Manalapan needs intelligent solutions to local issues Currently, political discourse focuses on beating up critics to protect constituent "winners." Manalapan Mayor Michelle Roth, Committeeman Andrew Lucas and Committeeman Richard Klauber vote for a multimillion dollar artificial turf field while attacking individuals who, in good faith, raise questions (health and safety) important for our children. Builders, developers and their "captive" professionals, some of whom are under service contract with this town, are enriched by the failure of our political leaders to intelligently plan (commercial ratables?); allowing sprawl, devastating our environment and inconveniencing the public (long road closures). They spend tax money on bogus lawsuits to harass and intimidate opponents, while permitting surrogates (a former mayor) use of valuable township public meeting time to attack critics. This township has serious infrastructure issues; yet they are ignored through distraction and intimidation. Roads: Too narrow and overwhelmed by the consequence of housing sprawl. As a consequence, it is unsafe to ride a bike or walk on those roads. There is a need for reimagining transportation - seniors, teens, large trucks, distracted parents, narrow roads and high gas prices collectively create the need for a safe road access and travel solution. How many people need to be injured and killed before someone in a leadership position brings our disparate communities together to craft a balanced solution? Taxes: Too high. There is a need to determine consistent standards for township objectives in order to justify expenditures. FormerMayorAndrew Lucas' famous reorganization began and ended with the removal of our award-winning parks and recreation director (Jerry Collincini). This audit approach should be resurrected, but this time, instead of being a vendetta to remove a respected professional, refocus it on identifying consistent standards and applying them to our government operations. We need an independent, competent and thoughtful group of people, not aligned with any party, who are financially literate, can ask the tough operational questions and have the credibility to be heard. Garbage: It is all over the roads and people's property. We need to work with township residents to facilitate "cleanup" days as well as focus our township road department's priorities. Even better would be working together (remember Earth Day 2000) to clean up parks, roads, etc. We should demand that level of leadership and imagination from candidates. Policing: We have one of the best police departments in the state. It is critical that the morale and leadership of this department not be impaired. Our political leadership should offer the police department a public opportunity to indicate needs and build dialogue with the community. From "open house" to "community police" days to setting aside township public meeting time, our police department should have an opportunity to connect directly with the public and indicate resource requirements. Imagination, professionalism and commitment are required of people who ask for our vote. Instead of "brand-name," knee-jerk group voting, focus on individuals. Ignore party labels. They are not important. Both parties are controlled by bosses. It's the reason why we have unsafe roads, high taxes and uncollected garbage. Focus on individual candidates and ask, "How will you solve the transportation mess; reduce taxes and clean up garbage in the township." Respect yourself and your vote - demand that candidates, instead of attacking critics, offer positive solutions focused on township needs. Compel them, as individuals, to justify your public trust. Only then, can we all be winners. Bruce K. Brickman Manalapan