Meet the Candidates for the Oakland Republicans was a fairly informal affair with limited attendance, but the American Legion Hall provided a good venue for more personal interaction with the candidates. Though the opportunity existed, there were no hard hitting questions from the audience which was mostly comprised of supporters.
The open nature of Oakland’s Council meetings allow for residents to speak their mind and remind representatives of simmering subjects in the borough. The event this past week offered a chance to see a more personal side of the candidates, hear them express their views, their goals, and gain a better insight into the person. The format began with a brief welcome and introduction of the two candidates, incumbents Council Member Frank Di Pentima and Council Member Betsy Stagg. Both candidates provided a short biographical background of their connection to Oakland, various civic organizations, and a review of the areas of responsibility they exercise on the Council.
Betsy Stagg reviewed her accomplishments with regards to the success of the Oakland Open Space program, the number of grants achieved, and briefly discussed one particular goal. Mindful of the borough’s financial situation with regards to acquiring Pinnacle, she mentioned a future of goal of the town one day acquiring the property formally known as Pleasureland. This property could provide an opportunity for additional recreational fields which could have a path connecting them to the existing Rec Fields. The abandoned pool on the property could also be evaluated to determine if it could be refurbished and a private bond system coordinated to fund a swim club on the site.
Frank Di Pentima discussed his efforts to keep municipal taxes down. Explaining that the Council actually has control over a small percentage of the town budget, he reiterated topics covered during the recent budget discussions. Although Oakland residents have seen taxes rise, the percentage of tax increases has not risen; with increased costs, he believes this is reflective of the diligent work being put forth by the council to respond to resident concerns over the increasing tax burden on property owners. Responding to a question from the audience, he stated he would not exploit a concept being floated in Trenton to allow municipalities to levy their own sales tax as a funding source.
The candidates see the growth of Oakland, keeping taxes down, and the ever impending COAH situation as being some of the bigger issues facing Oakland in the future. As mentioned, the informality of the venue offered a much more appealing platform for interaction with the candidates. The Council as a whole might consider holding occasional meetings such as this where agendas, resolutions, and roll calls give way to the exchange of ideas and brainstorming by residents and representatives alike.