Mayoral hopefuls address quality-of-life matters
Hornik, Kleinberg in race for 4-year term in Marlboro
BY REBECCA MORTON Staff Writer
The mayoral election in Marlboro has thrown numbers and information at residents concerning taxes and other issues, but this week the two candidates who are seeking office addressed the quality-of-life projects they would like to pursue if they are elected on Nov. 6.

Republican Mayor Robert Kleinberg said he has "realistic" improvement plans for Marlboro as he seeks a second four-year term.

Democrat Jonathan Hornik said there are many quality-of-life projects that need to be addressed immediately in Marlboro.

Kleinberg said the pursuit or implementation of many of these projects depends upon on how much aid is provided to the township by the state and county.

Included among Kleinberg's plans are recreation programs and facilities for the citizens of Marlboro. Kleinberg said the plans are to use existing space, for example, covering the municipal basketball courts behind the Marlboro Recreation Community Center to create an indoor facility.

He said covering those basketball courts would allow activities to be held throughout the year with no worry about the day's weather.

"I want to continue to make sure the [recreation department's] camp is available to those who want to come," the mayor said.

Kleinberg spoke of the growing number of participants and the popularity of the recreation department's summer camps.

"There is [also] a plan for a senior center," Kleinberg said.

There is money the township expects to acquire, according to the mayor. A portion of that money is dedicated to the construction of a senior center. The mayor would not comment on what precisely that money is because all details have not been finalized.

Hornik believes there are issues to be dealt with in the township.

"Marlboro's recreation facilities have not grown with the increase in our population. My administration will put forth a comprehensive recreation master plan within the first six months after we take office. This plan will contemplate various recreational improvements to our town over the tenure of my administration and beyond and will include a new recreation complex containing the additional basketball courts, ball fields and other recreational facilities Marlboro desperately needs.

"This complex will be used by everyone, including seniors and children, and will be the place to celebrate cultural events in all our various communities, specifically the Asian and Indian communities," Hornik said.

Marlboro's population was listed as 27,974 residents in the 1990 census and 36,398 residents in the 2000 census. The Monmouth County Planning Board's 2005 projection was 42,830 residents.

Hornik said federal, state and county grants would be sought and used to fund these projects, as well as private funding. He said this would be done so as to remain consistent with the Democrats' plan to stabilize municipal taxes.

Both of the candidates have plans to help with open space and land preservation.

Hornik said Marlboro needs to pursue and use open space and farmland preservation grants from the state and county in order to acquire properties such as the Stattel farm to preserve it as open space.

"The best way to improve the quality of life for Marlboro residents is to stop new residential development so that Marlboro residents spend more time at home with their spouses and children and less time sitting in traffic like the back-ups on Route 79 and Route 520 every day," the candidate said.

Kleinberg said he wants to continue working for open space and land preservation. He said his administration would continue working to preserve areas such as the property of the former Marlboro State Psychiatric Hospital on Route 520.

The state closed the psychiatric hospital in 1998 and municipal officials have pursued the purchase of the 400-acre property since that time, to this point without obtaining it.

Kleinberg spoke about addressing commuter issues. He said municipal officials are trying to make certain there is enough parking for commuters and that areas around the parking lots are safe.

"Commuter safety is a big concern," Kleinberg said.

Hornik said his administration would look at where the homeowners' money is going.

"My administration will scrutinize every item of spending on the municipal level to make sure Marlboro residents are getting 100 percent value for each tax dollar spent," he said.

"We will take a careful look at our garbage pick-up in Marlboro; it makes no sense that a town like Manalapan, which has lower taxes on average than Marlboro, can provide municipal-sponsored garbage pick-up with bulk garbage pick-up once a week, with Marlboro only providing this service once a year. Our local government can do better, and hopefully we will be given the opportunity to prove it," Hornik said.