What's the Deal with Voting on Nov. 3rd?

Wow, I can't believe I haven't posted since July 4th! A lot has been going on since then which I'll fill everyone in on at a later time. But for now, people have been asking me, what's the deal with voting on election day? So let me try and explain as best I can. Keep in mind, this information is Middletown specific but for the most part it is similar throughout Monmouth County and the State.

So here's the deal that everyone must know and understand ... the polling locations will be open on Nov. 3rd and there will be 10 locations available in Middletown where residents can vote. There are 46 voting districts in Middletown, so each of the polling locations will hold multiple districts within. It should be noted however, that if anyone goes to a polling location to vote in-person they will be asked to fill out a paper provincial ballot, which will be counted after all other ballots are counted.

From what I understand there will be 1 voting machine per location (not district), which may or may not be the case. In order for someone to vote by machine, that person must be disabled and unable to psychically fill out a paper ballot. That person must also sign an affidavit claiming that they are in fact disabled. If it is found that they aren't disabled, they can be prosecuted for voter fraud.

Be aware that the mail-in ballots can be taken to the polling locations on Election day to be handed in. However, the person handing in their ballot will need to sign the "book" and show ID at that time. The ballot may then be treated as a provisional ballot and not be counted until all other votes are counted.

Locally, the best bet is to drop off ballots at a dropbox located at either Middletown Town Hall, Middletown's Croydon Hall, the Hazlet DMV location or any other location within Monmouth County.

If people prefer to mail their ballots via USPS the ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3rd and received no later than Nov.10th ... the sooner they are mailed the better.

There is also an option to vote in person anytime at the Monmouth County Board of Elections (and Clerks office, I think).

I hope that answers everyone's question.

*****************************

UPDATE 10/20:

There is still a little confusion regarding mail-in ballots that are delivered to the polls on Election Day. Those ballots will NOT be treated as provisional ballots and counted after all other ballots. They will however be the last mail-in ballots counted before provisional ballots are counted.

Before provisional ballots are counted the local Board of Elections must certify those that filled out provisional ballots on Election Day, did not also mail-in a ballot previously. Provisional ballots will be crosschecked with mail-in ballots to ensure that no one votes twice.... MM

Chelsea Clinton Coming to Monmouth Tomorrow to Campaign for Hillary Clinton in Long Branch & Hazlet

On Tuesday, May 17, Chelsea Clinton will return to New Jersey ahead of the Democratic presidential primary on June 7th to campaign for her mom at events in Long Branch and Hazlet.

At these events, she will ask New Jerseyans for their support and urge them to go out and vote for Hillary Clinton. She will also discuss why her mom is the best candidate to raise incomes for New Jersey families, to improve education, and to break down the barriers that hold too many Americans back.

Details on the trip are as follows:

Long Branch Organizing Event
WHERE: Charlie's Ocean Grille, 29 Avenel Blvd, Long Branch
WHEN: 12:00 PM, Tuesday, May 17
PUBLIC RSVP

Hillary for New Jersey, Monmouth County Office Opening
WHERE: Monmouth County Democratic Headquarters, Airport Plaza Shopping Center, 1342 State Route 36, Hazlet (NOTE: Storefront next to Forum Tuxedos)
WHEN: 2:00 PM, Tuesday, May 17
PUBLIC RSVP

EXIT: The Last New Jersey Drive-In

Ah, I remember it well; the old Hazlet Drive-in. The times that I had, the movies that I watched and the friends that were made while hanging at the play-ground or drinking beers in the back lot.... Good times!

Here's a short documentary posted on YouTube by Sean O'Leary, "... chronicling the closing night of the Route 35 Drive-In in Hazlet, NJ. At the time of filming in 1991, it was the last operating drive-in theater in the state."

Emergency Preparedness Training Offered this Spring

From Middletown Alerts:


The Community Emergency Response Team program educates people about preparing for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as first aid, fire safety, light search and rescue, and team organization. A free multi-session training program will be held this spring at Hazlet Town Hall, 1766 Union Avenue. Interested participants can register on-site on April 22nd at 7:15pm or send an email with contact information to oem@hazlettwp.org.

