A Matter of Principle: The difference between Republicans and Democrats in Old Bridge.

Councilman Brian CahillThis year’s election for the Mayor and the three at-Large Council seats is really a contrast in principles. At the very core of the debate in our town are our municipal property taxes. Inside of that debate, begs the question of how each political party will address those taxes; what plans and programs would you implement in order to make government more efficient and in turn less expensive for the taxpayers.

The Democratic “principles” have been demonstrated year over year, budget over budget.  

• They have controlled the Town Council for the last 16 years and the Mayor’s office for the last 8 years. 
• They have used “one-shot” revenue deals (selling Township Land, raiding the OBMUA surplus fund) time and time again in an attempt to balance budgets.
• Yet, even with these money grabs, they have continually managed to raise your municipal taxes.

Recently, they even changed the eligibility requirement to receive lifetime health benefits for Township employees from 25 years to 15 years! Ask yourself, over the last 8, 10, 12 years, have your property taxes gone down? In turn, have you seen any increases in services from the Township? I think both of your answers to those questions are a resounding "NO."

Owen Henry, Debbie Walker, Jim Anderson and I all share a fundamental core principle, that is;”It’s your money”.

We share a core value that our government needs to be more efficient yet provide outstanding services to the community. Efficiency does not mean less, it means better. We vow to approach our positions like the business leaders we are. This town requires leaders that are willing to get their hands dirty, aren’t beholden to any special interest groups and have a genuine desire to do what is right in this Township. 

We are all aligned that we have to make this Township more business friendly so we can grow revenues. Business owners simply need to travel Route 9 to find towns willing and able to meet their small business needs. We can and should be that town a small business owner chooses. 

As the election approaches (November 8th) the Democrats will soon resort to their tired old playbook.  They will cast our team as villains who only want to cut services and lay off employees.  They will do so, primarily because they can’t run on their record.  Through their lack of leadership and their “principles”, Old Bridge faces a fiscal budget deficit of $7 – $8 Million dollars in January, 2012.  So I ask you, who are the villains?

A contrast in principles; this November, you get to decide.

Brian J. Cahill

Councilman-at-Large (running for re-election)