Asbury Park Press from Asbury Park, New Jersey • Page 18

ASBURY PARK PRESS WEDNESDAY, FEB. 22, 2006 page B2 www.app.com Tinton Falls shoots down contribution cap ordinance "It seems to me this is a poor way to tighten it Seems to me you're loosening it that's the way I read it" Edison Avenue resident Bernard Gurman on a Tinton Falls ordinance that would nave removed the cap on political contributions. Voters OK District 1 fire budget in Wall WALL Norman Stelling and William Davenport were both elected to three-year terms on the District 1 Board of Fire Commissioners in Saturday's fire district election. Voters also approved the fire district's proposed budget of $222,000. Stelling, secretary for the Board of Fire Commissioners, received 39 votes.

Davenport, vice president of the board, received 43 votes. The budget was approved 40 4o 0. It is up $16,202 from The tax rate is 4.9 cents per $100 of assessed value. That means the owner of a home assessed at $312,000, the township's average, will pay $153 to support the fire district The district is served by the West Belmar Fire Company. Staffreport By KEITH BROWN COASTAL MONMOUTH BUREAU TINTON FALLS An ordinance that would have made it easier for borough professionals to give money to the war chests of local and county political parties was shot down Tuesday by the Borough Council.

By a unanimous vote that followed an occasionally feisty public hearing, the council panned the proposal, which drew heavy criticism from the good government group following its introduction on Feb. 7. The amendment called for removing the cap on political contributions to local or county political parties from borough professionals, or those seeking government contracts. Jim Berube, borough attorney, framed the. public discus- to a local slate.

Violators would be banned for four years from holding a borough contract. But it did not make a provision on how the political party is to keep contributors' money separate. And that's where things got sticky for some residents who questioned how the borough would police such activity. "It's a problem," Berube said. "The best that we could suggest is making the donor liable." Following the meeting, both Taylor and Gurman said the council acted appropriately in defeating the measure.

"They did do the right thing," Gurman said. "But obviously there are a few people who would like to open it right up." Keith Brown: (732) 643-4076 or woman, attended Tuesday's hearing and urged the council to defeat the measure. The current anti-pay-to-play ordinance was adopted in March and limits to $500 the annual sum that borough professionals such as planners, engineers or attorneys can give to local or county political parties. It also caps at $400 the amount of money or so-called "in-kind" contributions professionals can make to an individual candidate's campaign. The amendment would remove the cap, provided that no more than $400 can go to a candidate in a local election.

It would have required professionals who have contributed to specify, in writing to the borough clerk or the receiving political party, that no more than $400 of their contribution can go sion at the outset of the hearing by saying the intent of the ordinance was to' strengthen the borough's existing anti-pay-to-play ordinance, adopted in March 2005. Pay-to-play refers to the practice of awarding discretionary contracts and professional appointments to campaign contributors. But several residents peppered the council for 30 minutes with questions about exactly how the ordinance would bolster the existing local law. "It seems to me this is a poor way to tighten it," said Edison Avenue resident Bernard Gurman. "Seems to me you're loosening it.

That's the way I read it." A spokeswoman for the Metu-chen-based Center for Civic Responsibility the nonprofit group that wrote the anti-pay-to-play ordinance on which the Tinton Falls law is based said last week that the amendment would put "a major loophole in what was a strong law. Heather Taylor, the spokes MOM Little Monmouth and Ocean officials, would go to Freehold and then northwest through Manalapan and Englishtown, cross into Middlesex County at Monroe, pass through Jamesburg and connect with the Northeast Corridor Line at Monmouth Junction in South Brunswick. Officials in Middlesex County and three towns the line would pass through oppose this route. A third option, called the Matawan alternative, would go to Freehold and then northeast to join the North Jersey Coast Line at Matawan. "We're in sync with Monmouth County," said Douglas Bowen, New Jersey Association of Railroad Passengers president.

"A one-seat ride doesn't make or break this project. MOM can stand on its own." Larry Higgs: 732-643-4277 or lhiggsapp.com "A one-shot ride is certainly more convenient, but our problem is ridership and the area it will serve." Monmouth County Freeholder Director William C. Barham We believe Monmouth Junction is the proper way to go," Barham said. "The western part of the county is where the most growth is, and we want to get cars off Route 9." The MOM line would start in Lakehurst and run through Lakewood to Farmingdale. From there, three routes are being considered.