Using the skills learned in this program, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members are also encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness. Call Middletown Emergency Management at 732-615-2129 for more information.

From one Raritan Rocket to another Congrats To Bennet Jackson

Being a graduate of Hazlet's Raritan High School myself, I couldn't resist posting this picture of a fellow Raritan Rocket, Bennet Jackson. After playing collegiate ball at the University of Notre Dame, Bennet  was selected by the NY Giants during the 6th round of the 2014 NFL Draft this past Saturday.

I believe Bennet Jackson will be the only football player in Raritan's history to play in the NFL, let alone be drafted. That puts him on top of all the other sports players in school history - including myself - who was one of  five co-captains of the 1982 Raritan Rocket football team.

 So from one former Raritan Rocket to another I wish to Congratulate Bennet Jackson on being chosen in the 6th rd pick of the draft by the Giants. I wish him a long and successful career that someday ends with enshrinement into the Football Hall fame in Canton.

(Bennet Jackson being fitted for his helmet at the Quest Diagnostic Center yesterday, picture from the NY Giants)

Here's a link to a slideshow posted on the NY Giants website showing the arrival of the 2014 rookies at the Quest Diagnostic Training Center being fitted for their gear.

West Keansburg Now Officially Considered Hazlet by USPS

It's a sad day indeed for this former West Keansburg resident. I will always be proud to call myself a "burger" from the Hood!

Long Branch, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced today that the United States Postal Service (USPS) has approved a mailing address name change, and the section of Hazlet known as West Keansburg will now be serviced under the name Hazlet Township.

“This name change will help eliminate confusion among those who mistakenly believe that West Keansburg is part of the neighboring borough of Keansburg instead of Hazlet Township,” said Pallone. “Operating uniformly under the name of Hazlet will create a more unified township, and I’m pleased that the U.S. Postal Service was able to accommodate this request.”

Pallone wrote to Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe requesting this change upon hearing from constituents and local elected officials. Residents of the West Keansburg section of Hazlet pay property taxes and exercise their right to vote in Hazlet and not the Borough of Keansburg. In addition, emergency and other local services for these residents are funded and provided by Hazlet Township and not the Borough of Keansburg. Residents of West Keansburg will continue to use the zip code 07734.

Joe Marques For NJ State Senate

Hazlet Democrat Joe Marques is running for the NJ State Senate in the 13th Legislative District. He recently posted a very good campaign video on YouTube explaining why he is running for the state senate.

 If you live in the northern Monmouth County Bayshore area or one of the other shore towns in the district, you should check it out the video. It's compelling and smartly done. It's one of the best campaign videos I've seen in a long time.

Check it out:

Middletown Board of Education Gets Their Man; George Lured Away From Hazlet

In a press release issued by the Middletown Township Board of Education earlier today, it was announce that the board of education finally found their new Superintendent of Schools.

The Middletown Board of Education was successful in luring Hazlet's current school superintendent William George away to take over the Middletown school system.

According to his terms of employment contract William George will be compensated handsomely for agreeing to come to Middletown. George will be paid the equivalent of $187,500 a year for the next 4 years, 9 months of the contract length.

In order to pay Mr. George such a large sum of cash, Middletown needed to get the approval of the Commissioner of Education in order to exceed the cap on Superintendent salaries that Governor Christies implemented earlier this year, as I stated in a previous post .

I hope all works out well for Mr. George when he finally takes over the reigns of Middletown School system sometime in December ( he must give Hazlet 60days notice before taking over in Middletown). God knows that the school system needs some stability to bring back a little credibility after such a turbulent year thus far that has seen 3 Board of Education members resign there positions and 4 Superintendent presided over the school system by the time George takes over.

Middletown Patch has posted William George's resignation letter to the Hazlet Board of Education, it's interesting and worth the read for anyone that wants to know a little bit about Mr. George and his accomplishments in Hazlet.

________

Update: The Independent also has an article published today on the hiring of William George as Middletown New School SuperIntendent - check it out

Middletown Board Of Education Meeting Tonight - What You will Hear and Not Hear

Tonight's Middletown Board of Education meeting that will take place at High School North @ 7pm will be interesting for a few of reasons that you will and won't hear about.

