QUESTION 1:
It is unsafe for our residents to have to walk in the streets. Babies in carriages and people in wheelchairs should not be forced into the street. Will you make safe sidewalks a priority for all of Barnegat?
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REPUBLICAN RESPONSE
Melchiondo/Cirulli/Novak
Melchiondo:
(Mr. Melchiondo chose not to answer this question).
Cirulli:
(Mr. Cirulli chose not to answer this question).
Novak:
(Mr. Novak chose not to answer this question).
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DEMOCRATIC RESPONSE
Coulter/Jackson/Ryan
Coulter:
Repairs to sidewalks and streets that are the Township's responsibility should be made a priority throughout the community. Furthermore, the downtown area is critical to the overall history of Barnegat and defines what makes this Township unique from the surrounding municipalities. It is important to preserve this history for not only those who reside in the downtown area but for every resident in the township for the identity it provides.
Jackson:
Absolutely, this is one of my top priorities. To that end, I have already inquired of the Township Committee as to why they did not insist that sidewalks be laid when they were installing the sewers on Route 9. The current committee's response to my question was, "It was too expensive." How can something be too expensive if it is a safety issue? One of my goals is to be responsive to residents' needs prior to them becoming a crisis. Adequate sidewalks and the safety they provide is definitely a quality of life issue that needs to be addressed immediately. Government should always be a two way street (no pun intended) where input from its citizens is taken seriously.
Ryan:
I believe that citizens of Barnegat should be able to safely walk the streets of their town and would certainly investigate how best to accomplish this goal.
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INDEPENDENT RESPONSE
Matt Lightbody
Lightbody:
And you are correct.. If elected I will see that sidewalks and walkways are installed in the proper areas of Barnegat to make our residents safe of traffic.
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QUESTION 2:
Many of our streets have not been repaved after they have been dug up on several occasions. It has been reported in the paper that money was set aside to repave some of these streets, yet they remain unpaved. Where did this money go? And will you see to it that this much-needed street repaving finally gets done?
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REPUBLICAN RESPONSE
Melchiondo/Cirulli/Novak
Melchiondo:
(Mr. Melchiondo chose not to answer this question).
Cirulli:
(Mr. Cirulli chose not to answer this question).
Novak:
(Mr. Novak chose not to answer this question).
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DEMOCRATIC RESPONSE
Coulter/Jackson/Ryan
Coulter:
When I left office in 2003 there were funds set aside for the purpose of repaving the streets you are referring to. In fact, we had a streetscape on file with input from residents, professionals and elected officials. Unfortunately, I'm not sure what the current administration did with the funds or the plans. We need a five year plan in place for road maintenance as the town once had and yes, the state of the roads in your area have been neglected for years and should be scheduled next year.
Jackson:
I also question where the money went! A township whose budget has increased 69% as a result of new development bringing in new tax dollars should have enough money to pave the streets. It's inexcusable that our streets are in disrepair. One of my first missions when elected will be to find out what has been done with our money. Using my budget knowledge and planning skills, the new 2007 budget will include money to keep our infrastructure in good shape. It's not enough to have a plan that includes the installation and repair of sidewalks, roads and parks but reasonable time limits for getting these projects from drawing board to reality is just as important. That is my goal for 2007.
Ryan:
Where did the money go? I have no answer for that question! I have experienced some terrible road conditions as I go about driving around our town. Our infrastructure is aging and needs to be upgraded.
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INDEPENDENT RESPONSE
Matt Lightbody
Lightbody:
Yes I would see to it. This money and other monies have been set aside for projects in this town and they have not been done. If elected I will research and see where all the monies for projects went and have all projects that should have been done (DONE). If monies are missing you will all read about it as soon as possible. I SWEAR TO THAT.
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QUESTION 3:
The Superintendent of Schools, Thomas McMahon, said that the playground behind Edwards School (the only playground for children and their families downtown to safely walk to) had to be ripped down and replaced with a football field (for a non-school related group) because the township "doesn't provide adequate fields for recreation". What will you do for the children - especially toddlers - who lost the only downtown playground they had?
