A Letter from the Mayor of Jackson Township »
On behalf of the Township of Jackson I want to thank all of the residents of Jackson for making this a wonderful place to live and work.
Our residents freely give of their time to so many endeavors identified in this publication and so many more that could not be included due to space
limitations. Whether it [...]
Jackson Democratic Club; True Motivation »
As an officer in the Jackson Democrat Club, one would think that Alan Stern would have better reading comprehension. His latest ‘Letter to the Editor’ distorts the facts that were clearly laid out in an article printed by this very paper. Stern incorrectly points out that Mayor Reina is ‘creat(ing) all these new boards,’ which are ‘adding a layer to an already bloated government.’ Sorry to say for Mr. Stern, but it was clearly stated in the article that ‘all of these boards’ are 1) volunteer, adding zero costs to the government, 2) advisory boards to the Mayor without a budget or the powers to solely effect the budget and 3) already on the books. That’s right, they already exist and are simply vacant because of the negligence of the Council/Committee for a half dozen or more years. Mr. Stern doesn’t point out that the only committees that have been created out of thin air were, in fact, created by Stern’s Democrat counter part, Mike Kafton.
Tilis Calls for Ethics, But Not From Runing Mate »
In the last few years there has been a lot of talk about ethics in this town. Ever since our first elected Mayor went south, like the gypsy moths that were not in Angelo Stallone’s backyard, there have been calls for some kind of ethic’s board in Jackson. The latest to this call for ethics is Howard Tilis. Tilis now claims he is working on such an ethics board. Convenient how these ideas only materialize around election time. Mr. Tilis talks about “ethics”? Until he demands the same of his own running mate, it’s just more empty political rhetoric. When Tilis can show the residents he is more than just Kafton’s political pawn, I might start to listen.
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
Kafton Wrong in Claiming Credit for Tree Ordinance »
Generally I agree with President Ronald Reagan who said, “You never know what might be accomplished if you don’t care who gets the credit.” However, sometimes the facts need to be made clear or you get revisionist history, a subject needing its own time. Regarding the Jackson Township tree ordinance, I need to set the record straight regarding recent comments in a local daily newspaper from Jackson Township Council President Mike Kafton, so I will put forth its history. I believe giving credit where credit is due, and both the original tree ordinance and the establishment of the Jackson Shade Tree Commission were done at the request of Marvin Krakower. It was 2000 and Marvin was running for Township Committee. I had served on the Board of Education with Marvin since 1997. Marvin, knowing of my connections with the New Jersey tree community, asked me how we could slow down the clear-cutting that was taking place throughout Jackson at that time. I provided a recommendation to establish the Shade Tree Commission following state statutes and to put in place a tree protection/removal ordinance. Marvin agreed and asked me to form a committee. I contacted people who were familiar with tree ordinances to serve on this committee. Following are the committee members: Gary Lovallo, the current Jackson forester, who helped establish and revise the Manalapan, Old Bridge and first Marlboro tree ordinances, Michael D’Errico and David Johnson from the State Forest Service, NJDEP, Bill Fox, Jackson Township clerk and forester at that time and myself. After a few meetings Jeff Nagle from CME Associates also joined the committee for draft review and to put the finishing touches on it. It was then reviewed by Kevin Starkey, Jackson’s township attorney. Mr. Kafton was not a member, nor did he participate. The ordinance, 07-01, amending Chapter 109, Section 159 was passed on Feb. 26, 2001.
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
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.
Hoboken Fall Arts & Music Festival »
Acting Mayor Dawn Zimmer & The City of Hoboken proudly present the 16th annual Hoboken Fall Arts & Music Festival
Jackson Township Wounded Warriors Parade – NJ 08-08-2009 »
&cat=6&pid=4493&cache=true">Jackson Justice Complex procession for the Wounded Warriors courtesy of www.jacksonnjonline. Thanks to Mayor Mike Reina for thinking about our troops!
Jackson Township Wounded Warriors Parade – NJ 08-08-2009 »
&cat=6&pid=4492&cache=true">Jackson Justice Complex procession for the Wounded Warriors courtesy of www.jacksonnjonline. Thanks to Mayor Mike Reina for thinking about our troops!
New Jersey’s new 364 acre wildlife recreation area and hiking park »
Jackson, NJ – Today, Jackson Township, home of Six Flags Great Adventure and the northeastern most border of the Pinelands National Reserve, the Pine Barrens as New Jersey residents affectionately call it, officially preserved 364 acres of forest and wetlands today. The Bunker Hill Bogs Wildlife Recreation Area was officially christened today by Mayor Michael Reina as local residents and volunteers of the Jackson Pathfinders were on hand to witness the occasion.
Jackson softball parents claim unfair treatment for girls in recently filed petition »
Jackson, NJ – Back in January, Mayor Mike Reina, who recently was appointed mayor of Jackson called a meeting in which every sports league was invited, to hash out plans for a smooth 2009 sports season for all of Jackson’s children. The meeting was a success and all parties left the meeting in good spirits, anticipating another safe and successful year of youth sports in our town.
Celebrate National Trails Day with the Jackson Pathfinders »
The Jackson Pathfinders is a volunteer organization that maintains miles of hiking trails in our town and is pleased to announce the ribbon cutting ceremony at their latest project site, the Bunker Hill Bogs, located on East Veterans Highway near the Whitesville Road intersection. The Bunker Hill Bogs is a large tract of land that was rescued from development by the Pathfinders and restored to its natural beauty after decades of neglect.
Tree ordinance shows two Mikes better than one »
Mike Reina called the victory a rare triumph of David over Goliath. However, it was a publicly witnessed feat of two Mike’s working together for the common good of Jackson that was instrumental in this victory for our town. While the obvious victory in this decision is the affects it will have on Jackson, in my opinion, the greater victory is how two very influential men in our town worked toward the same goal and accomplished that goal together. So far, there has been no political grandstanding and it’s a nice change of pace for our town. I can only hope that the two parties in our town can take this victory and realize that sometimes two actually is better than one.
Mike Reina addresses township about age restricted housing bill »
Overcrowding and runaway development is a serious concern for me, the Council and every resident of Jackson Township. Unfortunately, various mandates from Trenton and the Courts have placed significant strains on our resources and unsustainable development remains a potential problem for our community
Mike Reina – Jackson NJ – Approval Ratings »
Mike Reina is the current mayor of Jackson Township, New Jersey. Do you think Mike Reina is doing a good job in his position as Mayor?
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