To open up the meeting there will be a presentation by Birdsall Engineering to the Board by Birdsall on a proposed district solar project that will involve several school site. It should be interesting but don't expect too much information if this presentation by Birdsall turns out to be anything like the one presented at Town Hall a few months a go. That presentation left a lot to be desired.

Attendees to the meeting will also hear that the resignation of BoE member John Macrae has also been accepted which should lead to in the not to distant future, an announcement on a new search (or appointment) for someone to fill his position on the board that he vacated.

What you won't hear tonight are many details about the appointment of a new Superintendent to take over from interim superintendent Pat Houston, who resigned last month and will be allowed to leave as of September 26th, unless of course something is dropped into the agenda at the last minute.

Word out of Hazlet though is that Middletown offered the School Superintendent's job to Hazlet's Superintendent of Schools Bill George but he turned it down, possible due to the salary being offered, possible due to other reasons.

Seeing how the Middletown school district is nearly 3 times larger than Hazlet's and Bill George is currently earning $192K salary (according to Data Universe) from Hazlet, a move to Middletown seems unlikely at this time but not out of the question totally.

Hazlet sources stated that Middletown BoE has applied to the State for some kind of waiver that would enable George to come to Middletown and take over the school system.

To sweeten the pot a little for Bill George did the Middletown BoE seek a waiver from the State that would have allowed the BoE to exceed the mandated cap on school superintendents salaries that Governor Christie put in place this year, in order to lure George away from Hazlet? Or was the waiver requested of the State something less extraordinary like asking for a waiver of rules that would enable the board to appoint a new superintendent without the usual guideline procedures?

Regardless, I was told by my Hazlet connections that the request for a waiver was turned down by the State and that Bill George will be staying put, where he is, in Hazlet for the time being.

Of course though anything can happen and the Hazlet people could be wrong, in the mean time, the search a for new Middletown School Superintendent go on.

Hazlet VFW Post 4303 To Host September 11 Observance

Please join Hazlet Democrats and other residents this Sunday,September 11 to remember those killed in the terrorist attacks of 2001. While the official township observance is scheduled for Saturday, Hazlet's Veterans of Foreign War Post 4303 will host a separate ceremony on Patriot's Day.

The VFW also invites everyone back to the post for donuts and coffee immediately following the ceremony. The Hazlet Democratic Club is providing refreshments.

September 11 Observance Ceremony

9/11 Memorial, Veterans Park, Hazlet Township

Sunday, September 11 @ 10:00AM

VFW reception to follow.

Upcoming Fundraisers In Support Of Amy Mallet, Bill Shea, Christopher Cullen, Kevin Lavan & Patrick Short

The following is a list of upcoming fundraisers for Democratic Candidates Freeholder Amy Mallet, Freeholder Candidate Bill Shea and 13th Legislative District Candidates Christopher Cullen, Kevin Lavan and Patrick Short.

Each event should be a great time for those that would be interested in showing their support of the candidates by attending:

Tuesday, July 26th, 2011

Fundraiser in Support of Freeholder Amy Mallet

6:30-8:30pm
Home of Sean Byrnes, 880 West Front Street, Red Bank, New Jersey 07701
For more information or to RSVP:

email info@amymallet.com


Sunday, July 31st, 2011

Haskell Invitational Fundraiser in support of Bill Shea for Freeholder

Monmouth Park, Oceanport, New Jersey
$65/supporter, $120/sponsor, $250/gold sponsor

Please make checks payable to:

Friends of Bill Shea for Freeholder, P.O. Box 155, Hazlet, New Jersey 07730

Please RSVP to:

Maryellen Principe at 732.888.1862

Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011

Labor Leaders of the 13th District Reception In support of

Kevin Lavan, Patrick Short and Chris Cullen

7-9pm
Assaggini di Roma

3253 Highway 35 North, Hazlet NJ 07730

RSVP to Joe Caliendo at 732.671.0870

Monday, August 8th, 2011

Golf outing in Support of Bill Shea for Freeholder

11am
Eagle Oaks Golf and Country Club, 20 Shore Oak Drive, Farmingdale, NJ 07727

$250/guest, $500/sponsor, $1,000/silver sponsor and $2,500 gold sponsor

$50 guest dinner with paying golf participant, $75 for dinner only (no golf)

