Why I am Voting for Edmund “Tom” Maciejewski and Steve Mondragon

-George de Luna

Tom and Steve are deeply invested in our town and are dedicated to raising their school-aged children in the same close-knit, thriving community we currently enjoy. 

Tom is the best candidate we have. I’ve known him for several years and I ran with him myself. He always impressed me with his deep knowledge of the town and goings on in town council and Board of Ed meetings. He was responsible for getting them live streamed so we can all watch and hear what is being said by our public servants that we elect.

When I ran with Tom, we wanted accountability on the massive spending for the municipal building. It started at $28MM then $32MM then $38MM and I think the final tally was $42MM. We wanted a referendum to get that spending and borrowing approved by voters. 

We narrowly lost the primary so that never happened. Berkeley Heights property tax payers are on the hook for that borrowed money now.

Recent town councils have approved PILOT programs which is an acronym for Payment In Lieu Of Taxes which basically means builders get a big tax break and then don’t have to pay big property taxes for 30 years, paying nothing into the schools.  With 1400 or so new residences built or being built here in BH Tom and Steve believe there should be limits. 

So do I and many residents.

Tom has knocked on many doors and spoken to people of all political affiliations. When I ran with him, I myself knocked on over 1500 doors and he has done far more than me. He cares and considers opinions and ideas from everyone. He is an independent thinker and chose me at the time and Steve now because we are too. This is an important quality because we are not automatically swayed by the latest fad or idea.

For example, when the town council is voting on whether or not to approve a new building project, they would vote no, unless of course their constituents were in favor of it. (Remember the constituents?).

If you are on the fence or not sure, there is no doubt that Tom is surely the most qualified candidate. I endorse him and Steve wholeheartedly and encourage you to as well.

Visit Our 2023 Berkeley Heights Candidates Page to Read More From the Candidates