Coalition to Elect Tony Sardis and Lisa Lontai to the Township Committee is a grassroots efforts supported by Republicans, Democrats and Independents who want to see positive, meaningful change in Warren government. After months of listening to the concerns of residents from all demographics, the Coalition has established a non-partisan, first-term agenda.
Fiscally responsible management of property taxes
The municipal portion of property taxes in Warren has risen an average of 8.3 percent each year since 2006. Warren’s effective tax rate has grown “10 times more” than the average for Somerset
County based upon the state’s statistical comparison. During that 5-year period of rising taxes and economic hardship, the Township Committee voted to increase their salaries by 13 percent!
The Coalition believes that it can maintain excellence in services by (i) working with better-governed districts to learn best practices; and (ii) forging an effective working relationship with the school system which represents 70 percent of property taxes. Both Tony and Lisa have direct and extensive experience with the schools which can help further this goal.
Promote community values and prosperity
Warren is a wonderful town with great character thanks to the diverse nature of its residents. The Coalition would like to leverage those qualities by building a strong sense of community.
The first directive would be to work towards building a community center without impacting the municipal budget. The second would be to establish a non-partisan, Citizens Advisory Board to give voice to all residents, not just those that are part of the "establishment."
Restore integrity to government
An overwhelming number of people have expressed concern that the "establishment" has been in power too long and has made questionable decisions which negatively impacted the town. Tony and Lisa are not simply younger versions of the current "establishment"; they are open-minded public servants with a demonstrated history of working for the people’s interest.
In order to restore confidence in the government, the Coalition will work to (i) enhance the township’s conflict of interest standards; (ii) eliminate no bid contracts; and (iii) eliminate the crony capitalism which awards positions and contracts to family and friends.
For more and detailed information, visit the coalition's website.
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