MIDDLETOWN – Republicans Tony Perry, Patricia Snell and Rick Hibell are three of six candidates who seek the election to the Middletown Township Committee in the Nov. 6 election.
Republicans hold a 5-0 majority on the governing body.
Perry is seeking a full three-year term, Snell is seeking a two-year unexpired term and Hibell is seeking a one-year unexpired term. Snell, Hibell, and Perry currently serve on the committee.
The Democratic candidates are Tricia Maguire, Sean Brynes and Danielle Walsh. They are profiled in a separate article.
Asked what accomplishments he could cite from his current term, Hibell said, “Although I have been on the committee for just eight months, this team has been able to accomplish more than many of our neighboring municipalities. For the second year in a row, we have been able to maintain our zero tax increase.
“Property taxes are of the utmost importance and this team has proven our ability to keep Middletown affordable while maintaining our great quality of life. Additionally, we have invested a great deal into our emergency services, including two state-of-the-art fire trucks and we have provided new and updated safety equipment to our 11 fire companies.
“Our children are our future and my hope is to keep Middletown as safe and as affordable as possible for future generations to come,” he said.
In a new term, Hibell said, “My first priority will always be keeping Middletown affordable and keeping taxes low. One way we have done that and will continue to do that is by evolving our shared service agreements with other municipalities and within the county.
“The services we offer to our residents are second to none and we are confident we can uphold that level of service with new partnerships and shared service agreements. Also, we are planning upgrades to a number of our parks and recreational facilities so children from across Middletown are able to enjoy them.
“We are so fortunate to have great local and county parks across Middletown and with smart financial plans in place, we can afford to maintain them,” he said.
Hibell, the owner of a marine construction company, is a life member of the Middletown Township Fire Department. He previously served on the Planning Board.
Asked what accomplishments he could cite from his current term, Perry said, “I am incredibly proud of the work the committee has done in the 11 months I have served as a committeeman. I’m very proud of the zero percent budget increase we passed in June, all while being able to increase the services we provide.
Asked what accomplishments she could cite from her current term, Snell said, “One accomplishment I am very proud of is the creation of our Community Assistance Network. While still in the early stages, we will provide a centralized resource for residents in need of services.
Snell, a broker/sales associate at Heritage House Sotheby’s International Realty, has lived in Middletown for more than 35 years. In 1986, Snell and her husband opened Jersey Mike’s on the corner of New Monmouth Road and Route 35. She is a former member of the Planning Board.
