By Stephen Appezzato
MIDDLETOWN – Monmouth County’s most populous municipality, Middletown operates under the township committee form of government, with five members elected to staggered three-year terms. At the committee’s yearly reorganization meeting, members designate a mayor and a deputy mayor from their ranks to serve for one year.
The current all-Republican committee is responsible for passing laws, setting policies and appointing a township administrator who carries out the committee’s decisions and oversees day-to-day operations.
This year two seats are up for grabs; candidates are incumbent Republicans Rick Hibell and Kevin Settembrino and Democratic challengers Paige Gregorio and Rocky Rios. Their answers to how to keep partisan politics out of local government are below.
Settembrino did not respond to requests to answer the posed question.
Paige Gregorio (D)
“I’m running for Township Committee because I believe it is important to remind people that local government should focus on all of our residents, and incorporate positive changes for all of Middletown’s neighborhoods. I am not looking to make a career of this; rather, I am looking to make a positive change in Middletown and move on when that is accomplished.
I am a strong advocate for Women’s Rights and LGBTQ+ rights. I am disappointed in how our current Township Committee ignores these constituencies in our town. Instead of being inclusive and welcoming, this Committee chooses to be divisive and exclusionary in order to appease the most radical members of their party.
Middletown’s leadership is weighed-down by partisan political beliefs, and has lost its focus when it comes to helping its residents. I firmly believe it is important to have different opinions in leadership. Over the years, the Middletown Republicans have spread many half-truths and falsehoods in attempt to consolidate power and advance themselves. When I am elected, I plan to be open and honest with all constituents, no matter what “side” they lean. I believe that facts and truth matters and for this reason, the only way I would want to represent myself politically is by being true to myself and be honest and empathic to all people.
More than anything, my purpose as a member of the Middletown Township Committee would be to give back and do good in the community that has been my home for my entire life.”
Rick Hibell (R-incumbent):
“For the last five years, I have had the privilege of serving as a member of the Middletown Township Committee and it truly has been an honor to work on behalf of the residents of my hometown. As a former fire chief and local small business owner, I know what it takes to put together a great team. I am part of an effective team here in Middletown – a governing body that never rests on behalf of our residents.
Unlike Trenton and Washington, we are getting things done here in Middletown! In fact, Trenton and Washington should take a lesson from the leadership here.
During my tenure, Middletown has made record investments in our infrastructure. In a township with more than 375 miles of roadway, Middletown continues to invest in our roadways, stormwater management and pedestrian sidewalks. We have been able to support our first responders by ensuring that our police have the necessary tools to keep our streets safe. While Governor Murphy protects those who commit crimes, Middletown is empowering our police officers to safeguard our residents and we are speaking out against the failed bail reform policies which are putting people’s lives in danger.
In 2020, Middletown voted to increase our ability to preserve more open space and because of that leadership, we have more than 6,000 acres of open space so that future generations can enjoy our picturesque landscapes.
As a Committee, we have been very vocal about the pressures towns across New Jersey are feeling due to the unfunded mandates from Trenton because this directly translates to property taxes. We spend every dollar here in Middletown like it comes directly from our personal wallets because our taxpayers should not be saddled with careless spending that you see in many towns. With proper planning and supportive investments in our community, we are able to minimize the impact to our residents while ensuring that we never sacrifice services.
While my opponents want to discuss congressional votes or previous administrations, Middletown needs proven leadership and that is why I am proud to serve on a governing body that puts our taxpayers first.”
Rocky Rios (D):
“Middletown’s divisiveness is a feature, not a bug. The current Middletown Township Committee is made up entirely of hand-picked party loyalists. After watching what the County GOP did to Serena DiMaso when she dared to have a differing opinion, it’s not hard to understand why they act as little more than a rubber stamp. They encourage divisiveness and actively work to shut down efforts at inclusiveness.
Until we see a Township Committee made up of independent members who make decisions based on what all the town’s residents and taxpayers need, we will continue to face these issues. Our top campaign issue is to address this by changing the very structure of Middletown’s government.
Middletown’s special charter system of 5 elected officials who appoint the mayor relies on the assumption that all those elected would act in good faith on behalf of the voters. This is a fine system for focused, smaller towns- but for the largest, most vibrant, and rapidly diversifying township in Monmouth County- it is insufficient. As our township has grown, its residents have become underrepresented. We deserve a government that reflects us and puts us in control of our growth and development.
Luckily for Middletown residents, there are forms of government that promote sensible growth through direct, non-partisan representation and improved accountability to the voters. When elected, Paige Gregorio & I will make the establishment of a charter study committee our top priority. Our goals for Middletown’s government are simple:
• Non-partisan elections, to minimize the divisive rhetoric that poisons our local discourse;
• Directly electing our mayor, so that there is an accountable face of the Township Government; and
• Establishing elected local representatives to reflect the unique needs of our diverse neighborhoods.
The composition and behavior of our township committee today makes it clear: this is their Middletown. That’s not right. Elected officials are supposed to serve the voters, not impose their own will. A vote for Rocky Rios & Paige Gregorio is a vote to take your control back as a voter. It’s your family and your neighborhood. Let’s make it your Middletown.”
The article originally appeared in the October 27 – November 2, 2022 print edition of The Two River Times.
