Michael Bernstein: Howell Resident Challenges Regular GOP Slate

HOWELL, N.J.—Michael Bernstein says he is challenging the Monmouth County Republican Organization in hopes of bringing more residents into the governing process. He also supports preserving open space and the establishment of a charter commission to study the town's form of government.

Bernstein is running in the June 7 primary as a Howell First Republican, opposing the slate of Fred Gasior, Susan Fischer and Ian Nadel, for one of three four-year terms on the Township Council.
There is no primary among Democrats for the council.

Bernstein responded to a Patch questionnaire about his positions on the issues.

Name: Michael Bernstein.

Campaign website: https://www.facebook.com/Micha...

Town of residence: Howell.

Office sought: Howell Township Council.

Party affiliation: Republican.

Family: Wife Linda; daughter Jillian.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: None.

Age: 58.

Previous public office, appointive or elective: Current president of Ramtown Manor HOA.

The following candidate responses were edited for style, brevity and clarity.

Why Are You Seeking This Office?

I am a proud Howell resident for 18 years and have witnessed the caustic political climate
created by the Howell GOP during this time. They are notorious for attacking political
adversaries and pushing their political agendas. I am running to stop this and return our local
government back to the residents where it always belonged. I will bring Republican values with
civility and decency back to our Council.

What Is The Most Pressing Issue Facing Constituents, And What Will You Do About It?

Howell is an agricultural community, not a warehouse and dump community. Families move
here for our schools and to live in an open-spaced suburb. We have a responsibility to preserve
it for future generations. Howell is overdeveloping due to the failures of the Howell GOP to enact
stricter zoning regulations years ago. We are paying the price. When I am elected, I will appoint
qualified residents to serve on our land use boards, not party hacks who vote the way the party
tells them to vote. I believe our town needs a new Master Plan charting a vision for the next 30
years.

What Are The Major Differences Between You And The Other Candidates Seeking This Post?

I'm not going to put on a suit and take a picture with the flag and say I am the best candidate. I am a working-class guy like most residents. I am the only candidate with a track record of fighting the detrimental projects in our town. I am not running with a political party, I am beholden to no political bosses.

If You Are Challenging An Incumbent, How Has The Current Officeholder Failed The Community?

The Howell GOP has held a political majority on Council for 18 years. They have a history of hiring partisan professionals who serve the interests of their party, not the interests of the residents. We cannot have sitting Council members saying on the record that they can only vote the way the party tells them to vote. This is the greatest challenge Howell faces.

What Other Issues Do You Intend To Address During Your Campaign?

When I am elected, I will advocate for a local ethics board that is responsive to residents, a
charter commission study to examine our form of government and make recommendations to
improve it, a referendum to increase open space tax to preserve more land, and a referendum for
residents to decide if they want cannabis businesses in our town and what types of businesses.

What Accomplishments In Your Past Would You Cite As Evidence You Can Handle This Job?

I have been the President of the Ramtown Manor HOA for four years and am credited with the largest clean-up and beautification since the property was built. I have attended countless public meetings to fight against irresponsible projects like the Monmouth Commerce Center and the waste transfer station.

What Is The Best Advice Anyone Ever Gave You?

It is nice to be important, but more important to be nice. When I am elected, I have no alliances
to defend and no axes to grind. I am running to serve my community and be a voice for the
residents.

Is There Anything Else You Would Like Voters To Know About Yourself And Your Positions?

I have an ability to work with officials on both sides of the political aisle and will use this ability to put the residents first. This is something I am very proud of. I will always treat residents with respect, regardless of whether I agree with them or not.