Millstone Township Committee
William M. Nurko

William M. Nurko

Address: He has lived in town for 62 years and has resided at 54 Nurko Road in the western end of Millstone Township for 31 years.

Family information: He has been married to his wife, Clara, for 37 years. The couple has two married daughters, Christina, who has two daughters of her own, Graciella Lynn, 3, and Kali Anne, 1 month old, and Patricia, who has a 3-month-old son, Sean William.

Occupation: He currently works as director of building services for an assisted-living facility and is a mechanical engineer with 36 years' experience in various manufacturing management positions at Demag Delaval, Philadelphia Gear and Conair Corp.

Other background information: A Vietnam veteran, he is a retired U.S. Naval Reserve officer and captain (O-6) with 25 years of service.

On deciding to run

There were no Democratic candidates in the primary election, and I received qualifying write-in votes. At that point, I decided the voters of Millstone Township were owed the opportunity of a choice and with the acceptance of the write-in, I could provide that opportunity.

On campaign contributions

My campaign is being supported by myself, a few friends and concerned voters of Millstone Township. There is only one person who I have had and will always have allegiances to, and that is my wife. I stand on my integrity and my vote cannot be bought. My actions have been and will always be in what I believe are the best interests of the township and the residents.

On taxes

It is not so much how I feel about Millstone taxes, but how the residents feel. Obviously, they would like to see them lowered or, at a minimum, stabilized. I think compared to some of our neighboring communities, Millstone's taxes can't be considered out of line. If elected, I would do what the residential taxpayer expects and demands, and no different than any individual who gets elected to a seat on the governing body - and that is control spending and [to] seek revenue sources other than the pure residential tax dollar burden.

On development

Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on where you sit, development can be good or bad. Property owners have rights in regard to the use of their property, and developers have rights in regard to developing property. Plus, individuals have the right to be able to choose where they would like to build and live. Millstone Township's town fathers have always been at the leading edge in zoning changes and master plan changes to establish the measures that control development to yield what would be considered for the best interests of the municipality. It is not a simple matter of saying 'we need more development' or 'there will be no more development,' but rather controlling what is allowed by current zoning and ordinance regulations, and continuing to refine those regulations to preserve the quality of life that continues to attract new residents to the township. Clean commercial ratables along routes 537 and 33 have also been the elusive goal for quite some time now.

On open space and farmland preservation

I have always supported the Open Space and Farmland Preservation Program 110 percent. Obviously, the program needs to continue, but more consideration needs to be given on how to preserve the farmers and not just their land. Just as we do not want to see land disappear into one giant overdevelopment, the tillers of the soil should also not become extinct in Millstone.

On recreation

With the continued emphasis on health, physical fitness, obesity and sports - both for pure recreation and excellence in sports as a means to obtain higher education scholarships - the demand for recreational opportunities will continue to increase. These needs include not only the youth of the township, but also the adults and our senior citizen population. Partnering with the county for facilities and encouraging business entities to provide for some of these needs are possible ways to increase recreational opportunities.

On other important issues

An issue that has not been brought any closer to resolution is that of locating a second fire station in the northern section of the township. In 2005, then-Mayor Elias Abilheira told the Board of Fire Commissioners he would form a committee to help find a suitable piece of property on which to locate this second station. At that time, a statement was also made by the Republican majority that a potential site could be resolved in 90 days (alluding to the fact that years had gone by with no resolution). [But] it has been well over a year since then, and the Board of Fire Commissioners is still waiting for this help and for the land issue to be resolved. The residents of the northern section of the township deserve the increased fire protection and reduced response time that this second station would provide. This facility is even more important now that we will soon have the new middle school up and operating smack dab in the area where this facility needs to be located. Now is the time for the Township Committee to get active with the Board of Fire Commissioners - as was done by township committees in 2002 and 2003 - and with the Board of Education to resolve the land issue for a much needed middle school and additional future school facility needs.

On why people should vote for me

I will not boast to be the most qualified candidate because when you are at the top of the heap, it is due to those under you holding you up. People should elect me because I am a hardworking, caring, honest, sincere and compassionate individual. Being 62 years old and [having resided] 62 years in this community and definitely liking to remain here, I have a definite vested interest in achieving reasonable property taxes for the future. What I would bring to the Township Committee is "one step closer to balance" rather than a "one-sided majority."