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REPUBLICAN RESPONSE
Melchiondo/Cirulli/Novak
Melchiondo:
(Mr. Melchiondo chose not to answer this question).
Cirulli:
(Mr. Cirulli chose not to answer this question).
Novak:
(Mr. Novak chose not to answer this question).
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DEMOCRATIC RESPONSE
Coulter/Jackson/Ryan
Coulter:
We still have an opportunity to locate a playground at the Edwards School site and as an elected official I would follow-up on this with school officials and if the action fails we will find another property where a playground can be located. There is always fierce competition for the too few areas Barnegat has for recreation and direct communication between recreation groups, neighborhood residents and Township Committee members is a must in order to address needs and concerns. It's interesting that school officials had to take the lead in recreation and not the township committee - it should have at least have been a joint effort.
Jackson:
As the grandmother of a 2 year old, I understand how important parks, specifically safe parks within walking distance, are for families. As we are all aware, there has been tremendous development occurring within Barnegat. As part of the process, these developers are required to pay money into the Township Recreation Fund. Again my question is where did this money go?? There seems to have been misguided uninformed planning on the part of the current committee. They are out of touch with the wants and needs of all the residents of Barnegat. I believe that there should be pocket parks in each neighborhood that are within walking distance of our homes. As this is a large and expensive undertaking I must go back to the question of where is all the developer's money going? They need to show us where that money is and account for the usage. We need to create realistic recreation for all of our citizens, and especially for our children and grandchildren.
Ryan:
Places for our families to go, in safety, for recreation is a major concern of mine. I was pleased to see Project Playground completed and would like to see more areas both downtown and throughout Barnegat made available for all of our residents - both old and young. I know that there are many 'pocket parks' in this Township that are in need of refurbishing and I certainly would work toward that goal.
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INDEPENDENT RESPONSE
Matt Lightbody
Lightbody:
We need a playground that is convenient for our children to play.
I would have to look at all areas that is available and that is safe and convenient for the location you are talking about. And yes I would like to see this done. Our kids need recreation.
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QUESTION 4:
At the end of the year, we will have our Youth Center taken away from the children of Barnegat. What will you do to replace this loss to the children that live within walking distance to this recreational resource?
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REPUBLICAN RESPONSE
Melchiondo/Cirulli/Novak
Melchiondo:
(Mr. Melchiondo chose not to answer this question).
Cirulli:
(Mr. Cirulli chose not to answer this question).
Novak:
(Mr. Novak chose not to answer this question).
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DEMOCRATIC RESPONSE
Coulter/Jackson/Ryan
Coulter:
Once again, I have to turn back to the Edwards School and the resource that it can be for the entire community. To become successful - this project would require input and willingness from School Officials and the Township Committee. If elected, I would begin preliminary meetings with leaders throughout Barnegat right after the election rather than wait until after the swearing in so we will be ready on January 1 to move on projects most crucial for our residents.
Jackson:
As a parent and a former teacher, I strongly believe that teenage children should have a safe supervised place to gather close to home. At the same time, there is also a need for our food pantry. But it should never be an either/or situation. As a stop gap measure the Township Committee has made an agreement with Bayside Chapel on West Bay Avenue to allow the teens to use their facility on Friday evenings.
Before taking away the Youth Center I would have set up a Youth Advisory Group made up of parents, teenagers, teachers, and a representative from the Township Committee to discuss why the center was not meeting the needs of our youth and have them come up with ideas and a plan that they all could live with and that meets the needs of our Youth. My goal in 2007 would be to set up this type of committee. By doing this I feel that we could meet the needs of the Youth and the Food Pantry and find a place in downtown Barnegat that would accommodate both groups.
Ryan:
This topic is a multi-faceted issue and asks the question - Do we take care of the needs of the poor of Barnegat by providing the food pantry and the thrift shop with more space or do we provide recreational facilities for our youth? Obviously, we need to do both. I recently learned that the Bayside Chapel is opening their doors to our teens on Friday evenings and that is a first step!
