Millstone Township Committee
Nancy Ann Grbelja

Nancy Ann Grbelja

Address: She has resided in the township since 1998 and currently lives at 103 Agress Road in the Clarksburg section of town.

Family information: She is single.

Occupation: Employed by the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), she specializes in the NJEA's Great Public Schools Initiative, which has received national recognition for pilot projects in Asbury Park and New Brunswick.

Other background information: She currently serves as Millstone Township's mayor and has been a member of the township's Planning Board for three years. She serves as the liaison to the township's drug alliance, the Historic Preservation Council and the Agricultural Board. A member of Monmouth County Transportation Council, she is also a member of the Horsemen's Association of Millstone Township (HAMT), a member of the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey and a member of the U.S. Trotting Association. She formerly served as vice president of the United Staff Association, as president of the Freehold Regional Education Association, as corresponding secretary to the Monmouth County Education Association, as a delegate to the NJEA policy-making body, as an officer in the Jersey Shore and Central Jersey German Shepherd dog clubs, and as a member of both the Freehold drug alliance and the Freehold Juvenile Conference Committee.

On deciding to run

Initially, I was concerned that the rural character and serenity of the community was slowly eroding. It became evident that those individuals controlling the township had interests that differed from the majority of the residents residing in the township. The lack of planning in all areas threatened the quality of life that drew most residents to the town. Development was uncontrolled and rampant. Decisions appeared to be made based on who you were. Open space and farmland were beginning to vanish. Our sensitive environmental areas were being exploited. Minimal services were lacking. The costs of professional services were excessive. The financial management of the township was horrific and any aspect of planning for the future was absent. After attempting to work within the system, it became apparent that the only way to cause change would be to run for office.

After taking office in 2004, it became apparent that the township's finances, as well as how the township functioned, were far worse than ever imagined.

On campaign contributions

I am a strong believer in pay-to-play legislation and am proud that Elias Abilheira and I were able to enact this in Millstone Township. Our contributions come solely from residents of Millstone Township. I do not accept donations from developers, professionals or anyone else seeking a contract from the township. The only allegiance I have is to the residents of Millstone Township by keeping a promise to maintain and improve the quality of life we all enjoy.

On taxes

Being [that I'm] single and the sole supporter of my household, taxes are extremely important to me. Several years ago, many spoke of our taxes increasing astronomically. This inevitably would drive many residents - including me - out of the place we love, so there is a strong need to keep taxes as low as possible. We need to continue the sound financial plan we implemented over the last three years, and continue to explore other revenue-generating sources. Our tax rate would have tripled if we had not implanted our reforms, which included better investment of funds generating more than $1 million in revenue; long-term bonding to address debt; recovering more than $3.5 million of reimbursement for open space purchases; paying off debt incurred in the past; maximizing the township's use of grant moneys for roads projects, etc.; continuing shared-service projects with the Board of Education and other communities; [and] holding developers responsible for costs associated with development.

In addition, we need to explore other ways to reduce costs. Currently, the township is investigating the use of solar power as an alternate energy source that could save a significant amount of money. The Economic Development Council is also in the process of developing a plan that could be a good source of revenue without destroying our quality of life. A recreation study is also in progress so long-term planning of our recreational needs can be assessed, and we continue to aggressively preserve open space and farmland to stabilize long-term taxes.

On development

The township must ensure that any development that occurs must be planned and managed so it does not destroy our quality of life. Reforms that we have implemented over the last three years encourage open space and hold the developer responsible for costs that were borne in the past by the township. Continued reforms will monitor development while protecting our quality of life.

Residents must understand that for each $1 paid in taxes by a single-family residential home, it costs the township $1.04 to $1.67 to provide service to that home. The building of more homes does not reduce the tax responsibility for the rest of the taxpayers.

Our township, classified as environmentally sensitive Class 4B, limits housing options. We are, however, investigating and in the process of developing a plan to incorporate more affordable housing units within the township. Partnerships with various agencies combined with state grants make this a viable and cost-efficient endeavor.

On open space and farmland preservation

The Open Space and Farmland Preservation Program is dear to my heart. In 2004, the township's Open Space and Farmland Preservation account was empty. Properties had been bought, and paperwork necessary for reimbursement was never submitted. With an overhaul of the program, the township recovered $3.9 million in reimbursement and currently has increased preserved acres to 5,184, with contracts in place to increase that to 6,124 acres. We have developed partnerships with various state, county and nonprofit agencies that maximized our ability to save more land at a lower cost to residents. The reforms we have made have restored the program's integrity and credibility. We must continue to seek funding and work aggressively to preserve open space and farmland.

On recreation

Currently, we are conducting a study to determine the recreational needs of the community now and in 10 years. It is obvious that we have outgrown our current facilities. There is also an increased need for adult activities as well as [activities for] our teen residents. The study should provide us with some direction as to [the amount of] space needed and the type of facilities/activities needed so that effective planning can take place.

A new facility off Charleston Springs Road is scheduled to be completed by December. This facility will offer a tot lot [in addition to] basketball, handball and tennis courts. Adjacent fields can be used to relieve overcrowding of other facilities.

On other important issues

One of the biggest issues facing us at this time is the state's decision not to provide those long-standing services to municipalities as it had in the past. The costs residents are being asked to bear are staggering. In addition, the funding of schools in New Jersey does not benefit our township. Strong lobbying on the state level is imperative. Millstone Township must be heard, and we must make sure we are there to represent our residents. We have made it a point to develop relationships with our representatives at the state and county levels.

On why people should vote for me

I am committed to the township of Millstone. I believe Elias Abilheira and I represent the average resident. We have done a great deal over the last three years to implement reforms that affect every resident.

We never anticipated the extent of the problems we uncovered the first year in office. We revitalized the Open Space and Farmland Preservation Program; instituted financial reforms that increased the township's revenue, thereby preventing increases in taxes; developed a plan to reduce debt and curb spending; replaced numerous professionals, which reduced costs and improved services to residents; [and] engaged in studies to increase potential ratables and recreational needs of the community.

Although we have accomplished a great deal, our work has only begun. We have started many projects and still have many more to implement. I would like an opportunity to continue with the plans we initiated.