In what looks like a concession speech more than a political ad, Committeeman John J. Novak placed a quarter page ad in the September 27th Beacon. In the headline Novak cries "I could have done nothing." If you didn't see it, the Committeeman is now trying to paint himself the victim for attacking our Gay & Lesbian community and our childrens' school district. But bottom line is that Committeeman Novak broke a promise to the people of Barnegat, and he raised taxes. He did nothing to keep his promise. What could he have done?

He could have voted against the Township's budget that raised taxes -- he didn't. He showed no courage. His vote clearly reflects that. Committeeman Morano had courage. He stood up for the people of Barnegat and voted NO to a tax increase.

What else could Novak have done? He could have supported Committeeman Morano when he wanted to reduce the overall valuation for every member of our community across the board. Now that would have shown courage. Morano wanted to reduce our assessments to reflect a fair value as the Home Market had declined right after the re-assessment was complete. What did Novak do -- nothing. In fact Novak, speaking as a lawyer, told the press that the Township could not help the tax payer, as Committeeman Morano wanted to. Thanks a lot for the help, Committeeman Novak!

What else could Novak have done? In January 2007 DowntownBarnegat.com ran a Poll where the majority of people thought their re-assessment was unfair. What did Novak do? Nothing. The people asked for help, but Novak showed no courage. He sat by silently for over 7 months until he grandstanded and stopped a final payment to the re-assessment company. Where have you been since January, Committeeman Novak? The people of Barnegat could have used you!

What else could Novak have done? In his concession speech ad, Committeeman Novak states "I did not have to tackle controversial issues..." That's right, he didn't. What did Committeeman Novak do when the Township broke its committment to the good people involved with our town's Heritage Day? That's right you guessed it...Novak did nothing. Committeeman Novak also did nothing to improve our quality of life as our Youth Center was closed, our playground was ripped down, and our infrastructure crumbles. These issues were too controversial for Committeeman Novak to handle. He showed no courage as he ran away from them, as he refused to speak to us about these issues. Yes once again, Novak did nothing.

What is most disturbing about Novak's ad is that he is trying to put himself on the same level as the "good people" of Barnegat that have been fighting to preserve our quality of life. As if he's not the one responsible for the decisions in this town!! Novak says "Speaking out and taking a stand has not been, and will not be without its cost." For those of us who have actually had the courage to speak truth to power, we say to you Committeeman Novak -- we need a leader Sir, not a whiner. What price have you paid?

You have shown no courage and you have done nothing. Attacking same-sex couples and attacking our childrens' school district shows no courage. You do it for one reason, and one reason only. You do it to get votes. All the "good people" of Barnegat speak out for the betterment of this town's quality of life. That's what this website is dedicated to. And what is it again that you have done to help these "good people"...NOTHING.