Please RSVP or for more info call:

Ron Principe at 732.888.1862

email ronprincipe@gmail.com or votebillshea@gmail.com

Thursday, August 11th, 2011

Fashion Show in support of Bill Shea for Freeholder

Lakeside Manor, Route 36, Hazlet, New Jersey 07730
$40/supporter, $80/sponsor, $150/gold sponsor

RSVP to Maryellen Principe at 732.888.1862

Please make checks payable to:

Friends of Bill Shea for Freeholder, P.O. Box 155, Hazlet, New Jersey 07730

Friday, August 19th, 2011

A Night of Comedy supporting Kevin Lavan, Patrick Short and Christopher Cullen for 13th Legislative District

7-11pm
Bayshore Senior Recreation Center

100 Main Street

Keansburg, New Jersey

$40/supporter, $75/friend and $150/co-host

Buffet included

RSVP to:

John Amberg @ jamberg825@gmail.com or 732-291-4272

Middletown Democratic Candidate Busted for Possession; Desevo To Be Replaced Soon

Shocking is all I have to say about the news that broke earlier today concerning Middletown Democratic Candidate for Township Committee, Alex Desevo, who was busted last weekend at the Holmdel Motor Lodge for the possession of crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia.

I was sitting in the Hazlet movie theater when I received an email with a link to an Asbury Park Press online article about how Desevo was arrested by Holmdel police at 4:54 in the morning on Saturday, June 18, after one of two women he was spending the night with ran out of the room and found her way to the Hazlet Holiday Inn and called police about something that happened while at the Holmdel Motor Lodge. I was in disbelief at the news and started texting and sending emails of my own to a few people in order to get the bottom of it.

What I found out was both sad and tragic, and because I know Alex Desevo personally, and know that despite this incident, he is a very honest and straight forward guy that would do anything for anyone, I wont air his dirty laundry here other than to say that he was having difficulties at home and that was the main reason why he was staying at the motor lodge.

In the face of this situation I want to commend him for not hiding or shirking away from this embarrassing and life altering situation, it's a testament to his personal fortitude and character in realizing that what he had done was a mistake that he wants to meet head-on and make amends for.

In an article posted on Middletown Patch about Desevo's troubles, Patch columnist and Editor Elaine Van Develde, was able to track him down for a comment.

Alex confirmed for Van Develde that he was indeed, the same Alex Desevo that was arrested on June 18th and opted not to comment other than to say,"I prefer not to comment at this time on a personal tragedy, I have been a good person all my life." while noting that he wished to protect his family at this time.

Whatever Alex's demons are at this time, I can only wish him well and hope that he gets the treatment that he so obviously needs to overcome this sad and tragic personal time in his life.

This is not a time to criticize or ridicule him for letting down those that believed in him as a candidate for office, it's a time to support him and understand that he is human, like the rest of us, and as such, can succumb to temptations in moments of personal weakness.

The Middletown Democrats will survive and have another candidate to fill Desevo's place on the ballot very soon I was told by Chairman Joe Caliendo.

Middletown residents have too many other important issues affecting their quality of life for them to care about or fret about, the personal troubles of a candidate that will not be on the ballot come November.

Be well Alex

Donate To The Campaigns Of Kevin Lavan and Patrick Short Before June 20th Fund Drive Ends and Volunteer Your Help

Former Middletown Committeeman Patrick Short is running for NJ State Assembly along with the former Mayor of Hazlet Kevin Lavin. The two are up against an entrenched Republican opposition and need everyone's help.

They are each committed to representing the people in the 13th District, especially the working middle class and seniors who live on a fixed income. They guarantee your voices will be heard in the Assembly if elected.

That is why it is so important that they raise enough funds to wage an effective campaign this November. They are currently in the middle of a very important fund raising drive that ends on June 20th. The results of this fund drive will be an early indication to those on the state level that Short and Lavan will be credible candidates and qualify them for matching funds.

Donations of any amount that you can spare are appreciated,donations of $5, $10, $20, $50 or more will go a long way and be put to good use in order to get the message out about who Patrick and Kevin are and how they can best represent the people of the 13th Legislative district, ensuring that the voices of the Northern Monmouth Bayshore and the rest of the 13th district is heard down in Trenton.

