This year, the Holmdel Township Committee has placed three public questions on Holmdel’s Nov. 2 general election ballot. I am urging Holmdel residents to vote “yes” on all three of these important initiatives.
The first question would increase funding to acquire and maintain open space and farmland. The proposed increase is only $70 per year on the average home, but it would raise a meaningful $1.5 million per year in new funding. This initiative has been endorsed by the Monmouth Conservation Foundation.
The second question would increase retirement benefits for the township’s first responders. The cost of this initiative is minimal, but the effect will be tremendous for our volunteer fire and EMS members.
The third question would establish a charter commission to look at Holmdel’s government. I strongly believe the mayor should be elected by the people of Holmdel and not by the Township Committee.
This initiative is a unique opportunity for our community to explore modernizing our outdated and dysfunctional form of government; with any proposed changes subject to future voter approval.
Please join me in supporting these important initiatives to continue putting Holmdel first.
Greg Buontempo
Mayor
Holmdel