One route would go northeast across Monmouth County to join the North Jersey Coast Line at Red Bank. Another option, backed by ting the cart before the horse right now." Little stressed Tuesday that her possible trek to Freehold doesn't mean she's leaving behind the Bayshore. "Highlands is near and dear to my heart, so I'm not moving out of town and I won't be unin-volved here," said Little, a lifelong county resident who moved to the borough in 1999. "The reason I got involved with the Republicans in town is they were the volunteers at every single event They seemed to be the most active people, the most concerned about the welfare of not only residents but businesses in Highlands and our way of life here." That hands-on approach is a quality Little hopes she can offer as a county freeholder. "Most people in the Bayshore get involved because things need to be done, rather than looking FROM PAGE Bl Monmouth officials stressed their main focus is selecting the right route of the three considered for MOM.

t-ii- "A one-shot ride is certainly convenient, but our prob- lem is ridership and the area it will serve," said Monmouth County Freeholder Director William C. Barham. "If they put through the tunnel, it's cer-; tainly something we'll look at and see if it's right for our resi-'dents." However, Barham stressed that the county's main concern Is that the MOM line is routed through Monmouth Junction to serve growing western County. "Our projections don't agree (with NJ Transit) on ridership. FROM PAGE Bl discuss the situation, said Joseph X.

Gallagher, the party's municipal chairman in Highlands. Even if Little is appointed to Handlin's seat, she would need to run in November to hold onto the unexpired term, which ends Dec. 31, 2007. If appointed, Little also could face a challenge in GOP primaries this June. Republican Mayor Richard W.

O'Neil wished Little luck in the county race but said it was too early to know what course officials could take in Highlands, where Little was elected last year to a three-year council term. "We'll find out Saturday afternoon and see where we're at," O'Neil said. "We're kind of put at politics as a career," she said. "I think what I would bring to Monmouth County is an understanding of what it takes to manage and live in a small town." Staff writer Andrea Alexander contributed to this story. Justin Vellucci: (732) 888-2617 or jvellucciapp.

com CS30TTDCE RESIDENTS OF MONMOUTH COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICTS LISTED BELOW Applications for Absentee Ballots for the Annual School Election April 18, 2006 NOTICE TO PERSONS DESIRING CIVILIAN ABSENTEE BALLOTS Anchor Glass redevelopment moves forward If you are a qualified and registered voter of the State who expects to be absent outside the State on April 18, 2006 or a qualified and registered voter who will be within the State on April 18, 2006 but because of permanent and total disability, or because of illness or temrjorarv nhvsinal riisahiiitv or because of the observance of a religious holiday pursuant to the tenets of your religion, or because of resident attendance at a school, college, or uHiveiaiiy, ur ueuause or me nature ana nours or employment, win oe unable to cast your ballot at the polling place in your district on said date, and you desire to vote in the annual school election to be held on April 18, 2006 kindly complete the application form below and send to the undersigned, or write or apply in person to the undersigned at once requesting that a civilian absentee ballot be forwarded to you. Such request must oicuo yuui.nume auureas, ana me aaaress ip wnicn saia Dauot snouia De sent, and must be signed with your signature, and state the reason why you will not be able to vote at your usual polling place. No civilian absentee ballot will be furnished or forwarded to any applicant unless request therefor is ei.oiveu nui man uays prior 10 ine eiecuon, ana contains tne toregoing information. OFFICE USE ONLY Voters who are permanently and totally disabled shall, after their initial request and without further action on their part, be forwarded an absentee ballot application by the county clerk for all future elections in which they are Voter Number Party Municipality District Ballot No. CIVILIAN ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICATION By BRIAN LEE KEYPORT BUREAU ABERDEEN The blighted 52-acre property that once held the Anchor Glass Container Corp.

on Cliffwood Avenue could be converted into a township center with hotels, town houses, three anchor stores, and hundreds of office spaces and apartments. That was the conceptual plan rolled out by Somerset Development, the Lakewood-based company that owns the property. The company's ambitious conversion plans took a positive step Tuesday night, when the township council signed off on designating the land an area in need of redevelopment. The council during the workshop session also designated Somerset the project's developers. After their hourlong presentation, Mayor David Sobel said the development must "eive engioie to vote.

Permanently and totally disabled voters also have the option of indicating on their absentee ballot applications that they would prefer to receive absentee ballots for each election that takes place during the Print or Type Name Date of Birth Street Adoress remainder of this calendar year. Permanently and totally disabled voters who exercise this option will be furnished with absentee ballots for each election that takes place during the remainder of this calendar year, without further Municipality Zip Code Phone I hereby apply for an absentee ballot for the (check one): Primary General Municipal School Special action on their part. Application forms may be obtained by applying to the undersigned either in writing or by telephone, or the application form provided below may be completed and forwarded to the undersigned. Other. to be held on (data) people from the entire area a reason to go.

If thev accomDlish Dated: February 22, 2006 M. Claire French, County Clerk Election Department 300 Halls Mill Road Freehold, New Jersey 07728-8835 Telephone No. 732-431-7790 ABSENTEE VOTER OPTIONS (Chock any of the Miming that apply to jou) A. I am permanently and totally disabled and wish to receive an absentee ballot for all elections to be held during the remainder of the calendar year. B.

