WINNER: Robert D. Clifton:
Cut Taxes and Spending: As Freeholder Director I brought in a budget in 2011 that not held the tax rate at zero but also reduced spending by $1.9 million. Finally, reducing regulations, which will spur economic growth and create jobs.
WINNER: Robert D. Clifton:
Yes, the State should. We have too many failing public schools.
WINNER: Robert D. Clifton:
Absolutely. We must level the playing field when it comes to school funding. 31 districts cannot receive 50% of all State Education Aid while the remaining 574 rural and suburban schools struggle to maintain their programs.
WINNER: Robert D. Clifton:
I support regional planning that involves Local, County and State government representatives in a process. We must encouraging growth in designated areas that have the infrastructure support system.
As a Freeholder we have had an aggressive open space and farmland preservation program.
WINNER: Robert D. Clifton:
I do support it and we must continue to strive to create clean energy that lessens our demand on foreign sources of energy.
WINNER: Robert D. Clifton:
I support the current TTF Plan that received bi-partisian support. I feel that increase both the gas tax and tolls would hurt New Jersey's struggling economy.
WINNER: Robert D. Clifton:
First, the current school funding formula must be changed. Diverting millions our of 574 districts and sending it to 31 inner city schools is unfair.
I support shared services and as Freeholder Director in Monmouth County I have created many Shared Services opportunities for own towns and other counties.
WINNER: Robert D. Clifton:
That is a great question and I can honestly say that I do not know. In these tough times people are worried about the future and that can lead to fear sometimes that leads to a lack of tolerance. We as elected officials need to take a step back and remember that we are here to serve the public and we must do that with conviction of our beliefs but with dignity and respect for others and their points of view.
Full Name:
Robert D. Clifton
Party:
Republican
Incumbent:
No
Phone:
(732) 566-6986
Education:
Political Science (Bachelor's), Rider University
Political Science (Master's) University of Richmond, Va.
Public Service:
Mayor, Borough of Matawan - 1996 to 2005
Freeholder, County of Monmouth - 2005 to Present, current freeholder director
former member, Matawan Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment; former member, Matawan Board of Health; former member, Monmouth County Board of Drug & Alcohol Abuse Services; former chair, Bayshore Conference of Mayors
WINNER: Ronald S. Dancer :
The priorities are: Reducing Taxes; reducing regulations; and producing JOBS. Reducing Taxes: Continue to be a voice and vote against new taxes, evidenced by my Assembly voting record of 115 NO votes. Reducing Regulations: Supporting and sponsoring legislation to enact the recommendations of the Lt Gov's Red Tape Review Group, as well as the NJ Business Action Center's BRRAG program and the NJ Economic Development Auth. Producing JOBS: More JOB opportunities and JOB security must be the priority
WINNER: Ronald S. Dancer :
No student in our State should be trapped in a chronically failing school.
WINNER: Ronald S. Dancer :
We must end the practice of sending more than 50% of all State Education Aid to just 31 inner city schools, while the remaining 574 rural and suburban schools divide up less than 50% of what is left. School tax dollars are an estimated 65% of our highest in the nation property taxes.
WINNER: Ronald S. Dancer :
I support Smart Growth Planning that engages and involves Local, County and State government representatives in a process that results in a Planning Policy Guide, rather than a State mandated Zoning Document with emphasis on encouraging growth in designated, agreed upon areas that have the infrastructure support system. Incentives to encourage this Smart Growth should include priority for grant funding programs and an expedited permitting process. I have a 100% voting record for the funding of our Green Acres and Farmland Preservation programs. Constitutionally, voter approval is needed.
WINNER: Ronald S. Dancer :
Considering that renewable alternative forms of green energy are, presently, only 4% of total energy production, I not only support an Energy Master Plan with a 22.5% goal, but to maintain New Jersey's National leadership role in Solar and other forms of renewable energy, it is in our best interests, both economically and environmentally, to provide incentives to reach a 30% goal by 2021.
WINNER: Ronald S. Dancer :
I support Governor Christie's TTF Plan that continues to provide no less than the $1.6 Billion per year and the $200 million for local roads without increasing the Gas Tax and was approved in this year's Budget with bipartisan support.
WINNER: Ronald S. Dancer :
The single largest portion of a property tax bill (64%) is the school tax and by ending the failed funding policy of giving the 31 inner city schools more than 50% of all available state education aid at the expense of the remaining 574 schools in the state, there will be immediate property tax relief.
Additionally, I support shared services; passage of Governor Christie's remaining "Tool Kit" tax reducing measures; and reducing onerous and unsustainable state mandates on schools, towns and counties.
WINNER: Ronald S. Dancer :
There is no place, nor should there be any tolerance, for hate speech and character assassination, printed or stated, in American politics. Be issue oriented or face sanctions.
Full Name:
Ronald S. Dancer
Party:
Republican
Incumbent:
2002 (in District 30)
Phone:
732-901-0702
Birthday:
05/31/1949
Education:
Edward J Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University;
Public Service:
Mayor of Plumsted Township, 1990-present; Ocean County Senior Services Advisory Council, 2002-present; Ocean County Natural Lands and Farmland Preservation Advisory Committee, 1998-present; Ocean County Board of Social Services, 1997-present, current chairman; member, New Egypt Historical Society; member, New Jersey Conference of Mayors; member, New Jersey Farm Bureau
William "Bill" Spedding:
1. Property taxes paid by homeowners and tenants are the highest in the country and must be reduced. NJ schools are consistently ranked among the best in the country and a dramatic increase in State support of education is critical. We must aggressively pursue cost effective job creation efforts which provide lasting benefits to NJ e.g. infrastructure and energy.
