Associations getting money they are entitled to receive

As president of Southfield Estates Homeowners Association, I would like to comment on (Republican Manalapan Township Committee candidate) Tom Toto’s remarks, "We have witnessed an administration that leads by short-term gratification. Last year before the election they used taxpayers’ money to pay off the condo associations, yet the town’s taxes are going up this year and some condo association fees are not going down."

Mr. Toto, the fact is the township of Manalapan is required under the 1991 Kelly Bill to reimburse homeowner associations a percentage of their operating costs. After the Kelly Bill was introduced in 1991, the (Manalapan) Republican administration of James Gray and Jack McKenna met with the homeowners associations, made agreements and paid them. The money used was taxpayer money Mr. Toto, and was that vote buying?

The law is clearly stated that the township must reimburse and that is what is being done by this administration as well.

The facts are Mr. Toto, that 39.5 percent of Manalapan residents live in planned unit developments, townhomes and condos. I obtained the facts from the Manal-apan tax assessor’s office.

When you say "taxpayers’ money," you are talking about us, Mr. Toto. We are the taxpayers of Manalapan and it is our own money. We pay the same tax rate as a single-family dwelling and we also pay for the services needed to run our associations. The Kelly Bill was passed and formulated to bring some relief to homeowner association communities.

As for association fees rising, we are not insulated from the rising costs of insurance rates and operating expenses. As for the tax increases in Manalapan, our school budget is where the majority of our money goes. Know your facts. It is clear that you do not support the 39.5 percent of Manalapan residents who live in planned unit developments, townhomes and condos.

Cynthia B. Maurino

President

Southfield Estates

Board of Directors

Manalapan