TUF - Candidate Forum Chris Kelly 1

Mayor Levine's Comments

I want to thank TUF for this opportunity to reach its readers. As my running mates have adequately answered TUF's three questions, I am going to address some significant issues that have been raised during this campaign.

The first is the disastrous Bennetts Lane project, which would bring a Home Depot and over six hundred housing units built by a politically connected Middlesex County pay-to-play contractor that would create traffic nightmares and wreak environmental havoc. I have been against this project from the beginning and my record shows it: I was the only Council person to vote against this project. My opponent in this election claims to have worked to gain public support to go against this project, but the public has always been against it, it was only the politically well-connected who tried to pass it. Indeed, my opponent abstained on one vote to stop this ill-conceived project, and was absent on the other vote. My running mate, Doris Bennett, who has been rallying against this scheme for years, attests to the fact no Council person offered help or went on record to stop it. In fact, it was the lack of Council support that prompted Ms. Bennett to form FRAID (Franklin Residents Against Improper Development) to combat this debacle.

There has been misinformation about pay-to-play laws. I introduced a strong pay-to-play ordinance in 2003. At the time, the Council and township attorney proposed changes to water down its strength. It passed because the majority of Council did not want to eliminate the power of the developers, as opposed to upholding the rights of individuals.

I am proud to have been the co-creator of the Franklin Youth Initiative (FYI) to get grassroots citizen involvement in stopping gang activity. This is a proactive approach to solving youth violence and helping our citizenry. I have been involved in endeavors of this nature since I became Mayor. Unfortunately, this is not something that has an immediate solution contrary to what my opponent believes. But this is only the latest in my long string of initiatives in these areas. I have constantly visited and discussed these issues with residents in areas with the greatest risk since being elected Mayor. I have volunteered my time, money, and professional skills to assist our residents. I am a proud, active member of the Board of Directors of Somerset Community Action Program (SCAP) that works with youth and runs Head Start Programs. In addition, I was honored to view initial plans of the redesign of new, better housing in Parkside by our Housing Authority.

Have you ever watched the Council meeting on Channel 25? I was privy to negotiations with Patriot Media that secured a public access channel for Franklin. As soon as we obtained this station, I pushed to have our meetings televised so the residents could see their government in action. All members of the opposition party on the Council, by the way, opposed me and voted this idea down. By rallying public support, I was able to attain this open government initiative. Channel 25 is now a paid position, which is not what I had planned and supported. I am a large supporter of volunteerism and I have been working on a well-thought out volunteer program to engage the community, enhance our municipal services, and, ultimately, save taxpayer dollars.

Keeping taxes and spending down has been one of the strongest areas in which I have concentrated. The year I became Mayor, the municipality had a zero tax increase. By using my skills as a CPA and corporate financial planner, I will continue to keep a lid on spending. As important, we must appoint people to the Planning and Zoning Boards who are not political hacks, but are knowledgeable citizens who have the ability to say "no" to further development and ridiculous projects. These absurd projects cost taxpayers money in extra services and overcrowding our schools.

Taking action is more important than rhetoric, and I practice what I preach. Without regard to political party, I appointed a Democratic Party member as my sole appointee to the Planning Board, as he is extremely well qualified and, because he is a Franklin Firefighter, he represents the interests of the Fire Companies and public safety. Party partisanship is not important, what is best for Franklin is.

I am glad there are reformers in Franklin who have now changed their views, but most have merely come around to the positions that I have been espousing for years. Many of these reformers, though I believe they now want some changes, are the very ones that actively threw roadblocks in the way of my good work for years.

You know where I stand. You know I have the integrity to continue the philosophy of good government that I have always had. You know I stick to the issues and remain positive on what I will do. I have been focused and open on my initiatives. I am proud to have been called "The People's Mayor." To continue this work for the residents, help me realize my Vision for Franklin by re-electing me as Mayor, along with my running mates Doris Bennett, Chris Kelly, and Anthony Mazzola for Council.

Brian D. Levine
Mayor