E.B. Democrats tout record of last 4 years BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer EAST BRUNSWICK - Incumbent Democrats on the Township Council say they want to continue the work they've begun over the past four years and work to improve the quality of life for residents. Council members Catherine Diem and David Stahl, seeking their second four-year terms, are running with newcomer Edward Luster. It's been a contentious four years, but Democrats are hoping to continue their control of the five-member council. Republican Councilwoman Christi Calvano decided not to run for a second term, leaving a slate of newcomers - Suzanne Blum, Dr. Eugene DeMarzo and Robert Tagliente to attempt to gain their party's footing for the first time in over a decade. Diem said there is a "really delicate" balancing act between providing services and keeping taxes down, and it is very important to constantly examine new and current programs to make sure the township is receiving a maximum return. She said East Brunswick needs to continue to work with Trenton on the property tax issue. Some have complained that the township should work more with legislators to bring change on issues such as the way schools are funded. Stahl said the biggest issue the governing body faces is property taxes, adding that one of his key concerns has been the redevelopment of the Route 18 area known as the Golden Triangle. He noted that the township's millions of dollars in revenue have been added to the township budget each year since 2004, thanks to the sale of the property to Toll Brothers. The redevelopment plan has been the most debated topic at town hall in recent years, in part due to the fact that age-restricted housing in the original plan was changed to regular residential condos. Stahl acknowledged the plan isn't perfect but said he continues to stand by it and believes it is a benefit for taxpayers. While Republicans have criticized the Democrats in public forums, Stahl said the GOP has not spoken about how they would ease the tax burden. Because they have been against redevelopment "from the get-go," he said, they would have had either to raise taxes or cut back on township services to balance the municipal budget. As for open space, always a hot topic, Diem said she is not aware of any large parcels as prospects for acquisition, but said "we should always have our eyes open." Both Diem and Stahl said they want to continue the programs that have brought improvements to township parks and roads. Diem added she wants to see the township's sidewalk program reinstituted. That program makes it less expensive for homeowners to have sidewalks installed. Stahl also said he is in favor of purchasing and preserving more open space, but that he is unaware of any that is on the market. Stahl said he is "committed to being financially responsible," and that the Golden Triangle will continue to bring in money for the township.