Toms River Council Election 2021: Justin Lamb

TOMS RIVER, NJ — The 2021 election campaign culminates when voters go to the polls Nov. 2 to choose Toms River Township Council members.

Each of the four ward seats are up for election. There are two candidates seeking each ward seat, which is a four-year term.

Patch asked each candidate to answer questions to give voters information about who they are and their stances on various issues. We are printing their responses in full, unedited except for spelling or punctuation.

Here are the answers from Justin D. Lamb, who is running for Ward 1.

Age: 39

Town of residence: Toms River Township

Position sought: Council - Ward 1

Party affiliation: Republican

Family: Unmarried

Education: Juris Doctor, Rutgers Law School, Newark, NJ

Occupation: Police Officer and Attorney-at-Law

Previous elective office, if any:

None

Do you or anyone in your family work for the state, county or local governments?

Police Sergeant, (2002-Present), Lavallette Police Department; Volunteer Firefighter/EMT, Lavallette Volunteer Fire Company, Station 69.

Sister, Victoria, Police Officer, Lavallette Police Department;

Father, Robert P. Lamb, Esq., Republican Councilman Borough of Lavallette (2004-Present)

Why are you seeking office?

As property taxes continue to rise and urban sprawl is engulfing Toms River, I could not sit on the sidelines and watch any longer. We need people on council who are not beholden to special interests groups who have the courage to say No.

What do you feel is the most pressing issue facing the community, and what do you want to do about it?

Property taxes are out of control and new high-density development is transforming Toms River into an urban center. If elected, I will fight to put a stop to the wasteful spending that is driving up taxes and the special deals for developers that are incentivizing explosive growth in high-density, multifamily development.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking to serve?

Michele Williams has voted to increase property taxes every year she's served on the school board and school taxes are up $10 Million in the last three years. Last year, Michele Williams jacked up property taxes by 7 percent in one year. Then Williams gave a 3-year contract with 10 percent raises for all employees. Residents simply cannot afford to have Williams representing them on Council.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

• Stop rampant over-development;
• Put an end to runaway spending that has increased property taxes;
• Put an end to the commercialization of our residential neighborhoods.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you will be effective in office?

My greatest accomplishment was while working midnight shifts as a police officer, I put myself through law school at night while also working for the New Jersey State Senate Republican Office.
My work ethic is unyielding and illustrates I have what it takes to put Toms River back on solid ground and set the course for the future.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I feel I have the right background, education, and experience in working for local and state government to put Toms River Township back on the right track.