Allentown candidates focus on bridge closing, preservation
Republican incumbent Dan Zorovich and Republican newcomer Raymond Cantor will contend with Democratic newcomer Wayne R. Smith for the two open Allentown Borough Council seats. The winners of the Nov. 6 election will serve three-year terms on the council.

Dan Zorovich Age: 73 Education: A bachelor's degree in physics and a Master of Business Administration degree Occupation: Retired engineer Public offices held: Served one term on the Borough Council and served for 20 years as a member of the borough's Planning Board, Zoning Board and Environmental Commission. Accomplishments in office: Despite general increases in cost, the municipal tax rate for 2007 remained the same as in 2006. The council established an interlocal agreement with Washington Township to manage public works employees, resulting in better performance. The withdrawal of the New York City-based Rockefeller Group's warehouse proposal was a major victory for maintaining the historically significant character of Allentown.

- Jane Meggitt Where they stand:

Raymond Cantor Age: 49 Education: A bachelor's degree in political science from Rider University, Lawrenceville section of Lawrence, and a Juris Doctor degree from New York Law School in New York City Occupation: Executive director of the New Jersey Apartment Association. Public offices held: For 14 years I worked in the nonpartisan Office of Legislative Services. In 1998 I was appointed by Gov. Christine Todd Whitman to be an assistant commissioner in the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Running for election: Dan Zorovich Since I am retired, I can devote more time to the position than a person who has a full-time job.

Raymond Cantor I believe in Allentown and want to ensure that the quality of life residents enjoy is protected. I devoted my life to public service, as a professional dedicated to environmental protection and in my personal life, having been active in our community. I know I have a strong background and the qualities to make a difference in the future of Allentown, and I want to do what I can to be part of that future. The borough faces many of the pressures towns throughout the state face, such as encroaching threats to its downtown.

Wayne Smith Age: 57 Education: Attended Milton Hershey School in Hershey, Pa., had electronics training in the U.S. Coast Guard and attended some college Occupation: Senior systems administrator at the Sarnoff Corp. in Princeton for 28 years Public offices held: Serves as vice chairman of the township's Environmental Commission and volunteered to serve as the township's recycling coordinator for one year.

Wayne Smith I chose to run for council because I believe that I can be more objective and more dedicated than a candidate the mayor handselected to fill a council seat. Three years of attending council and Planning Board meetings has proven to me that we need an independent voice on council. Council members are the only direct representation that the residents have, and they should act more independently of the mayor than they presently do. The council needs to be more proactive. As a member of the Environmental Commission, I saw that it took over three years for

Running for election: Wayne Smith (cont.) council to act on adopting the Natural Resources Inventory (NRI), which was required for establishing any funding mechanism for open space. Even after the NRI was adopted, council declined all suggested open space funding methods. It wasn't until the community at large presented a signed petition to council that a referendum was put on the ballot for funding open space.

Allentown bridge closing: Dan Zorovich The planned closing of the Allentown bridge is of major concern. It will greatly affect all the residents of our community and will especially negatively impact our businesses. We are working with the county to make known our serious concerns and to devise a plan that will be the least disruptive to the interest of all. The mayor and council are working with the county to minimize the time the bridge will be closed and are also striving to develop a plan for alternate routes for emergency vehicles.

Raymond Cantor Before the bridge is closed, we need to ensure that our schoolchildren have safe passages to school, that our businesses have time to prepare, that alternative routes are in place and that we can prepare for emergencies. We also have to make sure that any repairs are done expeditiously and that no other damage is done. Other options should be explored, such as moving the dam and leaving the bridge. I have worked at high levels in state government for nearly 20 years. I know how decisions are made and who makes them. I would ensure that all points of view are heard and options weighed before the bridge is closed.

Wayne Smith The borough has had at least 10 years to prepare for the bridge closing. Now, at the 11th hour, we are still struggling with what needs to be done. We must do all that we can to ensure the survival of our downtown during the bridge closure. The town cannot afford to lose this aspect of its heritage. Signage and traffic flow control will have a great impact on retaining existing and attracting new customers to our business district. Effective communications are paramount.

