Taxes: Money Down The Drain

The Mayor is celebrating a recent $600,000 “shared services” agreement with the Holmdel Board of Education (BOE) and is now pushing for a new bond that will likely be introduced on May 27. His rationale? The BOE is facing financial strain, and the township must step in.

At face value, this seems reasonable. But the facts paint a troubling picture.

🔍 A Lack of Due Diligence

Just weeks ago, the $600,000 agreement was supposedly enough to address the BOE’s needs. So, what changed so drastically to justify even more taxpayer money? The answer is unclear—because there’s been no transparent explanation. This is a clear failure of oversight and due diligence by the Township.

💸 Evidence of Fiscal Mismanagement

In the 2023–2024 school year, the BOE approved spending $420,000—from the capital fund—on a chiller for Indian Hill School. This purchase was not included in the 2020 bond initiative, which explicitly funded HVAC upgrades. Even worse:

• There’s no record of installation or mechanical inspection in township records—something required by law.

• The chiller reportedly now sits unused, possibly to be sold for scrap.

Why was this chiller purchased if it was never going to be used? Why wasn't it included in the original bond projects? Where is the accountability?

❓ Serious Questions About Township Leadership

The rushed push for a new bond raises important concerns:

• Political Maneuvering – Is the Mayor using your money for political cover before an election?

• Fiscal Irresponsibility – Why is more money being spent with no oversight or accountability?

• Negligence – Has the Mayor failed his responsibility to protect taxpayers?

✅ I Support Our Schools — With Accountability

I strongly support funding for our schools—but only with transparency and fiscal responsibility. Before any more taxpayer money is spent, we deserve clear answers:

• What happened to the funds from the 2020 bond?

• Why was the chiller paid for with emergency capital funds?

• Why haven’t current and past BOE leaders explained this to the public?

• Are we seeing incompetence—or something worse?

If the Township Committee wants to continue supporting the BOE, they must first demand answers and support an independent investigation.

I’ve already filed formal complaints with:

• The New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller – Division of Investigations

• The New Jersey Department of Education – Office of Fiscal Accountability and Compliance (OFAC)

🛡 My Pledge to You

With years of experience helping Fortune 500 companies prevent fraud and waste, I’m ready to bring that same vigilance to Holmdel. If re-elected, I will launch a full investigation into the township's financial practices and fight to ensure your tax dollars are protected.

🗳 Vote for Integrity

This primary election is your chance to stand up for responsible leadership. Vote Santhana and Buontempo in the upcoming Republican Primary.

Note: Unaffiliated voters can vote in the Republican Primary. Your voice matters in protecting Holmdel’s future.

Prakash Santhana

Former Deputy Mayor, Holmdel, NJ