It's Almost that Time Of Year

The smell of election time is in the air. September marks the beginning of the campaign promises and the polished resumes of hopefuls in their quest for public office.

Thus far I've seen a full page ad with the heading "Responsible Government for South Amboy" in the South Amboy Sayreville Times. The featured candidates are incumbents: Council President Fred Henry, Joseph Connors and new comers Michael Gross and Donald Applegate. With a promise to "...keep improving the quality of life for our residents and our children", I wonder if that's what council members Henry and Connors had in mind with last years 38% municipal tax increase, the laying off of 5 police officers, and the endless bonding that they just couldn't ever seem to vote "no" for or abstain during meetings.

In addition to improving the quality life of all, they also want it known that they:
Created the YMCA, Developed a model for open spaces including the county government's waterfront park, achieved state recognition due to New Jersey Transit's construction of the new platforms, and again mention the "State of the Art" Train Station (as if recognition of New Jersey Transit constructing a new train station which was part of their state wide improvement plan and ADA compliance platforms, wasn't enough for the candidates).

It is important to also recognize that these candidates opened the South Amboy beaches to residents for walking and surf fishing, as well as developed New Jersey's first public school with a public library. I just wonder why they didn't mention the boat launch. We do after all have one.

Perhaps my favorite accomplishment, and one that is near and dear to me is how these very concerned men rebuilt every single park in South Amboy,with the Green Acres grant that I suggested. I recall speaking to Fred about the grant at city hall and him telling me it couldn't be used for playground projects. So while these men are patting themselves on their backs, I am profoundly surprised that they would claim such a project for their campaign due to the fact that they were clueless about the state of the parks as of last year, and were in my opinion embarrassed into action, with the solution handed to them on a plate during a council meeting.

And the last accomplishment of closing every strip club down improving the quality of life and the property values. So we have lost Delilah's Den and we are gaining a large sports bar, I'm sure that will certainly raise the quality of life and the property tax, especially those who live on the 500 blocks of George Street, John Street, and Henry Street.

If you haven't heard there are other people running too.
Mary O'Connor is running for mayor, her website is: http://unitedsouthamboy.wordpress.com/good-government/

Saverio Sagliocco is running for Councilman at Large. He is a member of Sacred Heart Parish and had an article published in May which may be accessed at:

Both Mary and Saverio have been active in the community and attended council meetings. Both Mr. Applegate, who replaced Councilman Russ Stillwagon after his passing, and Micky Gross did not routinely participate or attend council meetings, Mr. Gross has been seen since he has thrown his hat in the ring, possible at the urging of those who are currently elected.