The Courier - January 10, 2008

Middletown Committee reorganizes
Scharfenberger named mayor again for 2008, GOP holds 3-2 majority

By J.J. SULLIVAN III
Staff Writer

    The Middletown. Township Committee welcomed two new members to the governing body during its Annual Reorganization Meeting on Sunday, Jan. 6.
    The meeting offered a preview of the contentious dynamic between the two Democrats on the body and a returning Republican majority of three.
    Democratic newcomer Sean F. Byrnes and Republican incumbent Gerard P. Scharfenberger assumed their seats on the five-member committee. Both Byrnes and Scharfenberger will serve three years, respectively. Byrnes assumed the committee seat vacated by outgoing Committeeman Thomas Hall, who had also served as mayor during part of his committee tenure.
Byrnes was sworn into office by Assemblyman Upendra J. Chivukula, D-Somerset, while Scharfenberger was administered the oath of office by Assembly-woman Amy H. Handlin, R¬-Monmouth.
    While the committee members continually spoke of mutual courtesy, the addition of another Democrat to the governing body dramatically altered the township's political balance of power.
    Byrnes and fellow Democratic Committeeman Patrick Short wasted no time making their presence felt on the traditionally conservative board. Byrnes and Short both voted against the reappointment of Scharfenberger to the position of mayor in the first committee vote of 2008. Short nominated Committeeman Thomas Wilkens for the position, and suggested that Wilkens may serve as a better facilitator for discussion. The motion garnered no support.
    Scharfenberger was re-elected mayor, 3-2, despite the vocal objections of the committee's new Democrats. "I am both humbled and honored to be asked once again to serve as the mayor of the greatest township in New Jersey," Scharfenberger said.

Assessing the township

    Scharfenberger said that life in Middletown is suffering from the negligence of state politicians. "The reality of life in New Jersey in 2008 is that property taxes are suffocating residents, and the [Democratic] majority in state government appears to be clueless as to how to reserve the situation," Scharfenberger added. "While [the committee] strives to keep taxes down, the state takes it upon itself to raise taxes at the municipal level."
    "[The township] has managed to prosper, despite the unsettled condition of the state as a whole," Scharfenberger said. "The greatest challenge of any municipality at the present time is to provide maximum services at minimum costs. [The committee] is confident that the advances made [in 2007] will continue to improve our community in the future."
    Byrnes avoided blaming the actions of Trenton lawmakers for the difficulty in cutting local taxes. Instead, Byrnes said he plans to contribute t6 the development of tangible fiscal solutions during his tenure on the Township Committee. I'm looking forward to focusing on the budget," Byrnes said. "I want to find ways to cut the township's spending, generate increased revenue and take some of the pressure off taxpayers."
    Byrnes said he was confident he could help deliver tax relief for Middletown residents. "Although it's true that [the township] has an outstanding bond rating, I believe that opportunities to cut taxes still exist. I want to roll up my sleeves, do the research and find out if the township has really squeezed every last penny out of our coffers. [The township] may have pinched every last penny already, but that's not usually the case," Byrnes said.
    Emphasizing a proactive approach to problem solving, Scharfenberger insisted, "It is not enough to simply talk about [lowering] taxes; we all know that taxes are too high and we all want to reduce them. However, only viable, workable ideas and realistic solutions will end these spiraling property taxes."
    Byrnes also voiced aspirations of constructing improved recreational facilities in town. 'T d like to focus on the development of a larger community recreational facility, with a gym and a pool, in the area of the Route 35 and Route 36 corridor," Byrnes said. I'd like to see if [the township] has the finances to undergo such a project. We have two high schools that travel to Asbury Park to use swimming facilities. Hopefully, [the committee] will have an opportunity to address that need."
    Committeewoman Pamela Brightbill will reprise her role as the township's deputy mayor for 2008, winning a unanimous vote, 5-0. "I look forward to working with the new committee members," Brightbill said. "I really think [the committee] is going to work well together over the next year, listen to each other's opinions and have respectful dialogue concerning the relevant issues."
    During her address, Brightbill mentioned the recent revisions to the Council on Affordable Housing obligations, and how they will "greatly impact" Middletown. Brightbill said she would make it a top priority to "raise awareness, educate and inform residents about this important issue."
    Brightbill also addressed potential fiscal strategies for the upcoming year. "It's easy to make empty promises at this time of the year, but I can promise that 1 will continue to review, understand and look for ways to cut costs and increase revenue," Brightbill said.
    Scharfenberger lauded the efforts of Brightbill. "I value her advice and wisdom on the issues and it is safe to say that I couldn't have done this job without her help," he said.
    Short said newcomer Byrnes provides the Township Committee with a valuable asset. "His educational experience, which includes degrees from both the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and Georgetown Law School, his professional experience as an attorney, and his experience involving community service are all vital aspects that contribute to [Byrnes'] incredible potential to help Middletown," Short said. "He's a real find, and I thank the residents of Middletown for recognizing his value by voting him into office this past November."
    "I hope the new year brings about a realization [among members of the committee] that we should be debating the issues, not the people who raise the issues. Hopefully, as members of the Township Committee, we• can move forward in the spirit of mutual cooperation for the benefit of the residents of Middletown," Short concluded.