Mid’twn mayor seeks re-election

MIDDLETOWN — Republican Mayor Anthony Fiore and newcomer Stephanie Murray pledged to address rising taxes if elected in November.

Murray would replace Committeewoman and Deputy Mayor Pamela Brightbill, who chose not to seek re-election, on the Republican ticket.

Fiore said that he chose to run for a second term to continue the work the Township Committee began during his first three years.

“There is still a lot of work left to be done, the system still has a lot of adjustments to be made, and I look forward to being able to undertake that challenge for the taxpayers,” he said .

Fiore said that he was pleased with the committee’s work on this year’s budget, specifically citing the $4.5 million operating fund reduction, concessions received during negotiations with the township’s two police unions and cost savings in health insurance.

“The changes that we’ve made will save the taxpayers millions of dollars over the next few years and beyond,” he said.

Fiore said that the township still faces challenges from state mandates, such as Council onAffordable Housing (COAH) obligations.

“That is a huge challenge because the governor wants to get rid of it for the suburban municipalities, but it has only gotten worse through the Legislature and the courts,” he said.

Fiore said that he would continue to work for civil service reforms at the state level.

“We need to do more with shared services, the challenge there is the desperate need for civil service reforms,” he said.

“Without those reforms it becomes increasingly difficult for our municipality and others to maximize shared services.”

Some possible shared service agreements have fallen apart due to these state regulations, Fiore said.

Fiore said that he would also focus on new ways to generate revenue as expenses continue to rise.

“Our solar project, which is underway right now, is a huge step, as an example, toward that,” Fiore said.

Murray serves on the township’s zoning board and housing authority and founded the community group Middletown Mornings, which provides for residents to meet with their local officials.

Murray said that, as she became more involved with that group, she realized that she wanted to expand her role in public service.

Themother of three said that she wants to preserve and improve the quality of life in Middletown for her children.

“I plan on living here a very long time and raising my family,” she said.

Murray praised the current Township Committee’s work on the municipal budget and said that her top priority would be to combat rising taxes.

“They’re doing a great job and I would just like to help them in any way I can to continue that kind of savings to the taxpayer.”

Rising costs would present a challenge, Murray said.

Democratic candidates for Township Committee Alex DeSevo and Jim Grenafege could not be reached for comment.