Denton, Denkensohn are worthy of re-election to town council

The election in Marlboro will provide its electorate opportunities to experience dramatic scenarios concerning candidates for its Township Council. Having served on Marl-boro’s council with two of the candidates, my credentials for offering a critique on their aspirations for re-election seem appropriate.

Crossing party lines does not have to be painful when the good and welfare of a township is at stake.

JoAnn Denton, whose courage in coming to grips with changes in her political party affiliation and, consequently, family traditions, serves to illustrate her determination to continue her dedication to her past sound governmental practices. Notwithstanding the rattling rhetoric and strategies of "old guard powers" which energized her defection, she will continue to maintain the integrity of purpose which has been a hallmark of her past major contributions to Marlboro. She deserves to be re-elected.

Barry Denkensohn was at the forefront in the political warfare which will lead to a statewide ban on the use of hand-held cell phones while driving. It is projected to make a recognized contribution to the safety of New Jersey citizenry. Barry has expanded and sustained this positive legislation, which has been widely acclaimed, and as an involved councilman has promoted other positive agendas benefiting the township. He should be re-elected.

Voters in Marlboro elections continue to be harassed by election-time ordeals placing the fault for increases in residential housing. For answers, look to the decisions of the planning and zoning boards, dispensing generous variances and zone changes, the re-inventors of the master plan, outrageous determinations by Mount Laurel affordable housing regulations, "Builder’s Remedy," and at times, the courts themselves. What remains is an urgency to stem these tides where self-proclaimed bipartisan politicians have become nothing more than "equal opportunity manipulators." The need to elect both JoAnn and Barry to contain these tides has never been more apparent.

This election year will also examine plans laying out the future development of the former Marlboro psychiatric hospital property on Route 520. Its zoning was declared sacrosanct by the township promising to protect it from residential housing. JoAnn and Barry have been deeply involved these past two years in its complex negotiations, and their expertise concerning this issue should be a continuing positive addition to the township’s future governmental structure.

Herbert Resnick

Marlboro