Chaos to Stability in Jusy 10 Months »
From July 1, 2006, until Jackson Mayor Michael Reina took office, this town suffered from instability and recrimination. In his few months in office, Mayor Reina has restored open government, volunteerism and effective leadership. More importantly, during these poor economic times he has balanced our budget with just a small increase. He did this while keeping our payment to the state pension fund up to date instead of delaying it and incurring an 8.5 percent surcharge. These are just a few reasons that Mayor Reina deserves to be elected to the short six-month term on Election Day, Nov. 3. His three challengers have nothing of significance to offer. Angelo Stallone seems to have a memory lapse in his campaign statements when he neglects to mention he voted for former Mayor Mark Seda’s 32 percent tax increase in 2006 and voted against gypsy moth spraying the same year. John Gaskill has a plan for the municipal government to take over garbage collection. The end result will be a 10 percent-plus increase in our taxes. Do we really need more government control affecting our daily lives? Why is Michael Kafton running? First, it appears he has a compulsion to run. His ill-advised run in 2006 resulted in a split vote that gave us the Seda administration. Second, a win will allow him to appoint the town professionals for 2010. With “pay to play” he can then expect campaign donations for the May 2010 election for mayor
Mayor Shows Support For Youth Sports »
On July 2 at the Jackson 4th of July celebration held at Johnson Park, Mayor Mike Reina held an early ceremony acknowledging the accomplishments of three teams from Jackson Pop Warner. Last year, our Peewee and Jr. Midget cheerleading teams went to Florida and brought home two national championships for their respective divisions while our Jr. Peewee football team went undefeated and won the eastern region championship. It was an amazing accomplishment to have three teams in the same season take home championships for the first time ever in our league. I would like to personally thank Mayor Mike Reina for his continued effort to support the sports organizations and children of Jackson. Each participant received a proclamation from the mayor’s office, while also having signs posted around the town telling everyone of their accomplishments. I am sure that Mayor Reina has a busy schedule around town, but it’s a great feeling to know that he always takes the time to make our children a priority. I can say that he has helped to bring all the sports organizations together so that we can all continue to work together and make it a better place for all the children. Thank you again, Mayor Mike Reina, for once again putting politics aside to acknowledge our children for their truly amazing feats last year and for showing true compassion for the children of Jackson. On behalf of myself, the Pop Warner Board of Directors, coaches, parents and participants, we would like to again thank you, Mayor Reina, for all your outstanding efforts and for continually taking the time to listen to all our needs. Mark Bruscella, JPWFL President
Kafton & Co. Did Their Research (or did they) »
The original, complete letter can be viewed at the Jackson Times website . A perfect example of how issues become politicised in Jackson is this letter from writer Catherine Genovese expressing concern over the I-195 billboard ordinance. She begins: The mayor presented an ordinance with no background information for first reading on August 25. One has to ask how she would know there was no background information? The council voted to carry the matter over to give the council time to do their own research and have questions answered before voting. Perhaps the democratic majority needs to put more effort into being prepared for meetings. How many times have we heard them carry issues over because they “just received” the information? This ordinance was not the surprise the writer, or those she praises, would have you believe it to be. During the April 28, 2009 township meeting, Mayor Reina presented his State of the Municipality address which in part said the township is in negotiations with private landowners who have property along Interstate 195 for permission to place billboard advertising along Interstate 195 in Jackson. He has also mentioned it at least twice previously, during his comments at township meetings going back to 2008. Not only did the council research but they (led by Council President Mike Kafton) gave an informative presentation on what the ordinance could mean to the residents of Jackson. In truth the presentation was biased, sensationalized and overplayed. The information provided was contrary to that provided by the township attorney, statements of both the planning and zoning boards,and state regulations showing that there were no more than three billboards that could be placed along that road. Joining the one that already exists at the Jackson Outlets, there would never have been more than four. In his usual style, CP Kafton twisted and convoluted the facts, sullying the truth by claiming that 33 billboards could have been placed. In the end what he did was rob the taxpayers of this town of more than $250,000 in revenue intended to reduce the tax burden of each and every property owner in Jackson. This was not a one shot deal. That revenue was to be paid to the township each and every year.
Experience & Dedication »
Mayor Reina and Ken Bressi are the most experienced and dedicated individuals we have running for a seat in Jackson’s government. Both have given many hours (without compensation) as chairman on the planning board and other areas of civic service. Reina and Bressi are good family men who have tried to give something back to their town. They are also fiscal conservatives, which is exactly what we need today. I hope you agree and vote for the Leadership, Experience, Results Team of Mike Reina for mayor and Ken Bressi for council. Carol Scull, Jackson
Mike Reina on important township issues »
Completed Township Revaluation After more than 20 years of delays, Mayor Reina successfully completed the township’s state-mandated revaluation process. The process was arduous for township workers and administrators who followed the lead of the mayor. It was also unsettling for some residents that were dazed upon learning the market value of their homes. Mayor Reina addressed their concerns by holding several town-hall style meetings where he had representatives of the revaluation company, Tax Assessor and Business Administrator on hand to address concerns. At the completion of the revaluation process he organized volunteers to hold a seminar on the appeals process and how to file a tax appeal on your property. Transfer station at Johnson Park Mike understands the adverse conditions placed on the Westlake community by the existing leaf and brush transfer station. The location of the transfer station also poses a risk to children playing in Johnson Park and Mike has a proactive and beneficial plan that will relocate the transfer station to a new and green composting facility that will benefit residents. The transfer station is scheduled to be shut down in the fall of 2009, freeing the senior community from the sights, smells and sounds created by it. Military Planes Mike understands the concerns of residents posed by increased air traffic from the nearby Joint military base and the impacts this traffic has on local quality of life issues. As Mayor, Mike has invited residents of the community on a tour of the base to allow them to speak directly to the government officials in charge of the base to hear the residents’ concerns over the increased air traffic caused by the base. Resident appreciation Mayor Reina as continued the Jackson tradition of recognizing achievements by local residents by awarding proclamations for good deeds, community service and accomplishments by both volunteer groups and youth sports organizations. Jackson Senior Center Mayor Reina has plans to expand the Jackson Senior and improve the services offered by the senior center.
Mayor Reina visits Holman School kindergartners »
Jackson, NJ – Today was “Dogs for Dads” for Kindergartners of Mrs. Davenport’s class at the Lucy N. Holman Elementary School. A day for kids to say thanks to dad in advance of Father’s Day, but it was also a special day for the kids and their fathers as they were treated with a special mystery guest, Jackson Township Mayor Mike Reina.
Is Jackson finally on the right track? »
Last week, Mayor Reina addressed the town council in what he coined the “State of the Township Address” and informed the community of his plans for Jackson’s future. The obvious problems lie in the ability of the township council to finally unite and work together for the common good of the community opposed to the partisan bickering and grudge matches that have scarred our town’s political history.
Photo Gallery
Rootstock Rocks Jackson
Holbrook senior league all stars win district and sectional titles
Jackson Little League All-Stars advance in District 18 TournamentOrioles defeat Yankees to win Jackson Little League championship
Jackson Township emergency services demonstrate the dangers of drinking on Prom Night
