South River
At stake: Four-year mayoral term and two three-year Borough Council terms

Raymond T. Eppinger (R) Seeking mayoral term Eppinger, 45, has a wife, Monica, and children Laura, 21, George, 19, Rachel, 17, and Andrew, 14. A lifelong South River resident, Eppinger is vice president of reinsurance at Cambridge Integrated Services Group, Cranbury. He is a graduate of South River High School and obtained a liberal arts degree from Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wis. Elected to the Borough Council in 2005, he has served on the Finance Committee, Economic Development Commission and Parking Authority, and has been a liaison to the library and school boards and the Middlesex County Transportation Committee. He served on the Board of Education from 1993 to 1999 and has served on the Planning Board, Parking Authority, Shade Tree Commission and Environmental Commission.

Where they stand:

How can the borough of South River be improved?

Raymond T. Eppinger (R) As so many residents have said: Bring back the South River that we all knew and loved. We need a clean, safe downtown business district with ample parking, a mayor and council who not only talk to each other but also reach out to the business owners and residents to get their ideas and opinions. We need a governing body that works with the school board and does not see the education system in the borough as a place to score political points. We can improve quality of life by working with our boards and commissions instead of using them as scapegoats for the failed policies and programs of this administration.

Peter S. Guindi (D) Seeking council term Guindi, 35, is a lifelong resident of South River, and has a wife, Maggie. He is the owner of VIP Motorsports, Edison. Guindi graduated from South River High School and attended Brookdale Community College. He has been serving on the Planning Board since 2000 and is chairman of the Economic Development Commission, of which he has been a member since 2002. He is a member of the South River Fire Department, Engine Company No. 1 and founder and director of South River Cruise Nite. He is a volunteer for the New Jersey DARE Association and served on the Municipal Alliance Against Drugs and Alcohol. * denotes incumbent

Peter S. Guindi (D) By bringing more pedestrian traffic to the downtown area and encouraging patronization of local businesses while attracting new businesses to the borough. The downtown area already has several fine merchants and restaurants but could be enhanced by making entrances into the borough more appealing to customers. By helping to ensure exceptional service within borough offices. Every taxpayer in the community is a customer and should receive answers to their inquiries at borough offices in a prompt, effective manner. I hope to work with borough employees to assure that they have the tools they require to resolve disputes.

James F. Hutchison (R) Seeking council term Hutchison, 48, has a wife, Teresa, and a daughter, Kelsey, 12. He is employed as customer service manager for Middlesex Water Co. Hutchison has lived in South River for two and a half years. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in decision science and computers from Rider University. He is a graduate of Connecticut Schools of Broadcasting, and is pursuing a master's degree from Rutgers Graduate School of Management. He has been a member of the March of Dimes Walk- America Committee for Middlesex County for the past three years.

James F. Hutchison (R) The borough of South River's primary need of improvement is very basic. Our infrastructure is the face of the community and currently it is not a pretty one. Since beginning my door-to-door campaign for council in July, it has become very apparent that a large portion of the roads are in need of resurfacing and many sidewalks are in the state of disrepair. The borough's infrastructure must be a pleasant postcard to our residents and equally to those who travel in and around our borough, not an eyesore.

Arthur Londensky (i) Seeking mayoral term Londensky, 60, has a wife, Andrea, and a daughter, Elyssa, 27. He is a lifelong resident and graduate of South River High School. He is employed as fire protection subcode official in South Brunswick. He previously served on the council for five years and is a current member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Economic Development Commission. He is president of the New Jersey Fire Prevention & Protection Association and a commissioner on the New Jersey Fire Safety Commission. He is station manager for South River's TV35, and has served as an active member of the South River Fire Department for more than 30 years. He is a past captain of the Rescue Squad

Arthur Londensky (i) The borough of South River can be improved by having a more open government with independent leadership, so that party politics do not get in the way of progress. And by having more citizen involvement.

