Letter: Challengers Will 'Move Toms River Forward'

To the Editor:

When I decided to join Paul Brush’s mayoral ticket and run for council-at-large in Toms River Township, I did so with the intention of bringing a new voice to Toms River and giving the taxpayers an alternative to the business-as-usual mentality of our town council.

I’ve always considered myself an independent thinker, not completely adhering to specific ideology or platform. I would faithfully cast my vote to individuals who exemplified trust, integrity and an ability to both think and act for the greater good of society.

I’m running because the policies and practices of the current mayor and council do not mirror the public’s views on fiscal responsibility and choose to live outside of their means. The current council chooses to pay out political patronage positions to their campaign supporters and political party cronies. It seems like every two years, voters in Toms River are given an opportunity to make their voices heard, and nothing ever changes.

This is my first foray into politics. I am a wife, mother, working woman, former chief librarian of the Ocean County Library System, and longtime volunteer with many organizations and in particular with Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey. I am running in this year’s election because it’s time to do away with the “business-as-usual” politics that a government controlled by one party brings. It’s time to employ a system of checks and balances that focuses on being proactive, not reactive.

I support open and transparent government and living within our means. I believe that there are ways to reduce spending, share services and make government more efficient. I am here to move Toms River forward and help get our fiscal house in order.

In the weeks ahead I will continue to meet with as many residents as I can. I will continue to knock on doors, meet you at the soccer fields, supermarkets, the library and events around town and listen to you and what you have to say about Toms River. Together we can make a big difference, and with your help, we can move Toms River forward.

Mary Malagiere

Council-at-large candidate

Toms River