Neighbor News
Former Reformer Backs Joshi The Mayor Who Sells Out Taxpayers to the Middlesex County Empire
"Say it's not so, Kentos," taxpayers cry - Former rebel joins the dark side and supports Edison's self-serving, Mayor Joshi
Not long ago, Robert Kentos stood out as a rare voice willing to challenge the political establishment. In 2023, he sued the Middlesex County Democratic Organization (MCDO) and its chairman, Kevin McCabe, accusing them of rigging internal party procedures and denying members a fair vote. He spoke out forcefully against backroom politics and was praised as a reformer unafraid to confront entrenched power.
That is why his decision in 2025 to align with Mayor Sam Joshi and the very Middlesex machine he had once fought struck many as a quiet betrayal. It followed a $1 million primary funded by outsiders that was designed to crush challengers and consolidate political control. For those who admired his independence, the turn was disappointing.
The Middlesex Empire and Edison’s $67.2 Million of Taxpayer Dollars
For decades, powerbrokers in New Brunswick have treated Edison like their personal ATM. In 2024, Edison sent $67.2 million in county taxes, the largest contribution in Middlesex County. Edison also paid more than $6.1 million toward the county open space tax.
What do Edison residents get in return? Cracked roads. Overcrowded schools. Aging infrastructure. Other towns reap the rewards of county-funded projects while Edison’s families foot the bill for the failures of Joshi's administration.
Find out what's happening in Edison-Metuchenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
.png "This November 4th, Edison holds the power to strike back. Vote Mayor Tingle and The People’s Choice Team and stand up to the Middlesex County machine’s empire.")
A True Rebel Alliance
In a political climate where division is the norm, David Tingle’s campaign is something different. Made up of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, The People's Choice have come together to challenge the Middlesex County political empire and return power to the people of Edison.
Tingle is running alongside Gloria Dittman, Elizabeth Conway, and Samiksha Sharmas, a team that reflects the community’s diversity of background, party, and perspective. What unites them is not ideology, but a shared belief that Edison deserves leaders who put residents before party bosses.
Find out what's happening in Edison-Metuchenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“This is not about party labels,” says Dittman. “It’s about giving people a real choice. We’re running together because Edison needs leaders who will listen, not dictate.”
Conway agrees. “Our coalition represents parents, seniors, small business owners, and everyday neighbors who are ready to take Edison back from political insiders. This alliance is about community, not control.”
Sharmas adds, “As a woman, an immigrant, and a community advocate, I’m proud to stand with David, Gloria, and Elizabeth "Together, we’re proving that when people unite across party lines, real change is possible.”
Tingle sums it up simply: “We’re Democrats, Republicans, and Independents standing shoulder to shoulder to put residents first. This isn’t a machine slate. It’s a movement, and we are the team that is Best for Edison, Column B and E.”
Tingle for Mayor Campaign
📍 1043 Amboy Ave, Edison, NJ 08837
📞 908-227-7957
🌐 www.tingleformayor.com
(All fixed. Thanks for the head's up, Lando)
