In the run-up to the general election Nov. 7, The Two River Times reached out to candidates in our coverage area to get their perspective on effective governance and the impact voting can have on a community.
Each week we highlighted local candidates’ responses to the following question:
Voter turnout during off-year elections – those without a presidential or midterm race – is notoriously low. Why are local elections (for municipal and county seats) so important and what is the best way to boost voter turnout during an off-year election?
In some races candidates are running unopposed; we wanted to hear from them as well, but did not have space to run them in a print edition.
Here are the answers from candidates in some uncontested races.
Little Silver
Little Silver follows the borough form of government. The governing body is comprised of a mayor and six council members. The mayor holds office for a full four-year term and council members are elected to serve three-year terms on a staggered basis, with two seats coming up for election each year in a three-year cycle.
This year Mayor Robert C. Neff Jr. is running for reelection. Council President Kevin Brennan is also running for reelection alongside newcomer and current EMS Chief Christopher Faherty. Faherty is running to fill the seat of current council member Michael E. Holzapfel who is not seeking reelection. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order; all three are Republicans.
Council member Kevin Brennan: “Local elections, including those here in Little Silver as well as those for Monmouth County seats, are always important since this is where we live, raise our families and in some cases work. The tendency during ‘off year’ elections is for voter turnout to be low. I suppose in most folks’ minds, if an election is unopposed or somehow inconsequential their participation is not necessary. The truth, however, is that as a registered voter, it is your responsibility to stay informed. That process begins by knowing who is running to represent you, showing up to vote for them (or their opponent) and if possible, staying in touch with how they legislate for what is important to you and the greater good of your community.
Since Covid, voting has gotten easier and more convenient. In Monmouth County and Little Silver early voting is available in person (The Woman’s Club) or through the mail. I encourage everyone to get out and vote!”
Mayor Bob Neff: “While national and state elections hold broad policy implications, local elections are the best way for residents to have an impact on bread-and-butter issues that more directly affect them. Is your town being properly maintained? Is your government responsive to issues that concern you? Do the municipal governing body and the school board act in the best interests of the town? Do they keep an eye on taxes while trying to maintain certain standards and provide expected services? Do your town and its schools have solid reputations and promote a family-friendly, community-minded and responsible atmosphere? Who you put in elected positions has a real impact. So please come out (or stay home and vote by mail) and be heard. We’ve made it easy here in Little Silver, with help from our friends in Monmouth County, by hosting an early-voting location (The Woman’s Club) and putting experienced clerical folks in place who make it easy to register and vote.”
Christopher M. Faherty: “Local elections – municipal and county – are critical, regardless of who is at the top of the ticket. Local election results affect our day-to-day community experiences. They determine who is involved in decisions that will directly impact your family: who will fight for your kids on the school board; who will stay up all night during a storm to make sure you are safe; who will tediously build a balanced budget for your tax dollars; who will thoughtfully plan for your community’s development; and so on. I have been a first responder for 15-plus years, most recently as EMS chief, a firefighter, fire company president, a rescue swimmer, and a board of health representative. I have firsthand experience of the importance and implication of our local elections. The best way to boost turnout is to remind voters that taking the time to cast a ballot every year is a small investment to ensure the right people will be making some of the most important decisions that affect us daily.”
Rumson
The mayoral race in the borough is uncontested; current Mayor Joseph Hemphill is seeking reelection. Two nominations have been made by the Republican party to fill the two open seats on the borough council. Incumbent council member Gary Casazza has been volunteering in the borough for 28 years, including 12 years on the board of education; Casazza is seeking a fourth term. Candidate Linda J. Smith, who currently serves as a member of the board of education, is running for the seat held by Robert Switark who chose not to run for reelection.
There are no nominations from the Democratic party.
Council member Gary Casazza: “Best way to boost voter turnout is to talk amongst your friends. Social conversations are really important about what’s happening, both locally politically and nationally, politically. Being able to have a discussion with people, you people with diverse opinions is important. Many people today shy away from, yet I think it’s an important thing both locally and nationally. As far as why it’s important for people well, a township is no different than a home or business. It has expenses and it has revenue coming in. And how that’s controlled is very important. I’m very proud of the way Rumson has been able to control their expenses. They do a very good job with that, and the proof is you can compare our tax rate to other towns and see that we have an excellent, great. Affordable housing is a very important issue. The township has addressed it with very carefully proceeded with the best interests of the taxpayers in town.”
Mayor Joseph K. Hemphill: “Participation in this election affects the foundation of our county and local government as it will have a direct impact on the daily operations of our municipality. Your vote is critical, not only in supporting candidates from our town, but for passing key legislation and important initiatives that are sure to impact our community for years to come. The Rumson Borough Council and I continue to operate with one fundamental element in mind: our residents and their families. Voting is the clearest way for us to understand your priorities, thoughts and concerns. With that said, we all look forward to seeing you at the polls on November 7th!”
Linda J. Smith: “Democracy is at its best when the people’s voices are heard. Voting in local elections is important because it gets us closer to a place where decisions are fair and right for the community and not just for a political party. Research on barriers specific to local elections suggests that lower turnout is frequently a result of a lack of awareness of the candidates, issues, and a lack of understanding of the functions of local elected officials and their impacts on daily life. While there is no one way to boost voter turnout, I favor the idea of expanded communication relating to roles and functions of local elected officials and understanding how these positions impact the community. Everyone agrees we need to do more to convince voters of the importance of their vote and the impact it has on local elections, but this does require regular ongoing proactive communication whether it is through the local newspapers, social media, local sports events, school, social events, town hall meetings, etc. As always, continuing to listen, connect and respect the views of others in our community could open the doors for enhanced voter turnout.”
Tinton Falls
Tinton Falls operates under the Faulkner Act with a mayor-council form of government. The mayor is the chief executive and is elected for a four-year term. The borough council is the legislative body and is responsible for adopting the laws and ordinances that govern the borough.
The borough administrator, who is appointed by the mayor, runs the borough on a day-to-day basis and reports to the mayor and may also act on their behalf. The administrator is also responsible for hiring and removal of employees and negotiating all labor contracts. It is not an elected position.
This year, all three candidates from Independent Advocates For Tinton Falls are on the ballot for reelection to the council. Deputy Council President Risa Clay and council members Michael J. Nesci and Tracy Buckley.
Deputy Council President Risa Clay: “I believe that local elections are in many ways more important than national elections. Your local elected officials are in the position to make changes that are of the utmost importance to you and your family. They live and work in your towns, many have children in your school districts and they stand to benefit from all the wonderful potential that your town has to offer. They are readily accessible and able to listen directly to your concerns. Change begins at the local level!
Ways to boost turnout: Remind people of the upcoming election. Speak to your neighbors and others in your town. Talk about what matters most to the people who live in your community. Be specific and concrete and listen to voter’s concerns.”
Council member Tracy Buckley: “Local elections are so critical because local issues most directly impact voters and their families. Roads, municipal services, community events, schools – these are all local issues that affect our daily lives. In addition, it is so critical to vote in local elections because these elections are often won by a handful of votes. Every single vote matters!”