If you can not afford to donate money but would like to volunteer your time to the campaign,send a letter to the address below and let them know you are available to give in other ways, like phone banking, addressing envelopes or canvassing.

Any little bit helps.

Send donations or offers of support to:

Committee to Elect Cullen, Lavan & Short 2011
56 Fieldcrest Way
Hazlet, New Jersey 07730

Mr. Kyrillos Wants to Go to Washington; Christopher Cullen to remain in district to fight for working families

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 13, 2011

HAZLET – Following today’s Politicker New Jersey report that Republican Joe Kyrillos filed papers with the Federal Election Commission forming an exploratory committee for U.S. Senate, his Democratic challenger Christopher Cullen issued the following statement:

With each passing day it’s clearer and clearer to me that Joe Kyrillos cares more about his next political move than he does the people of the Thirteenth Legislative District. If Joe plans on jumping ship, he should make a public statement to that effect. It’s time we had a voice in Trenton who cares more about the concerns of seniors and working families than he does about his next political move. I will stay right here, fighting to create jobs and protect our environment.

Mayor Cullen served on the Hazlet Township Committee from 2001-2004. During that time, he preserved more open space than any mayor in Hazlet history. He currently works as facilities maintenance manager for the Marine Academy of Science and Technology at Sandy Hook.

The new Thirteenth Legislative District comprises Aberdeen, Atlantic Highlands, Fair Haven, Hazlet, Highlands, Holmdel, Keansburg, Keyport, Little Silver, Marlboro, Middletown, Monmouth Beach, Oceanport, Rumson, Sea Bright, and Union Beach.

Cullen, Lavan & Short Begin Fight for New Jersey's Thirteenth Legislative District

MONMOUTH COUNTY - On Monday, Democrats Christopher Cullen, Kevin M. Lavan and Patrick Short announced their intention to seek seats in the newly configured Thirteenth Legislative District. The three former elected officials will focus on protecting the environment, creating jobs, and reforming state government.

Mr. Cullen, who served previously as Mayor of Hazlet Township, will run as a write-in candidate in the June 7 Democratic primary for the chance to challenge State Senator Joseph Kyrillos (R-Middletown). He cited the Christie Administration's inaction on key environmental issues -- and the voters need for a choice -- as his reason for challenging the longtime lawmaker.

"The people of the Thirteenth Legislative District deserve a conversation about the future of our communities," said Mr. Cullen. "I hope my fellow Democrats will consider writing me in so I can have that conversation with Senator Kyrillos."
Mayor Cullen is a committed environmentalist. He said, "As Mayor, I worked with Democrats and Republicans alike to preserve thousands of acres of open space. As Senator, I'll go to Trenton to make sure that what remains of our woodlands and beaches don't give way to shopping centers and traffic jams."

Mr. Lavan and Mr. Short are seeking the two State Assembly seats currently held by Amy Handlin (R-Middletown) and Declan O'Scanlon (R-Little Silver). They believe the Thirteenth District deserves representatives who will fight for middle class families.

"It's time someone stood up for middle class families," said Mr. Lavan, also a former Mayor of Hazlet Township. "There are too many people out of work. Too many homes are in foreclosure. We need action to spur the economy and put people back to work."

Mr. Short, who during his tenure on the Middletown Township Committee fought for responsible budgeting and greater transparency, believes Mayor Lavan and he have the unique experience and skills to reform the way Trenton does business.

"Kevin and I were elected as a result of Operation Bid Rig," said Mr. Short. "Our involvement in public service was borne out of a desire to clean up our towns and restore the people's faith in local government. Ethics reform and greater transparency in state government will be among our top priorities when we head to the Assembly."

Mayor Cullen served on the Hazlet Township Committee from 2001-2004.
During that time, he preserved record amounts of open space. He currently works as facilities maintenance manager for the Marine Academy of Science and Technology at Sandy Hook.

Mayor Lavan was elected to fill the seat of disgraced Republican Mayor Paul Coughlin in 2005. A Hiring Agent for New York Shipping, during his time in office he delivered the lowest municipal tax increases in a decade.