David A. Sliker* (D) Seeking council term Sliker, 47, has a wife, Barbara, and is employed as a compliance inspector responsible for educating and assuring that private transfer stations, schools and construction sites are recycling in accordance with the Solid Waste Management Plan of 2006. He has lived in South River for 17 years. Sliker, who attended Brookdale Community College and Middlesex County College, has been a councilman since 1998 and council president since 2000. He was finance chairman from 2000 to 2003 and from 2005 to the present, and vice chairman of the South Central Middlesex County Flood Commission since 2006. He has served on the borough Planning Board from 1998 to 1999, and from 2006 to the present.

David A. Sliker* (D) Many people don't realize that some infrastructure in South River is over 100 years old and desperately needs replacement and refurbishing. We are nearing the end to several infrastructure projects, and we are looking forward to maintaining said infrastructure in a more orderly manner so that sudden extraordinary expenditures can be eliminated. The Main Street business district is a unique resource for our community, and we should expand our support for things such as resolving the loitering issue and slowing down traffic within existing speed limits. The work of our volunteer groups needs to be publicized more to the community.

Robert Szegeti* (D) Seeking mayoral term Szegeti, 48, is a lifelong resident of South River and has a wife, Linda, and three children, Alyssa, 19, Cassandra, 13, and Adam, 12. He is a licensed funeral director in New Jersey and New York, employed by Bloomfield-Cooper Chapels of Manalapan, Ocean and Lakewood. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Thomas A. Edison State College, Trenton, and a funeral service certificate from American Academy-McAllister Institute of Funeral Service, New York. He has been mayor since 2000 and was a councilman from 1993 to 1999. He is a member and former financial secretary for the Summit Engine Company, South River Fire Department, and member and past officer of the Masonic Temple.He has served on the borough Planning Board from 1998 to 1999, and from 2006 to the present.

Robert Szegeti* (D) We would need to continue to expand the commercial tax base, such as we have done with the Rite Aid Pharmacy and the new Wawa; continue to overcome the illegal housing, so residents pay their fair share of taxes; improve communication with the residents by expanding our TV35; continue to have the boards and commissions work together, and have programs for the residents such as the municipal alliance working with the Cultural Arts and Heritage Commission, Recreation Department working with the Office on Aging; continue to be cautious with our expenditures; and continue the success that we have by receiving grants. Michael Trenga (R) The first part of solving a problem is being able to admit that we have them. We have many, and residents have been looking for a solution for years. The borough of South River can be improved by first having a governing body that would focus on the needs of the borough. That starts with having proper staffing in all borough departments. Responsive local government is a need, not a want. Our roads, sidewalks and curbs are crumbling. This is a major priority. There are some streets in town that have not been resurfaced in 50-60 years. That is unacceptable.

What is your view on the work of the governing body

in recent years with regard to budgetary/tax matters,

redevelopment and other major issues?

Michael Trenga (R) Seeking council term Trenga, 43, has a wife, Beth, and is employed as senior account manager for Receivable Management Services in New York City. He has lived in South River for eight years. Trenga, who graduated from Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools, is a former member of the South River Historical Society and a member of the New Jersey Network public television network.

Raymond T. Eppinger (R) The lack of leadership and direction provided by the Democrat majority provides for entertainment on TV35, but the financial consequences have been nothing short of a disaster. Just some of the "highlights" include: Promising that renovations to borough facilities would cost $2.3 million, yet we have spent close to $7 million and we are not finished spending; we upset and scared homeowners and businesses with the threat of redevelopment and eminent domain, then spent $60,000 on a plan that no one wanted, finally withdrawing it; lost $70,000 on the purchase of 53 Obert St., a building that was purchased then torn down - only at that point did the Democrats realize the lot had no parking.

