November 6, 2009
We want to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone for supporting us. We are looking forward to reorganization on Sunday, January 3, 2010 at 12:00pm. in the municipal building, please come join us.
If anyone would like to reach out for us, please email garalobell@nac.net
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November 1, 2009
We hope everyone had a very Happy Halloween. Although it rained the kids had a wonderful day and once again the Recreation Department did a great job on the annual Halloween parade and costume contest. So many fantastic costumes in all age groups, every year they seem to get better and better.
With the Election 2 days away we wanted to take the time to thank you again for all of the support you have been giving us. This week we have focused on revisiting many of you that we missed earlier. With your support we can make real positive changes in our Borough. Please email us or call with any additional questions you may have before the election.
Please vote for Gara & Lobell, Column 2 on Tuesday.
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October 28, 2009
Today the Star Ledger printed an article "Raritan candidates eye taxes and spending" The article has a misprint stating "By enforcing the ordinance, we're close to $95,000 being put back into the budget, she said, noting that the money could be used to preserve roads in the borough." The correct quote should read "By enforcing the ordinance and removing health benefits from council members only, we're close to $95,000 being put back into the budget, she said, noting that the money could be used to preserve roads in the borough."
(This correction will be printed in the Star Ledger tomorrow)
If anyone has any questions regarding this, please feel free to call us or email us. Thank you.
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October 26, 2009
Tonight we are only a few homes away from reaching a goal we've set, knocking on every door in Raritan. With just a few more homes to visit, we can focus this last week on meeting some of you we missed earlier in the campaign.
We appreciate the in depth conversations, emails and telephone calls from all of you. Many of your concerns are wide spread in the Borough and it is our desire to address all of these issues. With your support and vote we can make this happen.
If you have any questions please call us or email us.
With 8 days left to Election Day, please be sure to VOTE next Tuesday. Your vote is going to make the difference not only in this Election but the future of our Borough.
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October 20, 2009
We had the privilege to walk with Raritan native Somerset County Freeholder Jack Ciattarelli and Patrick Scaglione on Saturday October 10th and again Sunday October 18th. We truly appreciate all the time you spent with us. The rain (on both days) was not able to stop the great conversations we had with so many residents. Stefanie and Freeholder Ciattarelli enjoyed talking about the old neighborhood and many childhood memories. Thank you again for all of your support and words of advise.
We also had the privilege of walking with Assembly Women Denise Coyle on Tuesday October 13th. We are grateful for all of the support and dedication you have given us.
We really appreciate all the emails and calls we have been receiving from many of you. Your support and words of encouragement mean so much to us. We are excited about how many of you want to get involved in the process. Together we all can truly make a difference.
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October 6, 2009
We hope everyone enjoyed the Basilone weekend as much as we did. The parade gets better and better every year. Our police and public works did a fantastic job all weekend. This years extended Basilone weekend was longer and better than ever with the inclusion of a Friday night Big Band Show and fireworks as well as a Chamber of Commerce sponsored John Basilone Fun Run.
We have been out knocking on doors every night. The majority of concerns seem to be the same across the Borough. Residents are not happy with the ever increasing tax burden, traffic, speeding and our deteriorating downtown. These issues have not been addressed and residents are frustrated and looking for a change. We believe that creating a Grants Committee will be a start in the right direction in stabilizing our tax burden. We're confident that refining our housing ordinance and enforcing it will help clean up our downtown and alleviate our overcrowding problems. As we talk with many of you throughout the Borough we have discussed many ways to help put money back into our budget. Our forward looking plan will point our Borough in a more positive direction. We are certain that with YOUR support we can make a difference for all of us.
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September 26, 2009
Tonight we thoroughly enjoyed the 20th John Basilone Commemorative Concert. Listening to the Quantico Marine Corps Band is an exhilarating experience. They played a beautiful range of songs from classic to jazz. We also learned how to "HOORAA" the Marine way. Once again another great evening. See you all at the parade tomorrow.
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September 26, 2009
We participated in the 1st Annual John Basilone 1K Fun Run sponsored by the Raritan Area Chamber of Commerce. Residents ran, walked, scootered, roller bladed and rode bikes. Everyone had a really fun time. Afterwards, there was music, Moon on the Water making balloon animals, donuts, bagels, hot dogs and The Lizard Guy put on a terrific show for all. We are looking forward to attending the John Basilone Memorial Concert this evening at Raritan Valley College.
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September 25, 2009
We attended the Basilone Concert and Fireworks Show. A GREAT time was had by all. People were dancing in the streets and the grass. Everyone enjoyed the fireworks display. It was awesome to be so close. The Basilone Committee did a fantastic job. We are looking forward to the Fun Run on Saturday.
We have been busy campaigning and speaking to many residents. Thank you to all of you who have taken the time to speak with us at your doors, the many calls and emails with so many great questions and concerns. We appreciate all the support and encouragement we have been receiving. A huge THANK YOU to Olga Metaxas for walking every inch of your district with us. We are looking forward to walking with Assembly women Denise Coyle on Wednesday, September 30, 2009.
