Candidate Profile: Michelle Roth

To keep things fair and balanced, Patch has asked each of the four candidates running for the two, three year terms on the Manalapan Township Committee to answer the same questions.

Name:  Michelle Roth

Party:    Democrat

Why are you running for Township Committee?

The people need an advocate.

What is your previous experience?

This is my seventh year on the committee.  In addition to being a liaison to nearly every volunteer group, I also had the privilege to serve on the Planning Board for 2 ½ years (one as Chairwoman) before joining the Township Committee and one year on the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Name the three most important issues in Manalapan Township right now, and why? Name a possible solution for each. 

Being able to continue to provide the level of services our residents have come to expect; negotiation of the garbage contract and lack of communication with residents. 

Solutions –  For the level of services to be maintained we need to have a frank discussion with both employees and residents about what can and can’t be accomplished under current fiscal constraints.  I tried to do this with the employees as we enter union negotiations but did not have any support from the other members of the governing body.   

For the garbage contract, we urgently need to increase the recycling levels here in town.  Bottom line -- fees to the garbage dump go up every time we include recyclables with the trash.  Money is tight and this is one way to cut our expenses.  

For lack of communication with residents, I have always responded to questions and issues from residents, both at public meetings as well as by email, phone, letter and fax.  When I was Mayor in 2008, our public sessions went a bit longer, but everyone who asked a question got an immediate answer.  It is shameful, in my opinion, for the way in which the Mayor has tried to eliminate free speech in Manalapan and appears to ignore the plethora of letters and phone messages on his desk.  

Why should Manalapan Township residents vote for you? 

It is critically important that we have a system of checks and balances at every level of government.  Super majorities, like the one that currently exists in Manalapan, are not a good thing.  It stifles the ability for discussion and debate and permits improper behavior to go unchecked. That is why you always need two elected officials from the opposition.  One person makes the motion and the other can second the motion, forcing open a topic for debate.   

I have shown leadership and independent thinking and have stood up for what is right, despite the intimidation tactics employed by some people.  During my term in office I was able to accomplish much, including: streamlining operations at ; mandating efficiency in government by cross training employees within departments so we didn’t have to rely on expensive contractors; improving communications via the web with residents and other stakeholders; working to make sure our first responders have the equipment and staffing they need; on-line payment options; improved passive and active recreational facilities and most importantly responding to questions from the public both in an interactive way during meetings (unlike the system in place now) and via email, phone and regular mail.