Peter S. Guindi (D) The mayor and council have excelled in some areas, such as improvements to the borough's parks and infrastructure. The water and sewer project and electrical utilities project were budgetary items that had long been ignored and have been undertaken while keeping taxes stable. There are several projects in the works that will require fiscal responsibility, such as the library as well as parks and recreation. I hope to assist in prioritizing these projects and helping the mayor and council move forward in the interest of each taxpayer. Since redevelopment includes eminent domain, I have always favored revitalization within the borough. James F. Hutchison (R) I am concerned that the impact associated with the major electric rate increase, effective Jan. 1, 2008, will create financial hardship for the residents and business owners. A phased-in rate increase resolution was put before the governing body but was voted down. Having more than 25 years in the utility business, I believe this was a mistake, as ratepayers will not have the opportunity to adjust to the escalated cost of electricity. As for redevelopment, it should be for smart growth and to turn area(s) of blight into positive tax-paying premises.

Arthur Londensky (i) Due to state-mandated cap laws, the governing body needs to assess its use of surplus funds and establish a protocol for written needs-assessment reports before any major expenditures take place. As for redevelopment, the governing body has to establish a vision as to what the borough needs. I would accomplish this by establishing a revitalization/redevelopment committee made up of council members, chairmen of the planning, zoning, economic development and parking boards, business people and the public. I believe that the public would be better served by having inhouse utility billing, building department, water and sewer repair and standby, and legal services. David A. Sliker* (D) South River has one of the lowest property taxes in the county, yet we have expanded municipal services and upgraded the infrastructure and parks throughout the community. Considering that we also have fixed, mandated and contractual expenditures, the achievement of maintaining one of the lowest tax rates is remarkable. Stack housing/illegal housing is an ongoing issue; a newly created ordinance coupled with increased enforcement will bring this issue under control.

Robert Szegeti* (D) We continue to maintain a stabilized tax base for our portion of the taxes, while performing necessary work on infrastructure such as the water utility, replacing over 26,000 linear feet to improve water flow and quality; and the sewer utility, replacing 100- year-old pipes; and the electrical utility, increasing the capacity to meet the needs of today and the future. Also, upgrade and expand programs in recreation and the Office on Aging; continue upgrades for police, fire, rescue and emergency management with new equipment, including a computer-aided dispatch system. We have maintained a road-paving program and joined with local and county agencies to provide services to the residents at a savings.

Michael Trenga (R) My view of the past work of the current governing body has been that of failure, poor planning, and improper priorities. Being able to make the hard decisions is what is needed. We have two assets that many towns do not: a Main Street and waterfront. This governing body has missed the boat on both. This mayor and council want to use eminent domain on thriving business on Main Street, and leave the obvious areas that need attention to stand put. They have no plan for parking needs and have done zero for our Main Street district. We need a plan that will bring in commercial revenue.

What would your goals be as a member of the governing body, if elected?

Raymond T. Eppinger (R) As mayor, my first priority would be to ensure that the governing body shares and discusses all relevant information and works together, regardless of political party, doing what is best for the residents. We would begin long-range infrastructure planning so that roads would be paved and facilities upgraded and maintained. We will work toward straightening out the utility billing mess and see if it is possible to bring the construction office back. We will strengthen the code enforcement office so we can tackle the illegal housing epidemic. We will come up with a comprehensive plan for the downtown district. Finally, we will prioritize all projects so we undertake only those that the borough truly needs and can afford.

Peter S. Guindi (D) With the rising cost of running a municipality as well as running a household, my goal is to expand services while saving taxpayers' hard-earned income. I hope to revitalize the downtown area in order to enhance current businesses and encourage new business growth within the community, thereby increasing commercial tax-based revenue for the borough and augmenting local business patronization. Illegal Housing has become an increasing challenge in recent years, which I hope to assist in alleviating for the betterment of the borough.

James F. Hutchison (R) My goal would be to listen to the voice of the borough residents and business owners and be a conduit for their needs. I would strive to be the voice of the people. I have heard from many residents during my door-todoor campaign, and they have excellent ideas on bettering our borough. Additionally, it is time to bring pride of ownership back to South River. The borough is a welcome mat for positive change and growth. The challenge of being a small jewel in the Garden State is a possibility. I would strive to make it a

reality.