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September 11, 2009
September 11, 2001, a day we will never forget
We shall never forget
We shall keep this day,
We shall keep the events and the tears
In our minds, our memory and our hearts
and take them with us as we carry on.
We would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to all those families who lost loved ones on this the 8th anniversary of 9/11. Stefanie personally lost a friend who worked in one of the buildings, though time goes by every 9/11 we take the time to reflect back on how lives where taken from unnatural causes. We must never forget how short life is and how precious it can be or how quickly it can be taken. Thank God for all the hero's that helped so many people stay out of harms way that day.
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September 10, 2009
It has been such a pleasure speaking with so many residents throughout the borough these past 2 weeks. We see a common thread, taxes, taxes and more taxes. As we have told many of you, we believe we have some common sense ideas and approaches to help stabilize the ever increasing rate. 1) Start a Grants Committee; we already have residents throughout the borough ready, willing and able to help assist with the research and writing of these grants. We also have the assistance of the County Grant writer willing to help us in this endeavor. We are missing out on many grant opportunities due to lack of initiative 2) Put an ordinance in place removing Health Benefits from Council members. This is not a full time position; each and every member has the opportunity to obtain benefits from their full time employer. Working 6 to 8 hours a week should not automatically entitle a council member to $14,000.00 plus a year in health insurance for them as well as their families. $45,000.00 can be immediately placed back into our budget once this ordinance is in place. We truly believe that a Council member should be looking out for our community and our interests not thier own. Saddling this community with this expense is truly unfair 3) Amend and enforce the housing ordinance; currently we have approximately 950 plus rental properties. The current ordinance is weak and has not been enforced for a very long time. This is why we are watching our downtown slip away from us so quickly. Of course, now that we are out campaigning on this issue again our council once again (as they also did last year) have decided to "un-table" this matter and bring it back up for discussion. Funny, they have had years to address this issue however, it is not a priority (unless it's campaign season). The sad fact is when November passes, this again will be "tabled" or ignored. There is a broad difference between discussing an issue and taking action towards it. We urge all residents to attend council meetings; it is vital that you see what your elected officials are doing and it is time to make each and everyone of them accountable.
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September 3, 2009
The following letter appeared in the Courier News on September 3, 2009 from our Republican Municipal Committee Chairman.
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Raritan Democrats need some ideas of their own
I could not help but be stunned by the recent letter in the Courier News from the Raritan Borough Democratic candidates.
Unable to put together a platform of their own, the Democrats have copied the words of the Republican candidates, Stefanie Rispoli Gara and Gregory Lobell, who long ago put forth their platform via letters, campaign literature and their Web site.
It is apparent that with no past record of achievement or responsible future plans, the Democrats must turn to the Republicans for insight and inspiration.
This could be acceptable; however, there is a record to go by.
First, I must address the Democratic trumpeting of fiscal responsibility.
Since the incumbent has entered office borough taxes have risen at least 27 percent. Is this fiscal responsibility? Is it fiscal responsibility to saddle taxpayers with the cost of his health care benefits?
The Democrat-led council has burdened our good taxpayers with more than $194,000 in health care costs.
Next, let's look at fairness. The incumbent's running mate was appointed to our Board of Adjustment. One must question why a person with no expertise was placed on such a prestigious board. Was it to "pad" a short-term resume and lend credibility to a candidate, solely for political motives? Does such a move truly serve Raritan?
Democrats state, "The keystone of open and honest government is communication." If this is so, why are the minutes of council meetings not on the borough Web site? The incumbent controls the Web site as he does the newsletter.
Further, he claims the idea of the open Web site and newsletter was his. In truth, our hard-working Republican mayor campaigned on these issues. Is it a question of "We'll take the idea, but we'll determine what is said?"
Businesses have closed in our borough and stores remain vacant. Loitering and vandalism are on the rise. Many rental properties are falling into disrepair. These issues affect our quality of life and the values of our homes. Is the weakening of our borough the Democratic version of smart growth and sound business sense?
I will quote the Democratic Web site: "Our interest is to further the goals of the Democratic Party in Raritan." Does this mean that if you are a Republican, independent or undeclared voter in our borough you are not part of their interest? For shame.
Please take the time to visit www.garalobell.com and see what your Republican candidates, Stefanie Gara and Gregory Lobell, are offering. Read their literature and talk with them when they come knocking at your door.
Remember their slogan, "Reclaiming Raritan with honesty, integrity, and accountability."
Having brought nothing to the table during the incumbent's Democratic tenure in office, the incumbent can indeed lay claim to one small thing. He gives truth to the adage: "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."