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INDEPENDENT RESPONSE
Matt Lightbody
Lightbody:
First of all we need the youth center and other programs for our kids to keep them off the streets and safe. I would keep the youth center going and ask for volunteers to help do so. The children of today are our future for tomorrow. And it is up to us elected officials to see that this happens and I will.
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QUESTION 5:
Taxpayers could once walk to their voting poll in downtown Barnegat. Now they have to drive to the high school to vote. Do you feel that this is fair to these taxpayers...and will you insist that all Barnegat residents have the right to vote within a reasonable distance from their homes?
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REPUBLICAN RESPONSE
Melchiondo/Cirulli/Novak
Melchiondo:
(Mr. Melchiondo chose not to answer this question).
Cirulli:
(Mr. Cirulli chose not to answer this question).
Novak:
(Mr. Novak chose not to answer this question).
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DEMOCRATIC RESPONSE
Coulter/Jackson/Ryan
Coulter:
The decision of where residents vote is recommended by the Municipal Clerk and approved by the Board of Elections in Toms River. I believe that convenience is critical in motivating people to go to the polls to vote. Barnegat is a growing community and we have seen the polling districts change through the years and I certainly don't agree with three election districts in one location as they currently are in the high school. The polls should always be placed in a central location for the convenience of the voters in the district. I have no problem sharing my opinion with the Clerk and the Board of Election.
Jackson:
While, I believe, it is the Township Clerk who assigns districts to the polling places, the members of the Township Committee can make recommendations to insure residents don't have to travel long distances to vote. Currently, there are 3 districts that vote in the high school lobby. It is pure bedlam, yet no one on the current committee has seen fit to recommend a change. This is just another example of poor planning.
Ryan:
I believe that there are too many districts now voting at the High School and would work to change that crowded polling site.
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INDEPENDENT RESPONSE
Matt Lightbody
Lightbody:
It is not fair. I will work with the County Polling to the best of my ability to see that convenient polling places are setup like it was at the fire house and other areas.It is your right to vote and why not make it convenient for the voter to do so.
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QUESTION 6:
Barnegat Mayor Hartman said that the township would not support Heritage Day, and that it probably would not support it next year either. This is disturbing since this event is funded with no tax dollars and was originally approved of by the Township Committee. Part of the township's commitment when they accepted the gift of the clock from the people of Barnegat was to declare that the 1st Saturday in June would always be Heritage Day, and that the township would insure the event. Heritage Day and the Heritage Clock Project was the most successfully completed project our town has seen in recent years. What would you do to regain the public's trust regarding the mishandling of this great day of town pride by the current Mayor?
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REPUBLICAN RESPONSE
Melchiondo/Cirulli/Novak
Melchiondo:
(Mr. Melchiondo chose not to answer this question).
Cirulli:
(Mr. Cirulli chose not to answer this question).
Novak:
(Mr. Novak chose not to answer this question).
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DEMOCRATIC RESPONSE
Coulter/Jackson/Ryan
Coulter:
I would not hesitate to vote to restore Heritage Day! It is difficult for me to understand why "Heritage Day" was ripped away from the community. It makes absolutely no sense especially since raising funds for the clock was a grassroots effort by the people of Barnegat done with a sense of pride and without the use of tax dollars. And equally disturbing is the fact that there wasn't any communication when you reached out to the Mayor.
Jackson:
The acceptance of the generous donation of this beautiful clock demands that the commitment to Heritage Day be honored. I will work with the Township Committee to make sure that the celebration of Heritage Day is reinstated and create guidelines for its continued practice. I do believe that Heritage Day and Community Day can become ONE event where citizens can gather to celebrate BARNEGAT.
Ryan:
Heritage Day is an opportunity for the Township to show its pride and I believe that this should continue. I would pledge to meet with the committee that developed this celebration to come to a workable solution to this issue.
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INDEPENDENT RESPONSE
Matt Lightbody
Lightbody:
As you stated the 1st Saturday of June is Heritage Day and so be it. It seems when the current committee can't work with a group of volunteers or people they either privatize it or delete it. It will remain that day.And THANK YOU FOR THE BEAUTIFUL CLOCK AND THE WONDERFUL DAY WE ALL ENJOY AS BARNEGAT RESIDENTS.