Arthur Londensky (i) My goals would be to bring leadership that answers to the residents and not to party politics. I want to revitalize the downtown business district, which is a unique part of the borough. I want to improve existing parks and recreation areas by re-establishing the recreation commission to oversee that operation; increase parking and restroom facilities at our fields and parks; and make our parks accessible to all. I want to continue to enhance our public safety departments by improving facilities and personnel to keep up with technology, and I want to establish a multiyear plan to repave borough streets and replace worn or outdated utility equipment.

David A. Sliker* (D) The value of grant money cannot be discounted. We have received almost $6.5 million over the past seven years for projects that have improved the wellbeing of our community. Continuing to seek grant funding will be an important aspect of our new governing body. I have always believed that an open line of communication to our community is key. With the new updated facility and equipment for TV 35, we are now in a better position to communicate with the community.

Robert Szegeti* (D) We would continue lobbying the various levels of government for grants to maintain the programs currently offered to the residents of the borough, as evidenced as you drive around the borough, including our parks. There has not been one area of town that has not received some type of improvement or enhancement. We would look to grow the downtown area, attracting the drive-through traffic to stop and shop, through the efforts of several of our borough commissions, such as the Economic Development Commission and the Cultural Arts and Heritage Commission, with a focus on our ethnic restaurants as anchors for this attraction.

Michael Trenga (R)

My goal as a member of the governing body is to work with my colleagues to make South River a place where people will want to move, live and raise a family; a place where we can maximize and build on our assets. This borough is a unique and special place, and the residents deserve better. Arrogance and exclusion should never be part of any governing body.

What qualities do you bring to the table as a town official?

Raymond T. Eppinger (R) 4) As a lifelong resident and someone who travels around the country on business, I think I have the ability to build a better South River by combining the traditions and history of the borough with the ability to try new ideas to solve our problems. I have the ability to work with others and build a consensus. I can bring a new sense of hope, optimism and openness to the office of mayor. The only people that I will serve are my friends, neighbors and all residents of the borough. There is no party machine or political boss to be concerned with - they simply don't exist for me.

Peter S. Guindi (D) 4) I am a lifelong resident of the borough. I have participated in various community efforts to enhance the town, including founding and directing Cruise Nite, an event that has brought crowds of people to the downtown area. I have served on numerous boards and committees over several years and have worked with town officials to implement ideas to enhance the borough. I would be honored to have the opportunity to continue my efforts as a town official in the hope of offering fresh ideas and innovative initiatives to help the borough move forward on a continuous path of progress.

James F. Hutchison (R) 4) I have over 25 years of water and electric utility business experience. In my current and previous management positions, my major strength has been and continues to be communications. My style is simple and begins with listening. Once you understand the issue, you can start to work on the situation, and through continued communications, achieve a successful result.

Arthur Londensky (i) 4) I bring the following qualities to the table. I am a lifelong resident of the borough. I am a proven leader, as shown by the positions I hold. I have 25 years of government service experience and over 30 years of public safety background. As an independent candidate, I feel I can work closely with the public, the borough employees and professionals to bring an improved quality of life to the residents of South River without politics getting in the way of progress.

David A. Sliker* (D) 4) Experience, dedication, sincerity and passion for a job well done. My goal is to never have to say, "That's good enough." I have sufficient drive and energy to see any project through from beginning to end. People who have worked with me recognize I'm well organized, resourceful and task oriented. Sometimes it takes a little longer to get something off the ground, as I'm willing to listen to everyone's opinion and ideas to try to reconcile differences, if possible.

Robert Szegeti* (D) 4) During my administration, I have maintained an open door policy with the people of the borough, meeting people on the street, in stores or some event, listening to their thoughts and ideas. We have established a methodical style of continuing the progress that the borough has enjoyed. I have the ability and experience to lobby on behalf of the borough to various agencies (federal, state and local) for grants and programs, as evidenced by receiving over $5.5 million, and not having to be required for any match of funds.

Michael Trenga (R) 4) Some of the positive qualities that I bring to the table are common sense and the ability to reach across the table to all parties regardless of political affiliation, race or background, and work together to bring a better South River. Being able to serve all people is what public service is about. That should and will never be taken for granted by myself.