PETRONKO AND SCRUDATO LOOK BACK AT ISSUE ORIENTED CAMPAIGN

Democratic Council members Ray Petronko and Joe Scrudato reflected on the soon to be completed 2009 campaign. Ray Petronko commented "Election Day is next Tuesday and I must say I couldn't have enjoyed the campaign more. It is such a pleasure meeting our residents as we go door to door. Joe and I literally walked on every street in our borough. It really reminds you of what a great town we live in. I am proud that we concentrated on the issues. I think people recognize that the local Democrats are really trying to keep taxes under control while improving the quality of life for all of our residents. It has been kind of disappointing that the Republican team decided to flip flop on the issues. Last year they were for putting trucks back on Hamilton Boulevard now they want people to believe they changed their minds. Last year the passed the largest tax increase in the history of our town and now they claim they are for lower taxes. They gave big raises to their favored employees on their way out the door in December and now they are trying to say they agree with our plan to live within our means."

Joe Scrudato expanded upon his running mates comments saying "I am really proud of the campaign Ray and I ran. We stuck to the issues and pointed out the differences between the Democratic and Republican philosophies in South Plainfield. That's what a democracy is all about. I can guarantee you that we will always follow our conscience. We will never say one thing to get elected and then do a 180 after we are in office. Our platform clearly states that we work as hard as we can to keep taxes, spending and borrowing under control. We intend to continue to decrease the cost of government by increasing efficiency as evidenced by our Green Energy initiative. We will preserve additional open space by participating in the county open space program every year. We will complete Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the New Market Avenue extension so that trucks will never be back on Hamilton Boulevard. No double talk. This is what we will work to accomplish."

Both candidates summed up their feelings saying "Regardless who you support please get out and vote next Tuesday. The right to choose our leaders is a right which too many have fought and died for to ignore."