Politics & Government

Pool, Taxes, Downtown Redevelopment Dominate Candidates Forum

Incumbents Mayor David Amlen and Deputy Mayor Richard Huber faced GOP challengers Jerry Fernandez and Diane Stampoulos.

Democratic incumbents Mayor David Amlen and Deputy Mayor Richard Huber faced Republican challengers former Township Committeeman Jerry Fernandez and newcomer Diane Stampoulos Wednesday evening at the first of two candidate forums held this week in Springfield.

Moderator Dr. Gary Hecht, a Livingston resident who owns a Springfield chiropractic care business, directed questions submitted by attendees to candidates, who began the forum by introducing themselves and briefly stating why they're seeking office.

Amlen went first and said he has lived in Springfield with his wife and two children for 17 years. Stating that his campaign is based on actions rather than words, the mayor pointed to the lowest municipal tax increase in a decade among his accomplishments. Even in the face of a $650,000 clean-up bill thanks to superstorm Sandy, the average household in Springfield saw the municipal portion of their tax bill increase by $7, he said. 

Huber, also a longtime resident, said the decisions he's made while serving on the committee over the last three years have been in the best interest of the people of Springfield. The deputy mayor shared that his family has such an affinity for the township that two of his three grown children have returned to Springfield to start their own families.

Both Amlen and Huber said they are proud of the improvements being made to the Chisholm Center, which is expected to reopen in November, as well as the establishment of a flood mitigation committee.

Fernandez, a restaurant owner and father of three, said he sees tremendous potential for the future of Springfield. He stated that he believes the committee was able to make great progress during his previous term (Fernandez lost to Democrat Margaret Bandrowski in the 2012 election) and wishes to continue to preserve the "quality of life" for Springfielders. 

Stampoulos, a Seton Hall University graduate and mother of two, said she is seeking office because the people of Springfield deserve a "more effective government." The business owner said she looks forward to a "new beginning" for Springfield if elected.

Questions raised by those in the audience focused on taxes, community pool improvements, and the redevelopment of the downtown business district.

A question directed to the Democrats asked what measures are being taken by the flood mitigation committee to address environmental issues. Amlen said on Tuesday evening he and other local mayors, who comprise the Mayors Council Rahway River Watershed Flood Control, attended a meeting as they are continuing to work toward flood mitigation solutions with the help of an engineering firm since Irene, an ice storm and superstorm Sandy caused widespread devastation to Springfield and other local communities.

Fernandez, during his rebuttal, said the township should continue to participate in the Mayors Council meetings but should also take a look at low areas in both Alvin and Laurel Parks.

The Republicans were asked what new ideas they'd bring to the committee if elected. Fernandez said since 2009 the committee has been talking about improving the pool yet, in his opinion, the work that has been done consists of "patches and band aids." Fernandez said the community pool should be able to compete with those of neighboring towns.

"The pool is being worked on as we speak," said Huber in his rebuttal. The deputy mayor also pointed out that the renovations, including a new filtration system and tile work, are being paid for out of the pool's surplus, rather than with taxpayer dollars.

In a question posed later in the evening, Huber was asked if he supported the formation of a pool committee and he said he would and added it should be overseen by either the recreation department or the pool manager or the two together. Amlen was asked if he would support new locker rooms for the pool and he said if that is what his fellow township committee members recommended, then he would be amenable to those changes.

Fernandez again stated that there needs to be an overall plan for the pool's future. Important to seniors as well as children who participate in camps there, the pool needs a complete overhaul to make lasting improvements that make the most of the property, Fernandez said. 

Huber was asked where he sees the Springfield Community Partnership five years from now. He and Amlen spoke of grant money the township received to improvement the downtown area and once again invited residents to come out and provide feedback and check out proposals for the vision for Morris Avenue. The meeting, an open house, will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12 at Sarah Bailey Civic Center. 

Huber was also asked if he would consider selling the Sarah Bailey Civic Center. He said while he knows people will hate him for saying it, he would consider it though he said there are proposals to turn it into an arts center. He said when thinking about the amount of money that might need to be put into the building, it could be worthwhile to consider what money could be made by selling it.

Fernandez, in his rebuttal, said it is too early to think about selling it and would rather wait to see who may need it and if the Business Improvement District (BID) had plans to include it in the redevelopment of the downtown.

Amlen was asked why, with new developments in town, have taxes not decreased. The mayor said more residents in the township means more public services. He also said that many residents are winning their tax appeals.

Fernandez said anyone who promises to lower taxes is lying. He added that taxes will continue to go up but with 50 percent of tax bills going to the Board of Education, he recommended collaborating with the Board to find shared services that could help control increases.

When asked why she is qualified to serve on the committee, Stampoulos, who has volunteered as an alternate on the board of adjustment, said she is active with her children's activities, and is a business owner who lives in Springfield and cares about the township.

In closing, all four candidates thanked Hecht for moderating, the Springfield Chamber of Commerce for organizing the forum, the Board of Ed for allowing the use of the auditorium and the public for attending. Hecht reminded residents to vote on Tuesday.

A second forum will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the Springfield Public Library.


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