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QUESTION 7:
Do you feel that our EMS volunteers have been treated fairly, and will you support these dedicated volunteers while they provide efficient ambulance service to all of Barnegat?
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REPUBLICAN RESPONSE
Melchiondo/Cirulli/Novak
Melchiondo:
(Mr. Melchiondo chose not to answer this question).
Cirulli:
(Mr. Cirulli chose not to answer this question).
Novak:
(Mr. Novak chose not to answer this question).
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DEMOCRATIC RESPONSE
Coulter/Jackson/Ryan
Coulter:
Once again - communication was lacking - if you know EMS volunteers you know that they want the best for the residents in the township and that there would have been a way to provide both a paid and volunteer service without insulting the current and past members! Plus, the township committee ignored all the cumulated years of service provided by thousands of volunteers, the countless number of hours volunteers spent away from their families and the many lives saved thanks to this dedication. Township committee members should have at least met with the squad to explain the situation. Instead, committee members made a mockery of the squad including the committee member who boasted about photos taken of the EMS building when the squad was evicted before they had a chance to clean up.
Jackson:
I feel that the township committee did not treat our EMS Volunteers with the respect that they are due. At least one member of the Township Committee should be attending the monthly EMS meetings. This liaison should be the direct line to the Township Committee. Such attendance would enable the members of EMS to have both input by, and representation to, the township, thus enabling their issues to be heard and handled in a timely and effective manner. Timely ambulance service is an unquestionable necessity and I believe that by working together, EMS and the Township Committee can accomplish this.
Ryan:
We have attended a meeting of the First Aid Squad and listened to their issues. Having experienced a need for their services on two occasions, I know of their dedication and hard work. As a dedicated volunteer myself, I do support volunteer organizations and would work with them to resolve all their issues. Without volunteers, Barnegat would be in deep trouble.
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INDEPENDENT RESPONSE
Matt Lightbody
Lightbody:
They have not been treated fairly. I have over 20 years of volunteer emergency service to various communities and know how to work with the volunteers and make all services better for our residents. As for your present committee they have no experience and turn our services into a circus.
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QUESTION 8:
The loss of convenient garbage pick up has been seen as a big step backwards for Barnegat. When the current contract is up for renewal, will you demand that the winner of the bid uses equipment that will automatically pick up township-issued cans so we can get back the service we used to have, and that other towns currently enjoy? Also - will you negotiate this contract with taxpayer input?
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REPUBLICAN RESPONSE
Melchiondo/Cirulli/Novak
Melchiondo:
(Mr. Melchiondo chose not to answer this question).
Cirulli:
(Mr. Cirulli chose not to answer this question).
Novak:
(Mr. Novak chose not to answer this question).
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DEMOCRATIC RESPONSE
Coulter/Jackson/Ryan
Coulter:
WOW! Talk about major mismanagement. The current administration privatizes trash collection to save money and it costs us more! What a boondoggle! The trash cans that we paid for as taxpayers were sold at fire sale prices to other municipalities with the remainder given away free! If you ever drive through the streets of Atlantic City, say hello to our trash containers because that's where some of them went, as we watch our trash cans roll in the streets of Barnegat. I'm not sure if the biggest insult to the taxpayer is that there aren't savings in the public works budget this year as promised or that the trash hauler uses automatic pickup in other municipalities. Yes, we need to go back to the drawing board to better serve the residents of the community in providing "robo" service as soon as possible while holding down cost.
Jackson:
The Waste Management contract was a debacle from day one. One minute we were told the town was looking into privatizing garbage pickup; the next minute there was a mail notice in the paper telling everyone they have two weeks to buy new garbage cans. There was never any input from the residents and the deal was being made behind closed doors. The fact is Waste Management has the capability of picking up robo cans. And to add insult to injury, it's costing the town more than we were originally told. In addition, the town lost money when it sold the robo cans to other towns. This is another example of shoddy planning and execution. It didn't matter to the township committee that the residents were not happy with this change. They just handed done deal. When elected, I would look all options with regard to the Waste Management Contract and work closely with the tax payers so we can move forward, not backward.
