Maclearie runs on proven leadership record

Maclearie runs on proven leadership record
Team agrees Earle housing, closing of fort major issues
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer

TINTON FALLS — Mayor Peter Maclearie is basing his run for a second, four-year term as mayor on a record of achievement.

"Four years ago, I promised to control taxes, curb development and expand open space in the borough, and I'm proud to say that my administration has done exactly that," he said.

There are two open seats on the Tinton Falls Borough Council as council Vice President Michael Skudera is challenging Maclearie in the race for mayor. Councilman Paul Ford decided not to seek re-election.

Maclearie's running mates in the May 12 nonpartisan municipal election are Planning Board member Michael Stanton and EMT Robert Harvey, who are seeking four-year terms on the Borough Council. The team is running under the name "Proven Leadership, Real Results."

"I'm proud to form an experienced team with Mike and Bob, who have been so dedicated to Tinton Falls," Maclearie said. Maclearie, chief financial officer atAtlantic Coast Media Group, is running on a record of experience in borough government. Along with his four years as mayor, Maclearie has served for seven years on the council, four years on the Planning Board and two years on the Zoning Board.

Tinton Falls Mayor Peter Maclearie (center) with his two running mates, Bob Harvey (l) and Mike Stanton
He has also been chairman of, and council liaison to, the Open Space Committee for five years.

An original member of the Open Space Committee, Maclearie cites his impact in preserving open space in the borough.

"I revitalized the Open Space Committee, resulting in the successful preservation of several key parcels identified by the committee and the development of a plan for future acquisitions," he said.

Maclearie noted other accomplishments that mark his term as mayor.

"We also instituted a road repair program, preserved open space and controlled development with a highly responsible Planning Board," he added.

Harvey and Stanton lauded the mayor's history of getting things done.

"I know this may sound like a cliché, but Pete is the mayor for the people," Harvey said. "He isn't trying to get elected on what he can do, he is out there day to day working."

"I have known the mayor for a long time," Stanton said. "He has done a lot for Tinton Falls."

One of the major accomplishments Maclearie takes credit for is his work on the municipal budget.

"In 2007 we had no increase and in 2008," he said, "we had a 2 percent rise, just .13 cents a day for the average homeowner."

"We want to get the most 'bang for the buck' for the taxpayers," Stanton said. "Making a sensible budget is a big concern."

Maclearie also said that he has managed to save taxpayers money and still improve services in the borough.

"We saved taxpayers almost a half-million dollars from the projected costs of the borough hall project," Maclearie said. "We also saved the borough between $70,000-$80,000 by cutting benefits for the council.

"We have an outstanding track record of fiscal responsibility," Maclearie added. "I have a degree in finance and 28 years of corporate finance background."

Maclearie also had good things to say about his running mates.

"Mike is a valuable member of the Planning Board," Maclearie said. "He has coached in the Recreation Department [leagues] and is the president of the Tinton Falls Girls Softball League.

"Bob [who is captain of the EMS South squad] gets a lot of credit," Maclearie said. "It's one thing to volunteer, and I give a lot of credit to those who volunteer, but it's another thing to be responsible for the whole squad.

"Bob is somebody who is not afraid to roll up his sleeves."

Harvey believes it is important to good government in Tinton Falls for council members to be on the same page.

"I think the council needs to work as a cohesive unit," Harvey said. "It is my hope that Mike and myself, along with [councilmen] Andy [Mayer], Duane [Morrill] and Gary [Baldwin], will create a cohesive unit to move forward with some major projects."

Harvey also said that he and the mayor have had a good working relationship over the years.

"We had an excellent relationship from the start," Harvey said. Stanton has been a Tinton Falls resident for 17 years, and, along with serving on the Planning Board and coaching the Girls Softball League, he is chairman of the Library Committee.

Harvey, a Tinton Falls resident for 14 years, is employed at Morgan Stanley and serves as a delegate to the New Jersey First Aid Council.

Maclearie has mapped out an agenda for his second term that includes a continued focus on controlling spending and taxes; enhancing the quality of life for residents; preservation of open space; controlled redevelopment of Fort Monmouth; and fighting to keep civilian housing out of Earle.

"There are some major issues in Tinton Falls," Maclearie said. "I am proud of what we have done the last four years."

"And there's plenty more to do, especially with the closing of Fort Monmouth and proposed Earle housing as huge issues that we as a community need to continue to address."

Harvey believes that the privatization of the Earle housing may be the most important issue facing Tinton Falls.

"We are a small community with some national headline issues," Harvey said. "We have a lot that needs to be addressed, but I think Earle might be the most important."

Harvey said he supports a proposal to house retired military personnel at Earle.

"It would alleviate a huge burden on the schools and the taxpayers," he said.

"I also support that proposal," Stanton said. "It is unfortunate that we are put in this position. The impact shouldn't fall on Tinton Falls."

Maclearie said that while he is proud of his accomplishments, there is plenty of work ahead.

"We are trying to make bold decisions and choices," Maclearie said. "We need to be leaders, not followers."

Contact Kenny Walter at

kwalter@gmnews.com.