William "Bill" Spedding:
Many charter schools have existed for over a decade, yet we hear little about superior academic results and nothing about innovative cost reductions. The funding is the same as the public school and the voters have no say over how the money is spent. If separating students by ability or motivation is the superior educational approach,then why not just do it in public schools now. This form of parental choice is too costly. Shared time could achieve much of the parental choice goals as well as being a cost saving technique.
William "Bill" Spedding:
The State must play a dramatically larger role in funding education. Merely reversing the multi-billion dollar shift from State taxes to property taxes is inadequate. Communities which qualify as Abbott districts tend to load all available payrolls with politically connected appointments. The State must control the allocation of money to focus on educational results.
William "Bill" Spedding:
Although open space should continue to be funded by bonding,the criteria for a seller to qualify for direct payments to preserve open space need to be re-evaluated. We need to be confident that buying the land is not merely bailing out a developer who is in financial trouble or enriching a politically connected speculator. Only buildable land should be acquired or preserved. If it is not buildable it will not be developed anyway. Only long term non-corporate owners should qualify.
William "Bill" Spedding:
I do not agree with the Governor’s rollback of the renewable energy goals of the master plan. If “Christie does what Christie says” he would be aggressively implementing the existing plan. We could also stimulate job growth if the State aggressively promoted energy conservation improvements. We cannot wait 10 years to end the thermal pollution of Barnegat Bay from the Oyster Creek Nuclear Plant.
William "Bill" Spedding:
A Motor fuel tax increase should be legislated now, but the effective date should be deferred for several years. This “advance notice” would give buyers a chance to evaluate their choice of vehicle. In the interim, general obligation bonds should fund improvements. We should consider local Trusts to target traffic congestion at intersections. These accounts should be funded by higher Registration fees/taxes on newly registered vehicles. The increase should be much higher for vehicles with low EPA ratings.
William "Bill" Spedding:
Shifting over $6 billion from the State tax payers to property tax payers is not a Fair Deal. Increasing the State’s share of the burden well above past levels is critical to fairness. For the middle class, property tax relief requires full Homestead Benefit Credits for all owners of existing homes to be built into the assessments just as farm land assessments are. Local government is much more political and wasteful than State government. This requires strong incentives to consolidate services and improve efficiency.
William "Bill" Spedding:
The national trend to demonize opponents must end. By providing answers to meaningful questions” NJ Spotlight” reduces the value of undesirable discourse and raises voter awareness of key policy issues. Should a Governor who calls the elimination of billions of dollars in Homestead Benefit Credits and major reductions in State aid “dumb issues” be asked if he is improving public discourse in NJ? Candidates should show leadership in discourse by focusing on governmental programs rather than character assassination.
Full Name:
William Spedding (Bill)
Party:
Democrat
Incumbent:
No
Phone:
732-705-7775
Education:
Saint Peter's College
BS Political Science
Public Service:
Jackson Citizens Budget Advisory Committee, present;
Catherine Tinney Rome:
Property taxes, Jobs/Economy, Education.
Catherine Tinney Rome:
I do not think that vouchers and/or charter schools are the answer to improving New Jersey's educational system. They divert money and attention from the public school system. New Jersey must focus on fixing its public schools, and ensuring that there is equal access to good public education for all. Vouchers and charter schools are diversions from this most important goal, and they tend to exclude the most disadvantaged. In addition, as many of the vouchers are for parochial schools, this gives the appearance of tacit endorsement of religion.
Catherine Tinney Rome:
The system of reliance on property taxes for school funding must be overhauled. This system places a huge burden on property owners. I do not believe we should cut funding for education; we need a well-educated population. A solution might be to reduce our many school districts. Also, New Jersey has a sizable pharmaceutical industry; some of its tax dollars could be transferred to fund training programs. This would not be an additional tax--merely a transfer of some tax revenue. This is a complicated issue; serious, reasoned discourse by independent thinkers is needed.
Catherine Tinney Rome:
Yes. Bonds are a good way to fund preservation. There, are of course, other avenues to be explored. Again, open, honest discussion by independent thinkers is needed.
Catherine Tinney Rome:
I most definitely would support more lofty goals for conservation and renewable energy. We should begin to focus on solar and wind energy. These sources are domestically produced, do not appear to have any adverse environmental or health consequences, and do not result in emission of hazardous pollutants. This would result in the creation of green jobs, which would be a boon to New Jersey's economy. In tandem with renewable energy sources, New Jersey should adopt a very strong energy conservation policy.
Catherine Tinney Rome:
As a long-time commuter, I know first-hand that our infrastructure is, indeed, crumbling. Over-taxed New Jersey citizens would balk at a higher gas tax. Continued bonding could prove successful. Public-private partnerships could be the best way to address the NJ Transportation Trust Fund under-funding, and begin repair of our crumbling infrastructure. This has been ignored for too long, and is very dangerous.
Catherine Tinney Rome:
Establish full Homestead Benefit Credits for all owners of existing homes. Reduce the burden on all property tax payers by dramatically increasing state aid in 2012. Close loopholes that let wealthy opportunists evade their fair share of property taxes by exploiting Farmland Assessment and Preservation programs. A reduction in our many school districts is also worth discussion and pursuing.
Catherine Tinney Rome:
New Jersey citizens need leaders ready to fight for a fair deal for all. They need to know that their representatives are truly representing them and their interests, and are not merely career politicians interested only in the next election. The legislature needs independent thinkers with open minds. Legislators must be accessible and responsive to their constituents. Honesty, transparency, and reasoned, intelligent discourse must be the rule. People want to know that their concerns are heard, that they are respected. Then, public discourse will improve. I vow to be that representative.
Full Name:
Catherine Tinney Rome
Party:
Democratic
Incumbent:
No
Phone:
732-432-7723
Birthday:
03/20/55
Education:
Some college
Public Service:
No elected positions.
e.thePeople
