Little Silver Council Candidate Profile: Dane S. Mihlon

Name: Dane S. Mihlon
Party: Republican

What makes you a Republican?

I am a registered republican and have been since I was 18.  My family has been involved in local republican politics for several generations. My grandfather was a Councilman as well as Mayor of Red Bank (Peter W. Falvo). My father was a Little Silver Councilman back in the 1970’s (Lawrence F. Mihlon). 

I grew up in a political atmosphere that followed me to include working as a college student during the early 1980’s as a public affairs assistant on the Air & Space Bicentennial in 1983 in Washington, D.C. and enjoyed being able to interact with our nation’s political environment on a national level. 

In Little Silver there has to be a good working environment whether you are a Democrat, Independent or Republican. Only our community and the residents matter here. There has to be bipartisan politics on a local level.

What's your specialty? How can it help the borough?

I am an insurance broker specializing in health insurance. I believe my expertise in this area can help Little Silver with its’ current health insurance requirements for existing employees as well as funding future retirement obligations.

I possess strong management skills acquired through 25 plus years of management experience. My management experience extends from government work to the private sector. I am also a small business owner and have been since 1992. I know how hard it is to make a budget work and create efficiency.

I have already been a volunteer in Little Silver since 1981 as a volunteer fireman. I was a four term President of . I also served as a Vice-President, Trustee and Corresponding Secretary. I helped develop the fire company newsletter as well as the current fund drive system which reduces tax dollars from the public. I also spearheaded the firehouse renovations that were done without tax dollars.


What do you believe is the #1 issue in Little Silver right now, and what should be done about it?

That probably is a tie between taxes and recreation for our borough children. As I have knocked on doors in Little Silver that seems to be the biggest response from residents to me.

Borough spending should always be looked at very closely to ensure that we get the most for every dollar spent. Innovative ways to decrease spending while not curbing borough services is important too. 

On the recreation side it is important to maintain the quality of our recreation services. Many people live in Little Silver for the quality of life and we are known as a great place to raise children.  I look forward to working with the great residents that I have spoken with on improving the future of our borough.


(Sent in from a Patch reader) Candidates: What would you do to slow down traffic (especially large truck traffic) that passes through the center of town? What about the issue of making traffic stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk-specifically the dangerous crosswalk in front of the Wells Fargo Bank?

Truck traffic seems to be a problem. I personally live close to the downtown area and see these large trucks moving quickly through town. I would work with the traffic and safety committee and to get their best ideas and advice for review and implementation. Safety is of the utmost importance.

On the cross walk issue… again I would look to the experts in the police department and traffic safety committee for the best advice. Little Silver is very fortunate to have such experts at hand. Whatever is necessary for safety should be a priority.

(Sent in from a Patch reader... this is a three-parter) As we approach the municipal elections, I'd like to see more coverage of the Little Silver candidates. Specifically, their views on:

Consolidation of services with nearby towns

Consolidation is definitely worth looking into. The big question becomes where to consolidate that would save money and not compromise service to our residents.


Having council meeting minutes available sooner than 2 months after the meeting

I don’t know the reason why it takes two months. If there is any way to improve delivery of the minutes to the community that would be great. I believe that the website would be the best place to start.

and a requirement for residents to shovel sidewalks in the winter

As a commercial and residential property owner (in both Little Silver and a neighboring town) I know what it is like to shovel sidewalks each winter because we have to, whether I do it or hire someone. I think the real issue here in Little Silver is children’s safe passage back and forth to school in some critical areas in town. I personally do not have a sidewalk in front of my home in Little Silver but would welcome practical suggestions that would make our streets safer for the children in our town.

Anything else you'd like to share for the good of the borough?

I look forward to the opportunity to serve on the Little Silver council. I grew up in Little Silver attending all of our schools. I have been a volunteer fireman in town since 1981. I have been a four term President of the fire department. I have had a great working relationship with the local police department, public works and administration of Little Silver.  

I have strong administrative and management skills and have worked in both the government and private sector. I grew up in town and attended our local schools. My family is still living in town. Having roots to Little Silver since the early sixties allows me to have a unique perspective that very few people have. The people of Little Silver benefit from that type of experience.

I believe in the future of Little Silver and will work very hard for the residents making sure we maintain fiscal responsibility and continue the quality of life. I believe in the strong education we provide to our borough children, the safety to our residents through our excellent policing and the quality of our public works and competent borough administration.