Recommendation 1: The mayor is elected directly by the people. Why is this necessary?
In the new form of government, the Mayor has no more power than he or she does today.
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In our current form of government, the Mayor sets the agenda for each meeting. The Mayor has complete discretion on the resolutions and the ordinances that appear on the agenda. In the past, the agenda unfortunately has reflected the vested interests of those who propped up the Mayor.
It is always better that the Mayor is answerable directly to the people on why a law is proposed or not proposed.
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Additionally, Holmdel voters in the past had wanted this system. In 2017, former mayor Hinds' supporters, who were present at the re-org meeting made it clear that they voted for Mr. Hinds hoping he'd be the mayor again and were upset when the party bosses nominated Buontempo as the mayor.
Recommendation 2: Elections will be held on a non-partisan basis. Why is this necessary?
Municipal government should be about two things: quality of life for the residents and keeping property taxes low. There is absolutely no need for any partisanship. We have a track record of partisan bickering and county ‘referred’ candidates performing poorly and being censured.
In 2019, I was able to win the committee seat as a registered independent purely because of this partisan infighting.
Non-partisan elections will encourage more qualified unaffiliated candidates to run for office.
Recommendation 3: People have more power via Initiative & referendum. Why is this necessary?
In the current form of government, people do not have a say in a law approved by the committee. If people do not like a resolution or an ordinance, their only outlet is to voice their opposition at township committee meetings.
In the new form of government, people could collect enough signatures to petition a repeal of a law or propose a new law. This cannot be done willy-nilly. There is a minimum requirement for the number of people requesting a change to guarantee that it is not a small minority who oppose a measure.
The form of government proposed does not ensue chaos. On the other hand, it will put an end to outside meddling and influences and ensure that Holmdel residents have more control over their future.
Prakash Santhana
Deputy Mayor
Holmdel Township
