ELECTION '08: East Brunswick
At stake: One four-year term as mayor

Christi Calvano (R) Calvano, 33, is a small-business owner and stress management and self-empowerment consultant. She has a Bachelor of Ar ts degree in political science and psychology from Rider University, and a Master of Ar ts in diplomacy and international relations from Seton Hall University. She is a lifelong East Brunswick resident. She served on the Township Council from 2003- 07. She was council liaison to the Alliance for Prevention of Alcoholism & Drug Abuse, and to the Water Policy Advisory Committee and Cable Committee. She is a member of the Sierra Club and volunteer with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) of Middlesex County.

How do you rate the success of the township's offerings to commuters and handling of commuter issues?

Calvano: In the latest debacle, the township and Pathmark are pointing fingers, making it difficult to ascertain the truth. During construction of the new parking facility, our NJ Transit commuters were ignored. I was the only council member to oppose the $50 million project (including interest) because I believed the township had no way to pay off the expense. The current administration is trying to fill the gap by forcing commuters to pay for parking when they used to park for free. Moving forward we need better planning and improved communication to ensure our commuters' needs are taken care of.

Donald Klemp (I) Klemp, 54, is a senior technology architect for Paragon Computer Professionals. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science, summa cum laude, from NJIT with a minor in accounting from Rutgers University. He has lived in East Brunswick for 20 years. A councilman for 12 years, he has served on the Planning Board, Recreation & Parks Advisory Board and several other committees. He volunteers with the Camp Daisy organization, Junior Women's Club, Habitat for Humanity and other charitable groups. He is a Vietnamera veteran.

Klemp: Our Parking Utility provides an outstanding service at a great value with no impact to the taxpayers. Our parking fees are among the lowest in the area, and the parking decks are being paid for completely by those who use the facilities. However, I feel not all commuter issues are being properly addressed, especially at the other parkand ride locations. As mayor, I will establish better communication with all commuters and will take a proactive approach to addressing all issues. When the bus contract is re-bid next year, I will ensure there are stronger protections regarding service and scheduling.

David Stahl (D) Stahl, 52, has a wife, Sandra, and three children, ages 18, 17 and 10. He is a businessman and lawyer, and has resided in town for 28 years. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from the Whar ton School of Finance, University of Pennsylvania, and a juris doctorate from George Washington University Law School. He has served as a township councilman since 2003; and was council president in 2004- 05; vice president in 2003. He serves on the Alliance for the Prevention of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, and previously served on the Planning Board, Recreation and Parks Advisory Board, and Future Municipal Use Committee.

Stahl: I believe that the township has been very proactive and visionary in ensuring that the services offered to our commuters are the best they can be. Our two garages provide parking for all residents that need to commute as our society moves to mass transportation. With a very active CPAC advisory committee, schedules are adjusted and reviewed by those who utilize the buses. Because the township operates the Parking Utility, the rates paid by Suburban riders are considerably less expensive than those in the surrounding communities. The communication both by the township and Suburban are areas where improvements are needed.

What would you do to help stabilize taxes?

Calvano: Balance our budget. Plan for and develop budgets before spending. Create short- and long-term strategic fiscal planning to eliminate "sudden" $4 million shortfalls. Utilize the expertise of township employees before hiring outside consultants. Implement new ways to share services with our schools and surrounding towns. Seek out new businesses to increase our so that our town can flourish and Others talk about shifting our debt short term to long term, but this will make struggling families and their children for the council's pet projects for decades come. Klemp: I will continue to promote and tax ratables that have minimal on our educational system. I scrutinize the day-to-day costs of running the township and implement more efficient processes where appropriate. Since 66 of our property taxes go towards level. As mayor, I will rally our taxpayers and start a movement to demand our voices be heard by our state legislators, and that they move forward on their promises of tax relief. At a minimum, I will demand a monthly status report on their activities relating to tax reform.

Stahl: I have specific plans to help stabilize taxes: Eliminate outside professionals from pension eligibility; restructure township debt; achieve a fair contract with our unions that includes employee contribution to their health plans; eliminate the position of assistant to the mayor; form a formal finance committee comprised of mayor, council members and residents to provide timely input to budget and increase transparency; revitalize Route 18 business corridor to increase our commercial tax ratables; increase shared services with our neighboring communities; seek grants to leverage others' money; and review all programs to justify their existence and cost efficiencies.

What new programs or projects would you endorse and work on as a member of the governing body over the next four years?

Calvano: Improving communication by holding town hall meetings in our local neighborhoods, to give our residents a voice to express their concerns. Make sure we can afford the programs we now have before we consider any new ones. However, if we have the funding, adding a program for our special needs children who do not need direct one-on-one support such as a camp program. Making East Brunswick more environmentally friendly, perhaps by using hybrid cars, installing solar panels, and green purchasing.

Klemp: My initial goal is to develop enhanced two-way communication with our residents to keep them properly and thoroughly informed of township issues, and to be able to gather their opinions, preferences and suggestions. When it comes time to prepare the annual budget, I will present a clear picture of township services and their costs. With residents' feedback, we can decide together what services to keep, change or discontinue. I will also continue to pursue open space acquisitions and keep our roads and infrastructure in good repair. Other initiatives are detailed on my Web site at Klemp- ForMayor.com.

Stahl: My goal is to plan for our financial future; new projects will be carefully analyzed and may need to be delayed. In the short term, I will be looking to maintain municipal services while restructuring the township's financial position. I will implement my plans of consolidation and cost efficiencies that will have an immediate impact on 2009 taxes. Government must tighten its belts just as we are doing in our own homes. At the same time, plans will be prepared for projected budgets for the next three years so we can responsibly move forward. Responsible planning eliminates future concerns.

Why should residents vote for you on Nov. 4?

Calvano: Because my opponents want to solve the problems they created. They say I'm angry, but when I see poor fiscal planning and our hard-working residents paying for those consequences, I am upset. I'm not a professional politician with multiple taxpayer paid jobs. My interest is serving you. My record speaks for itself. As your councilwoman (2003-07), I worked to protect our taxpayers, to keep our public informed, and called for sensible planning. As your mayor, I will continue the leadership you expect from me. Working together we can meet the challenges of tomorrow keeping East Brunswick the great town we love.

Klemp: I am a person of integrity that our residents can trust to manage our township in the best interest of all. I have the experience and a record of accomplishments, which was the result of working with the mayor, council and professional staff in an honest, straightforward manner, rather than in a way to publicly embarrass anyone. I have seen the good we have done over the years, and I see our shortcomings. Beginning with my communications plan, along with my other initiatives, I will significantly improve the way local government serves it residents.

Stahl: Our nation has been confronted by a recessionary economy; East Brunswick is no different. We need a strong proven leader who can analyze issues, make tough decisions and has the temperament to work with our state and county leaders to seek funding to reduce our tax obligations. This is the time for a can-do leader, not the time for excuses, no plans, or even worse, illegal proposals. This is the time for a strong leader with a record of accomplishments who we can trust to lead us through these difficult times. I believe that I am that leader.