ANDREW SIBILIA
Republican Municipal Committee Chairman
Raritan Borough |
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August 21, 2009
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Paul & Maryanne Giraldi for hosting such an great fundraiser for us as well as Gerry Cicero for all your hard work and fantastic food. An extra special thank you to Rick from Angelica's Cafe' in Bradley Gardens and Richard Capici for making sure our night was perfect. Thank you for all the wonderful support and excitement: Raritan Borough Republican Committee Chairman Andy Sibilia, Mayor Jo-Ann Liptak, Somerset County Republican Chairman Dale Florio, Somerset County Vice Chair Paula Marasco, Robert Marasco, Senator Christopher Bateman, Assembly women Denise Coyle, Somerset County Freeholder Peter Palmer, Al Gaburo, Sheriff Frank Provenzano, Raritan Borough Committee Members, and many others from the Borough and County who attended. We were very excited and appreciative with such a huge turn-out and the many generous contributions made to this campaign. Again, a huge THANK YOU to everyone who attended !
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August 12, 2009
On August 4, 2009 we enjoyed National Night Out at Washington School. It was a great family night. The kids could not have had a better time. Between the moon bounces and the dunk tank they didn’t know which direction to run in first. The Raritan Borough Police Department did a fantastic job! It was so nice to see the entire department participate in this event. Thank you for all your hard work. We are looking forward to next years Night Out.
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August 13, 2009
We began our door-to-door campaign on August 5th. It was nice to get the opportunity to meet many of you that we didn't catch at home while campaigning last year. It is unfortunate that we are hearing many of the same concerns. As our economy dwindles the tax burden is really starting to get the best of some folks. We must be more diligent and work harder to find some alternate sources to help stabilize our tax rate.
We have residents in several different districts eager to help us investigate and go after grants. Forming a grants committee, working with the County Grant Writer is a first step. Second step, pass an ordinance that Council can not receive benefits. Benefits cost the Borough a minimum of $14,000.00 per year per council member, "that amount is expected to increase by about 20 percent next year" in a statement from Bedminster Mayor Holtaway. (Please refer to article referenced in an earlier blog)
Posted is an OPRA request (Open Public Records Act) showing the exact amount of monies we have already paid out in benefits to this current Council.
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July 26, 2009
Though it is very early in the campaign, July has been a very busy month for us. We have been organizing as well as meeting with residents throughout the community. We have been enjoying the various "Meet the Candidates" events. It has enabled us to meet residents on a more personal level and discuss issues and concerns more in depth then the door-to-door campaigning allows. We welcome the many comments shared by the residents, sadly many of the issues remain as they have in the past, unresolved.
Hopefully many of you had the opportunity to read the July 22, Courier News article "Bedminster committee will give up health benefits". It is refreshing to see that other municipalities are now taking notice of one of our major campaign issues from last year.
Thumbs up to Bedminster for being fiscally responsible to the taxpayer in these tough economic times! With the continuing loss of revenue from the state, our local government needs to cut out unwarranted benefits to council members. As we have discussed in the past, it is time for Raritan to eliminate health benefits for council members once and for all.
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June 14, 2009
Today we announced in the Courier News that we are, indeed, running again for the two seats on our Borough Council:
Dear Fellow Raritan Residents,
We, Stefanie Rispoli Gara and Gregory Lobell, are proud to let you know that we are, indeed, running again for the two seats on our Borough Council. We are extremely excited with the show of support in the recent uncontested primary. Our philosophy remains one that we have shared with you in the past, a platform that will bring honesty, integrity, and accountability back to our local government.
These economic times bring new challenges to all those who serve the public. We promise to bring unimpeachable character to your council. We pledge to create the most cost efficient government our borough can have.
Our decisions will always be based on what we feel is right for the borough as a whole. Communication is the key; the greatest asset of any community is its' residents. We urge community involvement and we are grateful for it. Let us be your voice.
As your representative council members we pledge to make Raritan a community that is once again respected throughout Somerset County and a place where anyone would be proud to call home.
Look for us at your front door and please join us as we journey through Raritan. Please visit our website at www.GaraLobell.com and feel free to email us at mail@garalobell.com. Again, we would like to sincerely thank all those who supported us in this past primary.
Sincerely,
Stefanie Rispoli Gara and Gregory A. Lobell
Republican Candidates for Raritan Borough Council
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May 23, 2009
Today we kicked off our campaign with a picnic at the Sibilia residence. We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Jim and Mary Sibilia who so graciously hosted and provided tons of fantastic food. Thank you Mayor Jo-Ann Liptak, Paula Marasco,Vice Chair Somerset County Republican Executive Committee, Assembly women Denise Coyle, Assemblymen Peter Biondi, Freeholder Peter Palmer, Freeholder Candidate Patrick Scaglione, Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen, Committee Chairmen Andy Sibilia and many others from the Borough of Raritan who attended to show their support. We could not have asked for a better day. We are very excited to begin this years campaign with the support of all mentioned above and there willingness to help us out.
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