I am not permanently and totally disabled, but wish to vote only by absentee ballot in a general election. If you check off this box, you win automatically be sent an absentee ballot application for any general election until you request otherwise. that, that will make (the venture) successful, and it will thrive for years to come." M. Claire French, County Clerk Somerset President RaDhael Zucker said the comDanv Is Mail my ballot to the following address (If different from above): eager to get started but will in corporate input from "major stakeholders and communirv members, at the right time." In the comine months, site street Address plans will be reviewed by the township's planning board. Municipality State Zip Code After receiving approvals Tues day, tne township council and Somerset DeveloDment en Sign your nama as It appears In poll book Today's Date through a nine-dav Derind tn Any person providing assistance to voter in completing this application must provide: name (type or prnt) negotiate time lines, adminis trator Stuart Brown said.

Zucker said the Drnip.r-t ama Street Adoress to give Aberdeen "a heart and soul, a place where residents could "walk for milk" and off. Municipality State Zip Code set suburban sprawl. Signature of Assistor Pate Upon Anchor Glass rlnsim- 'NO CANDIDATE IN THE ELECTION FOR WHICH THE VOTER IS REQUESTING AN the site faced hundreds nf sanrs MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION MONMOUTH BEACH BOARD OF EDUCATION MONMOUTH REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION NEPTUNE CITY BOARD OF EDUCATION NEPTUNE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION TOWNSHIP OF OCEAN BOARD OF EDUCATION OCEANPORT BOARD OF EDUCATION RED BANK BOROUGH BOARD OF EDUCATION RED BANK REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION ROOSEVELT BOARD OF EDUCATION RUMSON BOROUGH BOARD OF EDUCATION RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION SEA BRIGHT BOARD OF EDUCATION SEA GIRT BOARD OF EDUCATION SHORE REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION SHREWSBURY BOROUGH BOARD OF EDUCATION SPRING LAKE BOROUGH BOARD OF EDUCATION SPRING LAKE HEIGHTS BOARD OF EDUCATION TINTON FALLS SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION UNION BEACH BOARD OF EDUCATION UPPER FREEHOLD REGIONAL BOARD OF EDUCATION WALL TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION WEST LONG BRANCH BOROUGH BOARD OF EDUCATION rw.ji.incc onum DC wn H33I3IUH UK UIHUKIfcU McSScNGbR ALLENHURST BOARD OF EDUCATION ASBURY PARK BOARD OF EDUCATION ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS BOARD OF EDUCATION AVON BOARD OF EDUCATION BELMAR BOARD OF EDUCATION BRADLEY BEACH BOARD OF EDUCATION BRIELLE BOARD OF EDUCATION COLTS NECK TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION BOROUGH OF DEAL BOARD OF EDUCATION EATONTOWN BOARD OF EDUCATION FAIR HAVEN BOARD OF EDUCATION FARMINGDALE BOROUGH BOARD OF EDUCATION FREEHOLD BOROUGH BOARD OF EDUCATION FREEHOLD REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION HAZLET TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION HENRY HUDSON REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION HIGHLANDS BOARD OF EDUCATION HOLMDEL TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION HOWELL TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION INTERLAKEN BOARD OF EDUCATION KEANSBURG BOARD OF EDUCATION KEYPORT BOARD OF EDUCATION LAKE COMO BOARD OF EDUCATION LITTLE SILVER BOARD OF EDUCATION LONG BRANCH BOARD OF EDUCATION MANALAPAN-ENGLISHTOWN BOARD OF EDUCATION MANASQUAN BOARD OF EDUCATION MARLBORO TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION MATAWAN-ABERDEEN REGIONAL BOARD OF EDUCATION ONLY if sick or confined, voter may apply for an absentee ballot by Authorized Messenqer. Messenaer shall be a family mamhnr nr a tions from township inspectors, including 150 wiring violations. Zucker said the facility is in better shape since then.

registered voter of this County. Council members auprioH designate to be mv (Namt of MtMngr) authorized messenger. Zucker about parking and traffic flow. Zucker said surface parking would be drafted fnr MLnnali im Jntmri Authorized Messenger must sign application and show photo ID In the presence of the Countv Clerk or Countu On rinainnao -i rin visitors and residential parking would be drafted to sit behind the apartments. On traffic flow', which Councilman Rnv.

hereby certify that I will deliver the absentee ballot directly to the voter ana no uiner person, unaer penalty ot lav mond noted as a concern for UlttWOOd Avenue. Zur.kpr said Signature of Messenqer the centers are ideal fnr nonnin who want to walk to work. Street Address During Dublic resident Philip Petrignani spoke out recommending all rnHo r-a. State ZipCooe quirements be contained to the project site. Township attorney Daniel McCarthy sairl tWo woo no obligation to do so..