Election 2022: Kim LaMountain, Holmdel Township Committee

HOLMDEL, NJ — Republican Kim LaMountain is one of four candidates seeking two, full-term seats on the Holmdel Township Committee in the Nov. 8 general election.

In these profiles, candidates provide voters with background about themselves and their positions on the issues, as they see them. Patch is publishing individual profiles leading up to the election.

LaMountain is a lawyer and municipal court prosecutor and is concerned about safety in the township. She has presented suggestions as a candidate for improving safety and addressing the statewide issue of car thefts and attempted car thefts. "Holmdel has always been a place to feel safe and secure an unfortunately, the car theft epidemic has scared many of us," she says.

Read more from candidate Kim LaMountain:

Name: Kim LaMountain

Age: 54

Town of residence: Holmdel

Position sought: Township Committee

Are you an incumbent or previous governing member? No

Party affiliation: Republican

Campaign website: https://kimlamountainbrianfosterforholmdeltownshipcommittee.com/

Family: Married to Scott LaMountain; four children: Emily, Connor, Cameron, Margaret

Education: B.A. Rutgers College; J.D. Western Michigan University School of Law; also studied at Warwick University, Coventry, England (Shakespeare) and Corpus Christi College, Oxford University, England (Politics)

Occupation: Lawyer and Municipal Court Prosecutor

Name the top issues currently facing your town and how you plan to address them:

Public safety is a top priority. Crime in this state has surged to an all-time high. Holmdel has always been a place to feel safe and secure an unfortunately, the car theft epidemic has scared many of us.

The criminals are now coming into homes. On our website, my running mate Brian Foster and I have posted a “Call to Action” letter to Governor Murphy. It outlines statistics, opening our eyes to the recidivism rate and the necessity of proper consequences for these criminals.

Holmdel residents may sign this letter electronically and it will be sent to the Governor as a wake-up call that we need action now. These bills need to be passed. The use of technology will help track these criminals, and this is already underway. As an elected official, I can continue to help the Holmdel community in the following way:

• Give our Residents a Voice: Continue to encourage residents to submit the “Call to Action” letter.
• Access to Funds and Training: Continue to make sure our police department has the necessary technology and training to address crime and make certain Holmdel takes advantage of any available grants or programs from the county, state and/or federal government.
• Increase in Patrol: Conduct a full township analysis for police presence, review the township population growth over the years in conjunction with the calls for service, types of crimes being committed and response times. Perform a cost analysis to consider increasing patrols during peak crime hours, which is typically 2 a.m. to 5 a.m.
• Creation of Public Safety Task Force: This would consist of five members, four members of the public who specialize in law, finance, public safety, and one member of the police force, preferably a Holmdel resident police officer. This committee will act as a liason between the community and the Township Committee.
• CAT: Combat Crime & Auto Theft Pilot Safety Program: Invite residents to sign up for safety training in conjunction with the police. Once a quarter, groups can meet in neighborhoods or in a public space. It is a forum for communication between our residents and officers and would be modeled after other programs police have implemented. This can also be a way for the police to reach citizens about all the efforts to address this problem.
• Holmdel Newsletter: Implement a dedicated page titled “Police Corner” in the newsletter where updates are made directly to the residents every month instead of at the discretion of the mayor.
• Text Utilization: During COVID we had endless code red alerts, but nothing for attempted thefts or traffic delays. This needs to be utilized correctly to be more transparent and also appropriately so as not to create fatigue for the public.

The protection of open space is a core issue. One of the reasons most residents moved to Holmdel is to enjoy our bucolic setting. Protecting our open space is paramount to maintaining the character of Holmdel. In order to do so, we need to stand firm and protect our Master Plan.

Fiscal responsibility is always at the forefront of concern. Most of us have experienced the financial impact of our current economy, so it is crucial that we find a way to maintain our property tax levels. Careful attention to spending and borrowing is necessary.

As an elected official, I will scrutinize the current budget with an eye for the future. It is imperative that we maintain a savings component within the budget so that we are prepared for unexpected expenses. I will encourage the quest for grant money where available, and explore the opportunities for shared services, as we have done with our municipal court.

Identify one or more specific goals or ideas you have to enhance life in your town:

One of the reasons I am running for office is that I enjoy the sense of community. One of my goals as an elected official is to continue toward bringing the community together.

I look forward to finalizing the implementation of a transportation program for our seniors to and from local doctor appointments, shopping and social events. I would like to see a "Senior to Senior" program, where our high school seniors are connected to our older community. It is a great way for us to connect, learn from each other and enjoy some companionship.

I also look forward to finalizing the Shop Local Program. Those businesses that participate can enjoy free publicity as a featured partner in a "spotlight" and our residents can benefit with a property tax deduction while supporting those businesses.

I also feel strongly about our veterans. My goal is to continue to recognize them within our community. I would like to see a "meet and greet" on an annual basis where the residents are invited to come meet and speak with our veterans.

And of course, there are our younger community members, I would like to bring back movie night and implement a “Mayor for the Day” program where each quarter, a student can shadow the mayor for the day.

On a different note, the drug epidemic has not disappeared. I would like to see our municipal court implement a "drug court" for those individuals that commit crimes as a result of their addiction. The resources required are minimal and it would be a way to combat this epidemic.

In addition to all of the aforementioned, I feel that strong communication between the Township Committee and the Board of Education is integral to our township.

What in your experience or background prepares you for election to office:

I have worked as an attorney for about 27 years now. I am experienced in handling stressful life altering events for others and can recognize the impact such situations have upon them. As a litigator, I know how to represent others and fight for what is right.

The most important attribute I have acquired through the years is the ability to listen. I have served as a court appointed mediator and also work as a private mediator, where my role is to not impose an outcome, but to help two polarized sides come together to reach an agreement.

I also work as a municipal prosecutor. I am familiar with our municipal criminal system and recognize the importance of law enforcement, as well as the resources needed for our local officers to perform their job well.

I have balanced my career with being a wife and a mom to four children that have enjoyed the school system here in Holmdel. During my 19 years in Holmdel, I have entrenched myself in the community, as a cheer coach and board member of the Pop Warner/AYF program, a coach and team mom with the Holmdel Youth Athletic Association and the Catholic Youth Association.

I did a mock trial program with elementary school classes where the students learned about government, the law and finished with a "mock trial." I have volunteered as a religious education instructor and sat on the Holmdel Planning Board for several years, including time as vice-chair. I have worked with budgets, organized events, balanced competing interests in reaching agreements, litigated positions, reconciled research information, and invested in the community.

I have worked to develop a career, which includes public service. Most importantly, I have learned how to listen. I welcome an opportunity to share this experience with sitting on the Holmdel Township Committee.

Candidates for the Holmdel Township Committee:
Full Term – Vote for Two:

• Kimberley LaMountain (Republican)
• Brian Foster (Republican)
• Rajesh Mohan (Independent)
• Julie Roth (Independent)