Upper Freehold election uncontested
Budget, land preservation among top candidate concerns
BY JANE MEGGITT Staff Writer
Two Republican incumbents are running in an uncontested election for Upper Freehold Township Committee on Nov. 3.

Robert Faber

Mayor Stephen J. Alexander, 44, is seeking his third three-year term, and Committeeman Robert Faber, 72, is seeking his second three-year term on the governing body.

Background

Alexander and his wife, Linda, have two children, Analise, 10, and Allegra Rose, 6 months. They have lived in town for 10 years. An attorney for Capehart & Scatchard, P.A., in Mount Laurel, Alexander has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a master's degree in law.

First elected to the Township Committee in 2004, he served as mayor 2008- 09. Alexander also served on the Planning Board 2008-09, Economic Development Committee 2004-09, Recreation Committee 2008-09, and Board of Health 2005-07.

An Iraq War veteran, Alexander is a lieutenant colonel who served active duty in the U.S. Air Force 1991-99, U.S. Air Force Reserve 2000-04, and currently serves in the New Jersey Air National Guard.

Steve Alexander

Faber and his wife, Patricia, have three grown children and five grandchildren. The Allentown High School graduate has had a lifelong career as a farmer. He currently serves on the Township Committee, Planning Board, and Open Space Committee, and serves as liaison to the Department of Public Works.

New proposals

Alexander: At this time, there are no specific proposals or plans. However, I will continue to work hard with the Township Committee to tackle the issues that will impact Upper Freehold residents.

We already began preparing for 2010's budget. As I stated earlier this year, 2010 isn't going to be any easier. In fact, it may be more challenging from a municipal budget perspective.

We continue to work with the county on traffic issues, such as Sharon Station Road, Imlaystown, Meirs Road, Holmes Mill Road, and Route 539. We continue to move forward with turning Sharon Station and reconstruction over to the county. However, I recognize that it is not moving as quickly as many, including myself, would like.

Faber: I would support a plan for more commercial businesses to help tax ratables. I'm 100 percent for farmland preservation. That is why I preserved my farm, and I would like to see more preservation in the township.

Greatest challenges

Alexander: Revenue to the township and 2010's municipal budget.

Faber: The biggest challenge is not increasing the tax rate on residents. They have all they can carry as far as taxes go at the moment. We need to find more grants, especially for the schools. We're trying to find ways for less spending.