Letter to the Editor: Re-elect Impreveduto and Buontempo

This year’s Township Committee election in Holmdel is more about leadership and having the tenacity to see the big picture than it is about petty political differences.

Allow me to explain.

Much has been made of the consolidation of the fire protective service in Holmdel. There were countless meetings, endless debates and predictable divisions.

We know all fires go out eventually, but sometimes all it takes is the adults in the room to turn on the hose.

Holmdel fire fighters have a strong emotional attachment with the community they selflessly serve. The history and heritage that surrounds a local firehouse comes from the heart and soul of that very community. When the alarm is struck, volunteers put their lives on the line to protect others.

That is why it is so important to make sure the men and women who answer the call stay properly trained, appropriately staffed and cooperate professionally with all participants in the theater of emergency services.

We can’t fight fires with egos.

For many years, we have stood on the sidelines and watched this drama play out between Town Hall and Holmdel Fire Company No. 1.

Observant residents and those with close involvement with all parties involved took note with silent frustration.

When committeeman Greg Bountempo saw the problem he tackled it head on. An elected official playing with fire is a third rail of politics.

However, lives are on the line. Our lives, your children’s lives, everyone you know and love in this township depends on firefighters being there when it matters.

There are no guarantees in this world; but, if a call for help goes out, it is a safe bet a firefighter will respond come hell or high water.

The current and past members of Fire Company No. 1 love this town and care deeply about what they do, but it is the current leadership of that organization that failed its members, not the township.

This Tuesday, Nov. 4, vote for the individuals who really count.

The people who have made the tough decisions — not the mere critic who only writes about how it ought to be done.

This November 4th, re-elect Mayor Pat Impreveduto and Greg Buontempo.

Very truly yours,
Michael Nikolis