Somerset, has been a resident of Millstone for 19 years. He is seeking his third term on the committee.
“My family and I love everything this town has to offer,” Masci said. “We want to keep improving important family quality of life issues. Having top rated schools, keeping Millstone from being overbuilt and protecting our environment is paramount to make sure this town remains beautiful.
“We do not want Millstone turned into those towns that have house upon house and strip mall on top of strip mall. We are a jewel among all the other towns in Monmouth County and want to keep it that way,” he said.
Republicans hold all five seats on the Township Committee.