The following open letter was published in local media outlets on October 11, 2022.
Dear Editor:
Madison voters should consider voting for Lenora Clark and Matt Van Natten in the upcoming Borough Council election. Here’s why:
As we are in the midst of election season, let’s review some things that have occurred in recent years under our Democrat-controlled Borough Council:
- The cost of living in Madison has risen.
- Utility Rates
- Madison’s rates continue to be high compared to its neighbors in Chatham and Florham Park, and we receive a meager “dividend” to help offset the high rates. Keep in mind, these high rates create a large surplus of funds (which is ratepayer money) that is used to subsidize borough spending.
- Water rates are increasing. They were once “low” compared to neighboring towns, but because the borough needs money, the Democrat Borough Council decided to increase our rates by 10 percent. Why? Again, to increase the already large surplus.
- Taxes
- Property taxes have increased 8.1% since 2013.
- Utility Rates
- In addition, threats to quality of life and freedom have emerged.
- Controversy as to how the Democrat-controlled borough has handled negotiations with Drew University over the sale of Drew Forest has arisen. Will the borough be forced to increase the number of affordable housing units it must provide, thus leading to an increase in housing density within Madison?
- An expensive and onerous Climate Action Process and Green Energy Policy will be introduced (spearheaded by a current Council member running for re-election). The Democrat-controlled Borough Council is contemplating developing a town-wide Electric Vehicle “Encouragement Campaign” and wants private ownership of EV’s to increase to 1250 (from 180 as of June 2021) by 2025.
- How do they intend to achieve that? Borough Council also plans to urge Solar Feasibility Analyses be conducted when you 1) want to sell your house, or 2) contemplate any other new construction. Can you imagine what impact this will have on your home value?
- “Spot Zoning” accommodations, which have eliminated valued parking spaces, have been granted on Waverly Place. This reduction in parking availability has adversely affected customer traffic to other businesses in that area. Is this an equitable use of valuable space?
- The loss of the Madison Theater to a group of investors (which includes a Democrat candidate for Borough Council).
Taken as individual items, one might think that the council’s actions are not so bad, and perhaps even beneficial to Madison. However, when viewed in their entirety, one gets a different perspective—one that reveals a rising cost of living, a threat to individual rights and liberties, and a decline in the quality of life in Madison.
This trend should worry residents. It demonstrates the risks of “one-party rule.” So, as election season begins, please consider the consequences of your vote. It is time to change the composition of the Democrat-controlled Borough Council; it is time to add some balance and diversity of thought to the Council. Please vote for Lenora Clark and Matt Van Natten this coming election.
DENIS W. SCHREIBER
Greenwich Court
Madison