Vote for Kevin on June 3rd

CONTINUE THE PROGRESS

  Myths vs. Reality

 Learn the Facts Here!

You may have seen or heard some of the political mudslinging that has occurred during he Township’s mayoral race. We’ve also been dealing with it off and on during the national Presidential campaign. While it may be entertaining for some folks, many voters are very tired of these unproductive and selfish tactics.

If you’re sure about the facts, then please click here to return "home." At my home page, you can read about serious issues within the Township, my achievements and service to our community, and what I’ll do for you as Mayor.

 And if you need a dose of reality, please read on…

Candidates who make “wild claims” about an opponent often do this because they lack original thinking. No solutions. No consideration for taxpayers who need and deserve real leadership.  My opponent tells you what is wrong with our Township and who is to blame. Unfortunately he spends time telling stories without facts or evidence instead of outlining plans and actions to address our Township's issues. 

Myth #1

Other towns will flock to join our new Municipal Court and it would become a profit making venture for the Township.

Fact #1

We did expect other towns to join, since our quoted fees for membership were lower than the fees charged by the new North Court. Most importantly, though, we designed our new court to succeed financially even if no other town joined us.  So far other towns haven’t joined although Union Township already introduced an ordinance to share our court.  Within the first quarter, our new court has succeeded beyond our initial goals. While the old North Court employed 7-9 people to manage its affairs, we only employ 2 people who efficiently run a business the same size as all of North Court. Based on activities to date, our 2 staff are managing an operation with projected annual revenues of $1,000,000. In April, the Clinton Township Municipal Court posted $90,000 in revenue and retained $23,000 for its ongoing management. That reads like very good planning to me!  We work for you, our residents and taxpayers, and this is a great example of our conservative fiscal planning.

Myth #2

By creating our own court, we’re breaking up a relationship which had served the Township well for fifty years!

Fact #2

On December 31, 2007, the North Court ended because the agreement among the participating towns expired. There was no provision for renewal. For nearly two yeas prior to expiration, the 10 towns worked on a new plan we could all support. Clinton Township extended its required "notice time" to keep everyone working on the plan for several more months. Some of the towns realized that Clinton Township could not justify losing over $60,000 annually under the old plan. Finally we had a new plan and it went to vote. It had to be unanimously accepted to be instituted.  Although Nick Corcodilos and I voted for the new plan, it was defeated by the Lebanon Boro representative. It was late in the game, and the NJ Administrative Office of the Courts advised us that we needed our own court or Clinton Township could be left without a court in 2008. In addition to establishing our court, we continue to work cooperatively with the New North Court to adjudicate any remaining cases.

Myth #3

The cost of a North Court divided by ten would certainly be less than the cost of a new court divided by one.

Fact #3

As noted in Myth #1, the Clinton Township Municipal Court is structured more efficiently since we could design it differently based on 10 years of experience. Our costs are $150,000 lower than the $330,000 we were spending on the old North Court. They would still be lower if we had been able to join the new North Court, which wasn’t even an option for us. Bottom line is that we now have the data to prove the benefit, which can be found in public documents, including our monthly vouchers and reports to the AOC. The evidence exists. Furthermore, Marvin Joss, our Township Administrator, would be happy to discuss our new court’s success and financial results. Just give him a call at 908-735-8800.

Myth #4

The Township was going to spend $12 million for a new municipal building "to solve a $65,000 problem."

Fact #4

A group of petitioners claimed that the Township was spending $12 million on a new municipal building. Well, we all know that was nonsense. The petition was defeated because furious residents pulled their signatures after learning the truth. The building actually cost $2 million and monthly payments are covered by savings created by our new court.

Here is the math taxpayers need to know. The Township didn’t spend a lump sum of $2 million on the new building. Just like a homeowner taking a mortgage, we borrowed the money and we’re paying it off in monthly installments. Those carrying costs are lower than the $150,000 annual savings derived by managing our own court.  In addition, relocating staff to create more space at the existing facility on Route 31 resulted in two important benefits: Our police department now has the space it needs to operate safely and efficiently and we also have space for our new court, which yields the savings that cover our costs. Due to conservative and sensible planning, we are helping taxpayers to keep municipal costs down!

Myth #5

Clinton Township is obligated in 2008 to pay our share of the lease for the North Hunterdon Municipal Court building, which is about $100,000. And the administration is refusing to pay.

Fact #5

Ok, here is the math and the real deal.  Our contract at the old North Court required the Township to pay our share of the lease for that court’s building through April 30, 2008. The agreement is readily available as part of public records. Check it out yourself. So how much do we owe for 4 months’ rent in 2008? Total annual rent for the building is $80,000, then divided by 12 months and times 4 months brings us to $26,667. Clinton Township's portion is 36%, or $9,600. Now what about not paying the rent?  Truth is that the new North Court is holding surplus funds that are due to Clinton Township, pending reconciliation of all payments and charges. The new North Court will receive any rent the Township owes by deducting it from the surplus owed to the Township. Now isn’t that reasonable? Just plain facts and simple math.

Myth #6

The administration is "faking" reduced municipal taxes by deferring payment to the Township's creditors. Financial stability is all smoke and mirrors.

Fact #6

Our finances are audited annually. The Township observes all financial principles for responsible accounting practices. The Township pays its bills as contracted. Anyone who has evidence of illegal dealings by the Township is obligated to contact the Attorney General's office for a full investigation.  But that’s too much work. It’s far simpler to just sling mud, toss innuendo, cast doubts, and obscure important issues. Take a strong look at the people who engage in this behavior. Where is the substance? Do you hear or read an original thought for managing our needs and challenges? Do you find any strategies, ideas, and planning to undertake a solution to the new COAH rules?  Or lead the joint action of local towns to address the COAH rules in court? Or ensure implementation of our new wastewater management plan? Or develop a collaborative effort among administrators and municipal officials to improve efficiencies and reduce costs within our school system?

As your Mayor, you can depend on the same energy, creativity, dedication, and fiscal conservatism that I have invested as your Council President. I understand the needs and challenges of our Township, and I am committed to ensuring a strong community for all residents.