First and
foremost, I want to thank the people of Middletown for their engagement in this
year's election. While I’m disappointed in the outcome of my campaign for
Township Committee, I’m incredibly proud of the spirited race we ran. We
tackled the tough issues head-on—affordable and attainable housing that allows
younger generations to stay in the community they’ve grown up in, implementing
Smart Growth principles in planning new neighborhoods, and addressing the
deteriorating conditions of our main roads and neighborhood streets. We also
focused on the lack of sidewalks throughout much of our town and the pressing
need to manage traffic and congestion, which are affecting the quality of life
for all residents.
Additionally, we
cannot ignore the financial strain many of our residents are facing due to
skyrocketing property taxes. The annual assessments of property values are
driving these increases, leading to financial hardship for seniors on fixed
incomes, working families, and young homeowners trying to establish themselves
in Middletown. This is an urgent issue that demands real solutions to ensure
our community remains accessible and affordable for all.
On the national stage,
we’ve witnessed a truly historic election. While it was a hard-fought campaign,
former President Donald Trump has defeated Vice President Kamala Harris to
regain the White House. This result marks a pivotal moment in our country’s
history and highlights the deep divisions we face. As Democrats, we must take
this as an opportunity to reflect, regroup, and redouble our efforts to advance
the values of fairness, inclusion, and opportunity for all.
To our supporters,
volunteers, and everyone who believed in our campaign, thank you. Your
dedication and passion are what make our community strong.
This election was a
chapter, not the end of the story. Together, we’ll keep building a better,
fairer future for our town, our state, and our nation."
—Mike "MiddletownMike" Morris
Chairman, Middletown
Democratic Party
Candidate, Middletown
Township Committee 2024
2 comments:
Thank you for caring about our community, and for offering your service. I did not vote for you, being very pleased with the job Tony Perry has done serving as our mayor. I do wish you well in future endeavors.
I would like to say, however, that some of the issues you mentioned are NOT unique to Middletown, nor are they all to the credit or blame of our leaders. Housing is NOT affordable in most places in New Jersey. This is a very expensive place to live, and with raging inflation in the past few years, it has become MORE expensive and out of the reach of many. But the remedy suggested of building more "affordable" housing on our limited footprint of available spaces is perhaps the least desirable solution. More overcrowding on our roads, in our schools, and overtaxing our infrastructure? Loss of what little open spaces we have? No thank you. Most residents moved here or stayed here because they like the character of this town. Turning it into a crowded city is not a solution that is palatable to Middletowners.
Nor is social engineering that turns our town into a very different place. I hope our mayor and council will focus on keeping costs in control, minimizing need for budget busting tax increases, while continuing to deliver essential services to people who bought in here months, years or decades ago, to enjoy the lifestyle Middletown offered. Not everyone can afford to live in every town in NJ. Thats a fact of life. As with EVERY SINGLE SUBURBAN TOWN, some can afford to live here, others cannot and might have to live elsewhere. Just like everything else in life.
Anon:
Thank you for your thoughtful comment. I appreciate you taking the time to share your views, even if we don’t see eye-to-eye on everything. Open conversations like this help us understand each other and make our community better.
You’re right that affordability is a big issue across New Jersey, not just here in Middletown. The rising cost of living has made it tough for many families, and while local leaders can’t fix everything, they do have a role in managing how our town deals with these challenges.
I understand your concerns about affordable housing. No one wants to see our roads clogged, schools overcrowded, or open spaces disappear. But adding affordable housing doesn’t have to mean sacrificing what makes Middletown special. With smart planning, we can find ways to grow responsibly—focusing on areas that can handle new developments and making sure infrastructure keeps up.
One important point to consider is the future of our children. Many young adults who grew up here are finding it nearly impossible to stay in the community because housing has become unattainable. Affordable housing isn’t about low-income developments; it’s about giving people—especially the next generation—the chance to attain the American dream. That means having a shot at homeownership or finding a place to live in the town they love without being priced out.
The idea that only people who can afford the current cost of living should stay in Middletown is tricky. A community thrives when it’s diverse. Teachers, first responders, young families, and seniors are all important to our town. Making it easier for them to live here isn’t about “social engineering”; it’s about keeping Middletown a place where everyone has a chance to belong.
I also agree that keeping taxes in check and managing the budget wisely are essential. No one wants unnecessary tax hikes. But we can’t cut corners on things like schools, infrastructure, and public services. If we invest wisely now, it will pay off later, helping Middletown remain a great place to live for everyone.
Thanks again for sharing your perspective. It’s clear you care deeply about our town, and I hope we can continue this conversation to find solutions that work for all of us.
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