Committeeman Short graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and retired from the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant Colonel. On the Middletown Township Committee he opposed runaway borrowing and offered a series of reforms that resulted in increased transparency and greater responsibility to taxpayers.

The new Thirteenth Legislative District comprises Aberdeen, Atlantic Highlands, Fair Haven, Hazlet, Highlands, Holmdel, Keansburg, Keyport, Little Silver, Marlboro, Middletown, Monmouth Beach, Oceanport, Rumson, Sea Bright, and Union Beach.

Is Everyone Ready For Some More Snow ?

... I hope so.

According to the National Weather Service the Middletown area can expect anywhere from 6 - 9 inches of snow Tuesday night into Wednesday afternoon, so I'm hoping that this storm doesn't turn out to be a disaster, like the last storm that hit the area back on December 26th.

Are towns doing anything differently this time around to prepare for the upcoming snow?

Hazlet Township posted on it's newly created Facebook page earlier this afternoon that:

"As of 3:45 PM the Hazlet Township Emergency Operations Center is monitoring a Winter Storm Warning for a weather event capable of producing 6 to 9 inches of snow between 4 Pm Tuesday and noon Wednesday."

Which is good to see because it show that leaders of the town are trying to be proactive by informing residents a head of time what they can expect from the township. Will it have any effect on how well the powers that be respond to the upcoming storm? I don't know but I sure would hope so.

Is Middletown doing anything different this time around to keep residents informed about the coming storm after the fiasco of the last storm? Currently not much, but maybe that will change.

If you look at Middletown's website, they seemed to have overreacted to the possibility of snow over this past weekend when they posted preparation plans for a storm that never was over this past weekend:

"Middletown Township is making preparations for an expected Friday snow storm. New supplies of salt and sand have been delivered to the Public Works Yard with additional tonnage slated for delivery Friday. Road Crews are ready to be activated. Township snow removal equipment has been inspected and readied for service. In the past 24 hours, main roads have pre-treated with salt brine to help prevent snow and ice from bonding to the roads."

Are the same precautions going to be taken again starting late tomorrow afternoon? I should think that the Township would after all the flack that they received from residents that were buried in their homes for days after the Christmas weekend storm, but you never know.

But I would think that the response to this pending storm can only be better because it couldn't keep any worse.

As they say, "you live and you learn".

So here's to hoping that towns in the area have learned for the mistakes of the last storm so that we don't have to live through the same mistakes again.

Solomeno, Monmouth County and Pancakes, Mmm... Perfect Together

Vincent Solomeno, Democratic Candidate for Monmouth County Freeholder, sent me the following note attacked with a video from a pancake breakfast fundraiser that he held last Saturday. He asked me if I would post it here on the blog and I was more than happy to do so.

Since deciding to run for Monmouth County Freeholder, I’ve visited with elected officials, party leaders, and private citizens to hear their ideas and concerns. In communities from Matawan to Brielle and Allentown to Oceanport, I’m consistently hearing that people have lost faith in government’s ability to solve the public policy challenges that grow more pressing with each passing day. I am seeking the nomination for Freeholder because I believe we can do better. We can restore trust in government by continuing the change begun in 2009 and demonstrating through our actions, not just our words, that Monmouth Democrats are serious about reforming the way Freehold does business.

I am optimistic about the future of Monmouth County and it will be my honor to be part of an effort that translates that optimism into real results. Right now, I'm working to build momentum for a grassroots campaign that involves citizens of all stripes. I am grateful to the Hazlet and Union Beach Democratic Clubs, who threw a pancake breakfast for me last Saturday. We turned out 80 people, raised some money, and demonstrated that politics does not have to be consigned to the professionals. I hope to hold similar events in other parts of Monmouth in the weeks ahead, but in the mean time, I encourage you to check out a video of my remarks recorded by a supporter and posted to YouTube.

