Petro: Giovine Is A Leader Who Can Unite Toms River

The following opinion was shared by a Patch reader:

I am speaking out as a concerned lifelong resident of Toms River. Having grown up on Duchess Court and having gone through the Toms River Schools from kindergarten through High School East, I have had the opportunity to see this community grow and thrive. Through coaching the then-Dover Township Swim Team and working over at the beach in the summer, I have planted my own roots here, following the example of my parents.

Four years ago, I made the decision to run for Mayor of our town in order to bring fresh, new leadership, and to preserve the hometown feel that has been the trademark of Toms River for my whole life. I wanted to hold the line on overdevelopment, preserve our open spaces, and keep our parks and natural treasures clean and beautiful for years to come. I wanted to bring sense and responsibility to local government, prevent overspending, and end patronage jobs. That is why I am wholeheartedly endorsing another lifelong son of Toms River in this election, Ben Giovine.

All of the reasons you supported me in 2019 are the same reasons you should support Ben Giovine for Mayor this year. He is a homegrown, dedicated servant of this community. He has shown leadership on our school board and in local organizations that give back. He has put ideas into action, and has worked with others to build consensus around reasonable, cost-effective solutions to problems in our community. He puts people over politics.

If you did not vote for me in 2019, I understand. I was an unknown commodity to many of you. I had never run for public office. My opponent in that election, Mayor Maurice “Mo” Hill had served our country and our town with honor. I cannot say the same for Ben’s opponent in this election.

Ben’s opponent, Dan Rodrick, has been telling you that Ben supports building 10-story buildings downtown and is for high-density housing. After running hard on these very issues, I can assure you that, like myself, Ben is against this kind of development. At the same time, Ben is a responsible and pragmatic individual who will not open Toms River to lawsuits and legal trouble for short-term political gain. He will put Toms River residents first.

Ben Giovine wants what I wanted for Toms River four years ago, and I am certain he can get the job done. Let’s cut through the bickering and divisive politics and elect a leader who can unite us all. In Toms River, we are better together.

Jonathan Petro, Toms River