Land preservation: Dan Zorovich The more land that can be preserved, the better. If we don't [preserve], we are going to resemble the areas that many of us moved away from. Some of our surrounding communities are struggling with the complex problems of overdevelopment.

Raymond Cantor Allentown, as a designated historic district and center, needs to preserve its character by maintaining a greenbelt around it. We should not become another Robbinsville or Hamilton Square where [the town's] unique character is lost. We need to work more with the state and our neighbors in ensuring [that] this preservation occurs. Wayne Smith I and many others put substantial time and effort into research and preparation to fight the proposed housing development and subsequent Rockefeller warehouse complex on the Breza tract, and we would rather not have to repeat the process. Nor do I want borough residents to pay more tax dollars to professionals to help in another fight when that money can be better used elsewhere. We can and must be proactive in protecting the surrounding lands - especially those with associated history. Washington Township is pushing for redevelopment along Route 130, and I feel that is where commercial development should be located, not along the border of Allentown village. We must work with anyone who will help us preserve the remaining greenbelt. We do not need or want the traffic, pollution, noise or crime. Nor do we want to lose the remaining vistas. We need a greenbelt, but we must work toward that goal in a fiscally responsible manner.

Disagreements between the borough and Upper Freehold: Dan Zorovich Allentown adheres to the contractual agreements between the borough and the township. I see no reason why both communities, if their leaders are fair-minded, cannot work cooperatively for their common interests.

Raymond Cantor As in most cases, there is truth on both sides and ways to solve any problems. Allentown and Upper Freehold have worked as a joint community for centuries - our geography and history require that, as do our mutual interests. Our kids go to the same schools, are on the same sports teams, and we enjoy the same local events. There have been times when Allentown has carried certain community burdens, and there are times when Upper Freehold has taken this role. It does no one any good to cast blame or pull away from each other. I believe in open, face-to-face communications and would be willing to sit down and work out any issues with our neighbors in Upper Freehold. Our residents deserve no less.

Wayne Smith When I read or hear statements such as "Allentown is not paying its fair share" or "Allentown wants to upgrade their sewer plant on the backs of Upper Freehold residents," it disturbs me. I have seen how much borough residents pay toward emergency services through contribution as well as for paid services. Despite the longtime verbal battles between our two communities, I believe that we can work to resolve most of our joint issues - that is, once arrogance, attitude and belligerence are set aside. These are failures, not of the people of Allentown or Upper Freehold Township, [but] rather that of the elected officials of both communities.

Proposed westerly bypass: Dan Zorovich

The first time I heard about the westerly bypass was 15 years ago. I believe it will take many more years before this project is considered again. At that time, the proposal would have to be evaluated.

Raymond Cantor I live right next to the easterly bypass and see firsthand how a bypass can move regional traffic along and ease congestion burdens in town. I support the westerly bypass for that reason. We cannot allow Allentown to be as congested as Freehold or [like] Hightstown was before its bypass

Proposed westerly bypass: Raymond Cantor (cont.) helped alleviate its traffic problems. While I understand that some residents in Upper Freehold have concerns, the county needs to look at this issue from a regional perspective. Even many residents in Upper Freehold will directly benefit from this bypass, as they also need to come through Allentown to go to the school or down Route 539. There will always be some local opposition to anything that anyone wants to do, even if it is in the best interest of the region. That is why we have county government - to look at certain issues from a larger perspective and to make decisions that have the broadest benefit while taking into account local concerns.

Wayne Smith An Allentown resident representative on the Westerly Bypass Committee, I remain steadfast in my belief that a bypass is needed. Monmouth and Mercer counties should be proactive and conduct several traffic/trip studies during the period when Breza Road is used for the bypass. I believe it is in the best interest of both communities that the county provides funding for traffic control officers should it be warranted.

Raymond Cantor Changing political affiliation from Democrat to Republican: I have never felt that political affiliation is that important, especially at the local level. I believe more in effective government and sound public policy than I do in support of any political party. I am a fiscal conservative and a social liberal. I believe strongly in civil liberties and limited government interference in our personal lives.