Kind regards,

Vincent Solomeno

P.S. If you haven't already, please check out my web site -
www.vincentsolomeno.com

You can also connect with Vincent Solomeno by becoming a Facebook Fan or by following him on Twitter

Hazlet Democrats: Promises Made-Promises Kept

Fellow Hazlet Residents,

As Hazlet’s Democratic Municipal Chairman I would like to update you on the many fine things Mayor James DiNardo and the Democratic Committee have been doing for Hazlet. With the addition of Joe Marques this year they are energized, motivated, and hard working. Their main focus is to improve the quality of life for Hazlet residents by upgrading the Hazlet park system and adding recreational opportunities for our children while reducing municipal taxes. It has been a long timesince Hazlet has had a committee accomplishing this much.

The Democrats promised to keep the residents informed about what is going on in the township. A quarterly newsletter, The Hazlet Happenings, now reaches every home.

The Democratic Committee has been hard at work at controlling costs with shared service initiatives and cost control measures. Saving well over $460,000 so far. In August the Hazlet Sewerage Authority was closed saving over $200,000 a year. The Health Department has been outsourced to Monmouth County saving over $260,000 a year. The Township’s recycling program was streamlined saving more than $65,000 a year.

This year Mayor DiNardo and the Democratic Committee secured over $488,000 in grants for Hazlet. This is a significant increase over previous years. These Grants covered Green Acres (Skateboard Park, Boardwalk around pond, Dredging the pond, Gazebos, etc.), DOT (Aggressive Road improvements-first time in years!), and Smart Planning. Efforts to improve the Roller Hockey Rink in Veteran’s Park have been completed. Hockey Leagues will be starting up in the spring for all those interested. For the second year the Hazlet Swim Club is turning a profit.

For 2009, Mayor DiNardo and the Democratic Committee are pursuing plans for an Amphitheatre, a New Bridge for Veteran’s Park, Expanding the Veteran’s Park Zoo, and a New Pavilion. Other projects under consideration for 2009 include acquiring the Captain’s Cove Marina on Laurel Ave. This property is being considered for a small park and public boat launch. Plans are underway at 319 Middle Road (old Town Hall site) to convert this property to a small park. A walking trail will be installed around the perimeter of the property as well as several basketball courts. The existing basketball courts at Middle Road School will be converted to additional parking.

Mayor DiNardo and the Democratic Committee are looking to the future with an eye on long term planning and cost reductions.

I would like to take this opportunity to encourage you to come out and VOTE this coming Tuesday, November 4th. (Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.) This is a very important election for our country, our county, and our town.

Promises Made-Promises Kept

Sincerely,

Andrew F. Bace
Democratic Municipal Chairman

A Message From The Hazlet Democrats

This year, under the leadership of Mayor James DiNardo, the Township Committee has been doing an outstanding job for Hazlet. With the addition of Joe Marques to the Township Committee this year they are energized, motivated, and hard working. Their main focus is to improve the quality of life for Hazlet residents. They are achieving this through a number of efforts to upgrade the Hazlet park system, adding recreational opportunities for our children, and foremost reducing municipal taxes. It has been a long time since Hazlet has had a committee accomplishing this much. There have been many efforts to reduce costs to Hazlet this past year, and numerous more ideas being considered.

The Democratic Administration has been hard at work at controlling costs for the township. There are numerous shared services initiatives and cost control measures underway that have yielded well over $460,000 in savings so far.

• Hazlet currently participates in the Bayshore Consortium, a group of towns in the Bayshore Area, exploring bulk purchase agreements,and shared services.

• In August the Hazlet Sewerage Authority was closed. The billing will now be processed through the Town Hall. This is saving Hazlet a over $200,000 a year.

• The Health Department has been outsourced to Monmouth County. This is saving Hazlet over $260,000 a year.

• The Townships recycling program was changed this year to pick up every 3 weeksinstead of the previous 2 week schedule.

(Click on the chart for a larger view)

It seemed like only yesterday: RHS class of '83 Reunion

Last night I celebrated with 65 other friends and alumni of the Raritan High School Class of '83. The one question that everyone asked was "Where has the time gone ?" 25 years is a long time and by the look of it, the time was quite friendly to many of us in attendance.

A special shout outs to Pamela (Wright) Anderson who did the work necessary to put it all together and Rob Petrane and his band for providing the music. You guys were great!

Here's to another 25 years of health and happiness to all of my friends and fellow graduates of RHS