Final 2008 Election Results

*Dixon   1905

*Citro     1842

Harknett 1834

Farella     1826

Vote For Service, Integrity & Balance

Dear Neighbor,

Having worked with them on the current campaign for the past six months, Ron Dixon and Mike Farella are very deserving of your consideration. They are both passionate about Milltown, the future and the call to serve our Borough. They are willing to listen to any resident and to converse in a positive manner which should not be discounted.

They have offered solutions to many of our problems and are willing to do the necessary work to see their ideas through. In addition, they work well with one another as they come from similar professional backgrounds. They are committed to do what they can to make Milltown a better place and do not take that responsibility lightly.

Milltown is a special place to live, raise a family and we all want to see it stay that way. On Tuesday November 4th, please vote for Ron Dixon and Mike Farella. For your family, my family and the future of Milltown.

Respectfully,

Joseph Pietanza

Secretary

Milltown Democratic Organization

Smoke & Mirrors Budgeting

This is in response to Randy Farkas’ letter of 10/28/08 which appears in the Milltown Voice and addresses the monumental electric utility rate increase suffered by the residents of Milltown this year. Unfortunately, Mr. Farkas does not provide all of the information necessary to properly analyze the actions taken by the council earlier in January of this year. 

During the 2007 campaign, Mr. Farkas and the two Republican Candidates, Mr. Harto and Ms. Waters, criticized the council for utilizing the prior year’s electrical utility surplus to offset the municipal tax increase. It was indicated that the municipal budget should be examined and areas found to control spending. I wholeheartedly agree with each of these sentiments. 

However, what I do not understand is how after criticizing the last council, the present council did exactly the same thing. When imposing an electrical rate increase earlier this year, the council did not limit the increase to the actual bulk rate increase paid by the Borough. Instead, the current council increased the electrical rate to provide for additional surplus from the utility.

This fact is evidenced in the adopted budget which states that in 2007 $773,226.00 of surplus was budgeted, while in 2008 $1,122,800.00 of surplus was budgeted. The $1.1 million figure was introduced with the budget in March 2008, demonstrating that as early as March, the council was aware of the increased profit margin for the utility.

Similarly, in 2007, $881,200.00 of the year’s surplus was utilized in the budget, while in 2008; $531,700.00 of the prior years surplus was utilized in the municipal budget. This means that the 2007 Democratic Majority funded the municipal budget with $1,654,426.00 of electric utility surplus and the 2008 Republican Majority funded the municipal budget with $1,654,500.00 of electrical utility surplus. Almost the same amount.

Clearly, the current council has not taken the necessary steps to curtail municipal spending, for which it criticized its predecessor council. Additionally, the council attempted to hide its funding of the municipal budget through the electrical utility by blaming the prior Democratic Majority for the rate increase. The council cannot continue to balance the budget on the back of the electrical utility. The residents of Milltown deserve better.

Respectfully,

Ronald Dixon

Democratic Candidate for Council

New Firehouse Funding

I am writing in response to Jules Dekovics’ letter of 10/28/08 which appears on the Milltown Voice and addresses statements which I made at the 10/22/08 Candidates Forum concerning the funding of a new Firehouse for Milltown. Let me begin by stating that I have the utmost respect for all the members of the Milltown Volunteer Fire Department. Their role in the protection of the residents of Milltown is invaluable. If my comments caused them any harm, I am truly sorry.

The Nation is currently in the grips of one of the most pressing financial crises of our generation. Residents are facing real life decisions on how they are going to care for their families. In the midst of this crisis, Milltown must address the pivotal issue of providing a new firehouse to permit its volunteer firemen to do their job. It is within this framework that my comments must be examined. 

A new firehouse, while necessary, will be one of the most expensive capital projects that Milltown has undertaken. In light of this fact, all available revenue sources must be examined.

Mr. Dekovics is correct; the Ford Avenue Project is in litigation. For that reason, there is no guarantee that Milltown will receive the $1,000,000.00 offered by the redeveloper of the property. It is for exactly this reason that all available options must be explored. I find it somewhat confusing that I am being criticized for attempting to address this issue, while my opponents offer no constructive input at all. 

Let me repeat, I did not intend to insult the volunteer firemen of Milltown, or in any way belittle their efforts. They provide a service to our residents as well as to the surrounding communities and there is no price that can be placed on this. 

Finally, my inquiries into available grants and funding options were merely an attempt to fully apprize myself of all information necessary to address this pressing need. I certainly do not have the authority to pursue any such grants on behalf of the fire department, nor would I attempt to do so. 

To attack my efforts seems disingenuous. The tone is insincere and unfortunately political. Mr. Dekovics has never approached me on this issue, but I would welcome the opportunity to discuss it with him. I remain committed to my pledge to pursue all available means to provide the Milltown Firemen with the necessary means to protect our residents.

Respectfully,

Michael Farella

Democratic Candidate for Council

Judge For Yourself - Milltown Candidates Forum 10/22/08

http://www.viddler.com/explore/milltowntv/videos/1/

Please click on the link above. Our thanks to Russ Einbinder for putting this together and making it available for anyone interested.

The Milltown Democratic Organization

2008 Milltown Democratic Organization Breakfast Buffet

Please join us at the American Legion Hall on Sunday November 2nd from 7:30AM-12 Noon for an “all you can eat” breakfast buffet. Say hello to our Candidates and enjoy a good start to your day with good friends and good food.

Adults $8

12-18 & 65 & Over $4

Under 12 - Free

A Special Reminder To Vote

Dear Neighbor:

We are running for Council in Milltown because we care deeply for this community and its small town feel. We know how special this town is and we want to dedicate ourselves to keeping it that way. There is a great deal of pride in our town which we believe is disintegrating as more and more families are forced to leave Milltown because of ever increasing property taxes and outrageous utility rate increases. Our residents are hurting financially and are frustrated by the lack of leadership from their local government. “Pride in Milltown” has to be more than just a slogan.

We want to play an active role in meeting our town’s obligations to its residents and in solving our tough issues. As members of the law enforcement community, we have dedicated our lives to people and public service. It’s what we believe in and what we know. 

We believe that hard work and dedication is the only way to succeed in life. We are not career politicians. We believe our integrity and our life experiences are well suited to address the difficult financial problems and community challenges that are now facing Milltown. 

We need a new direction. We believe that we have the leadership skills required to bring positive change. We want to be a part of making that change happen and we are confident in our ability to serve our many neighbors and friends…the people of Milltown. 

On Tuesday, November 4th we have an opportunity to elect two new Councilmen, and we ask for your vote. Milltown’s strength is in its people. Working together as a community, we know we can accomplish so much more in the years to come. 

Thank you for your consideration,

Candidates Michael Farella & Ronald Dixon

Milltown Dems Gear Up For Election

Join the Milltown Democratic Party on Wednesday Oct 8th

Our organization is getting together for a campaign dinner at the American Legion Hall on Wednesday October 8th at 7pm.  We are honoring outgoing and former councilmen for their many productive years of service to our community.

Please join us in congratulating them and help us kick off our campaign for 2008.  We welcome all our Borough Of Milltown, NJ Neighbors.

Welcome To The Milltown Blog

Check back for posts about Milltown NJ political events, issues and community happenings around town. 

We would love to hear from you, so send us a note or blog entry about our community that you would like to contribute.

On this blog you will find the latest information about all the issues facing our community and also information about all the great things that our town has to offer.