East Brunswick has a lot at stake Nov. 4
Campaigning is in full swing for several important local elections in Middlesex County, but the one with the most significance may be that of East Brunswick. Three candidates are vying to be the township's first new mayor since Bill Neary took over 12 years ago. And four more candidates are seeking two available seats on the five-member Township Council.

There is an abundance of important issues for the candidates to address, as is usually the case in East Brunswick. While property taxes, traffic and the business climate tend to return for discussion with each election, there are also some other important issues in front of the candidates, notably the Golden Triangle sale and redevelopment, potential cuts or consolidation of the municipal workforce, commuter issues, and whether the governing body is open enough to residents and their concerns.

The fact that candidates on all sides are suggesting some type of improved means of communication and seeking to bring residents more into the fold on important discussions such as the municipal budget is a positive sign. Many people have felt over the years that big decisions were made behind closed doors, and that not enough information was provided up front on issues such as the developer selection for the Golden Triangle or the cost of the CulturalArts Center. Important initiatives like those should be fully aired out in public before any decisions are made.

For better or worse, the coming year will be a time of change for East Brunswick, whether Republican Christi Calvano, Democrat David Stahl or Democrat-turned-independent Donald Klemp is elected mayor. There will be a new person in charge for the first time since the mid-1990s, and either one or two new council members. Hopefully, residents are listening to the candidates as they make their way around town and discuss their platforms. The presidential election may command the most attention from voters this year, but there is plenty at stake locally as well come Nov. 4.