Candidate Profile: Austin Ashley

Austin Ashley feels that what he lacks in actual experience sitting as a member of the governing body, he has in being employed in a position that requires him to support the governing body. 

Ashley is the assistant to the Borough Administrator in Palisades Park, a job he says has educated him in not only understanding the workings of local government, but in also understanding the processes.

Ashley told Patch that he understands people cannot afford increased taxes, but still expect the same level of services. He also understands that services cost money. So how will he balance those conflicting needs in New Milford?

First thing he says he will do is examine the cost of the Borough's health insurance and benefits plan. "We examined employee health care and benefits packages in Palisades Park and changed plans. The borough realized a cost savings of one million dollars." 

He added that after reviewing the Borough of Palisades Park cell phone bills and switching to a federal plan, the borough was again able to realize a savings.

One of the issues that Ashley feels is important to the residents of New Milford is the handling of post-Irene. "In previous storms dumpsters were on-site in the areas that needed them immediately. After Irene, we had debris on some streets for eleven days." 

Ashley believes that the Mayor and Council should have had a flood plan in place prior to Irene. Knowing that flooding is an on-going occurrence after major storms, he feels that the reorganization meeting should have included a request for getting bids for dumpsters. "If you already have a company and got the best deal for the town, then once a storm comes all you have to do is notify the company to mobilize them." 

For Ashley, you can't talk about flooding without also talking about the management of the Oradell Reservoir. "United Water seems to have the ability to regulate the reservoir, but they seem to be doing nothing to help mitigate flooding."

He can't understand how United Water can keep saying that they're not responsible for flooding, "But they're in control of the Hackensack River, the dam, and the Oradell Reservoir."

Ashley maintains that if you look at one hundred years of data, you can track the times of year where there's excessive rainfall. "Why can't (United Water) adjust the levels according to the seasons?"

Ashley wants to meet with United Water officials to find the truth as to why they won't lower their levels. 

Ashley thinks that the status of the United Water property is nebulous. "Is there a letter that the Mayor and Council sent to United Water turning down the right of first refusal? Because it's located in a flood zone, ideally it should remain undeveloped." 

He continued, "Because the current administration failed to ask questions and pursue options, we're not getting as much as we could have. This property seems to have slipped through our fingers."

Ashley believes that what happens to that property will fundamentally change the character of that neighborhood. "If it can't remain undeveloped, then in an ideal world there would be small development on River Road that fits the character of town, and the rest of the land would be preserved as a flood plain."

In talking about taxes, Ashley said that given the fact that all the contracts are currently up for renegotiation, he strongly believes that the entire council should have input in the negotiations. 

"This is an ideal time to review health insurance costs and evaluate the cost savings of other plans."

Ashley also adds, "The police budget is one-quarter of the town's budget, and salaries comprise most of it."

For Ashley, all of these issues tie into taxes--contract negotiations, health insurance costs, exploring shared services, and the loss of property value to homes in flood-affected areas. Ashley's goal is to "stabilize the current tax rate to catch up with the national average."

He also shares that given the current real estate market and favorable mortgage interest rates, although he and his fiancé can afford to purchase a house in New Milford they are precluded from doing so because they can't afford the taxes. 

Ashley emphasizes that he brings a unique perspective to the council. He's in the business of local government and has a firm understanding of the administrative workings of local government.

He is a member of both the Elk and Lion Clubs, and serves on the Public Events Committee and the Shade Tree Commission.  

Ashley wants to represent the voice of a new generation. "My passion is local government and I not only get to make a living doing it in Palisades Park, but if elected to the council I'd get utilize all my time in what I most love--public service."