Democrats want checks and balances in Marlboro
BY REBECCA MORTON Staff Writer

Democratic candidates Jon Hornik (l), for mayor, and Frank LaRocca and Randi Marder, for Township Council, are running for four-year terms in Marlboro.

MARLBORO - The Democratic candidates seeking the mayor's office and two seats on the Township Council are in full swing. Jonathan Hornik is seeking the mayor's seat and Frank LaRocca and Randi Marder are running for council. All of the terms are for four years.

"I am seeking to become Marlboro's next mayor in order to bring the positive change to my hometown that is desperately needed," Hornik said. "My administration will immediately focus on curbing spending and will stabilize taxes. We will stand firmly against all new residential development and will make sure Marlboro's government is operated in an open and honest manner."

All three Democratic candidates who were born and raised in the area said they have deep roots here and want to make the town better for residents of every age group.

"Having been born and raised in Marlboro, I take much pride in calling Marlboro my home. I truly believe in Marlboro and its residents. Marlboro is a great community made up of a diverse set of people," Hornik said.

The candidate called himself "a product of Marlboro's school systems and recreation programs" and spoke of having the opportunity to watch his children experience the same things as he did in his youth.

The Democratic candidates' Web site claims that 16 consecutive years of Republican control of the mayor's office has devastated Marlboro.

"The corruption, overdevelopment and tax increases have become too burdensome for many of Marlboro's residents, especially our seniors. Since 1990 Marlboro has experienced unprecedented development and tax increases which have negatively and adversely affected the quality of life of Marlboro residents. Traffic is horrific in certain areas of the town," Hornik said.

The Democrats said that since 2000, Marlboro ranks No. 1 in the state for the highest average overall increase in individual property taxes. The average increase in that time period is $3,373, bringing the total average property tax bill in Marlboro from $5,429 in 2000 to $8,802 in 2006, an increase of 62 percent, they said.

"Spending on the municipal level is out of control, with the current administration increasing its budget each and every year, from $27.5 million in 2004 to $32.5 million in 2007, for an aggregate increase in the municipal tax levy of 18 percent. This needs to stop," Hornik said.

Hornik called the Democratic campaign fresh and full of energy aimed at moving Marlboro forward.

The mayoral candidate said he has knocked on more than 1,000 doors in order to hear what the people have to say. He said the message appeared to be consistent, that taxes must be brought under control.

LaRocca said, "As a local resident for more than 25 years, I have witnessed firsthand the growth, then overgrowth of the town and the squandering of precious resources. Services are down and infrastructure is stressed. The leadership in Marlboro needs to change to move Marlboro in the right direction."

Marder said, "I am running for council to give back to the community that educated me, taught me how to play soccer, interact with others and provided so many memories of my youth.

"I am in support of caring for the current residents of Marlboro and not increasing our population with more development. I think stabilizing taxes is a priority and serious effort needs to be directed at attracting high-end commercial development," she said.

Hornik said he does not want any more developments springing up on pristine farmland.

Marder said, "Since moving back to Marlboro many things are different than when I lived here as a child. The most obvious change is the increase in housing and decrease in farmland and open space."

Should LaRocca and Marder be elect- ed to the council the Democrats would still be the minority up on the dais. This fact, however, does not appear to blunt the candidates' enthusiasm.

"Local politics isn't about party affiliation, it's about helping the community," Marder said.

She said the current council has good intentions and believes she would be able to work with whomever is on the governing body.

"Smart ideas and pure intentions carry the day," LaRocca said, adding that the best results can be achieved when there is open debate, which ends with the best results for the town.

Marder said if she and LaRocca are elected to the council they will be restoring a balance in Marlboro's council. All five members of the present council are Republicans, as is Mayor Robert Kleinberg.

"We will work day and night to make Marlboro a better place for everyone," said Hornik, whose late father, Saul, served as Marlboro's mayor for three terms, from 1980-91.