Ryan:
All Township contracts should be negotiated with input from the residents. As we near the conclusion of this current contract, I would ask for bids and thoroughly investigate all aspects of trash pick-up. We do not need the streets of Barnegat strewn with garbage!
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INDEPENDENT RESPONSE
Matt Lightbody
Lightbody:
As you know they have sold the cans. But I would love to see the cans back and the public works put back the way it was. As you see you have not been told how much the contract increased as the homes have increased. We need public input on all moves it is you the public that elected us. And we should honor your input!
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QUESTION 9:
Following the removal of our garbage cans from the township tennis court, this recreational resource has become available again. What should we do with it?
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REPUBLICAN RESPONSE
Melchiondo/Cirulli/Novak
Melchiondo:
(Mr. Melchiondo chose not to answer this question).
Cirulli:
(Mr. Cirulli chose not to answer this question).
Novak:
(Mr. Novak chose not to answer this question).
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DEMOCRATIC RESPONSE
Coulter/Jackson/Ryan
Coulter:
Barnegat Township needs a comprehensive plan for recreation. We need input from representatives from every organized sport in town, from private citizens and from school age children. For example, the skate board park grew out of young people needing a place to skate and was created and designed by skateboarders and certified for safety by experts. It seems that over the past few years, plans are thrown together reactively rather than the committee taking a proactive approach. I spearheaded preserving the 44 acres on Rose Hill Road 4 years ago rather than see it sold to a housing developer as the opposition party wanted to do at the time. We have a recreation commission in town and we should be working with them and to provide well-rounded recreational facilities that can be enjoyed by all ages.
Jackson:
I feel that the park should be fully restored to its original state. It should accommodate football field, softball/baseball field, tennis courts, and a playground area. Most importantly, it should be an area to be enjoyed by all Barnegat residents. Since this park was funded by Green Acres money and specifically designated as a park/recreation area, the usage of this area must always be for recreation.
Ryan:
The tennis courts should be resurfaced and be available for the intended purpose. Not used for parking!
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INDEPENDENT RESPONSE
Matt Lightbody
Lightbody:
I would have the remaining public works crew refurbish and repair the tennis courts for our residents to enjoy. This was the reason for the removal of our garbage pickup to have men to do such tasks. But yet I have not seen any movement toward fixing our playgrounds or parks. Like I said we need safe recreation for our youth and residents.
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QUESTION 10:
Communication with the people of Barnegat is very important. If a taxpayer takes the time to write you a letter or send you an email would you respond to them? And if so, how long should it take you to respond?
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REPUBLICAN RESPONSE
Melchiondo/Cirulli/Novak
Melchiondo:
(Mr. Melchiondo chose not to answer this question).
Cirulli:
(Mr. Cirulli chose not to answer this question).
Novak:
(Mr. Novak chose not to answer this question).
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DEMOCRATIC RESPONSE
Coulter/Jackson/Ryan
Coulter:
COMMUNICATION, COMMUNICATION, COMMUNICATION!!! There is no excuse not to communicate with a resident timely but there are times that the correspondence may not reach the intended recipient and that is why my administration went one step further by holding "Meet the Mayor" meetings at the public library every Wednesday evening from 7:30PM to 9PM. This policy worked but can be improved on by moving the meeting around town for the convenience of our residents.
Jackson:
I agree that communication with the people of Barnegat is very important. The committee members are there to serve you and the lines of communication must always be open. My goal would be to respond within 2 or 3 days from when I received the letter/e-mail. If a request requires research, I would give a date in my response as to when I expect the research will be completed.
Ryan:
Open communication is critical to all citizens - both here in Barnegat and in all other communities. Communication is how we come to understand what is happening and why. I believe that all inquiries should be answered on receipt. However, there are times when this may not be feasible. A response should not be delayed by more than a few days.
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INDEPENDENT RESPONSE
Matt Lightbody
Lightbody:
YES I WOULD RESPOND. SO I SAY ANYWHERE FROM 1 TO 5 DAYS TOPS. Or you can call me at my business line at 660-7736. I have kids and want to make sure I get the message.
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