Mayor's Column

As your Mayor, it is my job to fight for what’s right in the best interests of the taxpayers I serve – a responsibility I take very seriously. So, I get angry when disingenuous developers attempt to abuse state legislation beyond its intent for their own benefit.

Recently, we were notified that the New Jersey Builders Association, a trade organization representing housing developers, filed a lawsuit against Monroe and 158 other municipalities in the state seeking to double the number of affordable units required in the next round of affordable housing. The suit raises questions concerning the municipalities’ responses to the State of New Jersey’s calculation of the number of affordable housing units to be constructed between 2025 and 2035.

For baseball fans like me, it’s a magical time of year.

The baseball field, to me, is where spring arrives first. I fondly remember as a young first baseman, playing for the Fords Clara Barton Little League, those first few days of spring practice.

I would shiver from the cold, as I fielded groundballs in early March. Sometimes there would still be snow on the muddy infield, as our parents would patiently wait in their heated cars for the coach to end practice as day fell into night.

To me, the newspaper is more than paper and ink. It is an experience.

Growing up on Crows Mill Road in Fords, there was always stiff competition between my three brothers and me about who would get to The Star-Ledger first when it dropped on our stoop each morning. We would quickly tear through the sections, excited for whatever awaited.

It saddens me to think that The Star-Ledger will publish its last print issue on Feb. 2.

As Mayor of Monroe Township, it is both an honor and a privilege to stand alongside our esteemed veterans, recognizing their unwavering dedication and sacrifice as we celebrated Military Appreciation Month in May. Our community’s commitment to honoring our heroes is steadfast, as evidenced by the recent events that have brought us together in gratitude and remembrance.

On April 30, Monroe Township veterans and their guests gathered at the Stonebridge Ballroom for a poignant Mayor’s Veteran Movie where we watched ‘The Last Full Measure’ and reflected on the bravery and selflessness displayed by those who have served. It was a touching evening filled with camaraderie and respect, setting the tone for Military Appreciation Month in May 2024. That evening, I also had the privilege of issuing a proclamation to honor our nation’s heroes, expressing our deepest gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

As you know, we continue to fight for affordability and property tax relief both at the state level and here in Monroe. Last year, with my strong urging, the Governor and state legislature increased the income eligibility for the New Jersey Senior Freeze program for the 2024 filing season, which takes effect this year. I am writing today to make sure our residents who may qualify now for Senior Freeze are aware of the program rules and expanded opportunity.

The New Jersey Senior Freeze program provides state-funded checks to offset, or “freeze” increases in property taxes for eligible senior

As Monroe is widely recognized as one of the safest communities in New Jersey, we are often asked about initiatives we are undertaking to deter crime.

One recent strategy has been the investment in the latest law enforcement technologies. Last year, we installed a set of “Flock Safety” license plate recognition cameras around the township and another group is currently being installed.

The cameras, affixed to stationary sites around Monroe, can read license plates of passing vehicles and instantly inform police if any of these cars or trucks have been reported stolen or have active felony warrants. These cameras have made an immediate positive impact.