October 18, 2008
For Immediate ReleaseFrom:  Philip Morin, ChairmanPhone:  908-789-4200

Union County Republican Committee

UC Freeholder Debate Recap

The annual Union County Freeholder debate sponsored by the League of Women Voters took place in Cranford on October 15th. Compared to years past it was a rather civil debate. Only once did Ms. Sailer, the moderator, have to admonish a candidate. Freeholder Proctor attempted to use his closing statement as a 2 minute attack on Councilman Yakubov.

The three democratic incumbents gave their opening remarks first and spoke about topics ranging from social services, the environment, and attempted to link the challengers to President Bush and John McCain.

The challengers introduced themselves to the audience. Councilman Yakubov told of his family’s immigration to America. He also explained how the values instilled upon him by his parents have allowed him to live the American dream.  He spoke of how freedoms should never be taken lightly, as where he came from they were severely limited. He also contrasted his record as a fiscal conservative in Roselle Park to that of the Freeholder board who has doubled spending. 

Joe Franchino of Berkeley Heights introduced himself as a businessman with a masonry and landscaping company. He believes a large part of the problem is lack of representation on the freeholder board.  He told a story, “I was looking for the freeholder meeting in Elizabeth and asked directions, the guy told me take the Parkway south to Freehold”. The comment brought laughs from the crowd but made his point that very few people know what a freeholder is or does.  He believes that if the freeholder board was divided into districts everyone would know who their freeholder is and that would create more responsibility. 

John Russitano of Westfield explained that he has talked to thousands of people around the county and they are hurting.  “People are having trouble staying in their homes, many of the freeholder programs are nice to have, but the cost is often people losing their homes because of the high taxes that result.” 

The moderator posed questions that the audience wrote on index cards. All of the candidates supported Green initiatives. All of the candidates supported programs to keep youths from joining gangs. Candidates Russitano and Franchino also recommended a crack down on current gang members. 

A question was asked regarding a cut in freeholder salaries. Freeholder Estrada said he wouldn’t answer the question. Freeholder Proctor said “If my taking a cut in salary significantly improved the lives of all of Union County’s residents I would do it.” Freeholder Ward explained that in addition to the salary the freeholders are entitled to other benefits such as a car and health insurance; however she only takes a salary and feels it is fair.  No one commented if the other freeholders receive health insurance and no one mentioned that the positions also provide a pension. Candidate Franchino said he would donate the entire salary back to the county to help solve the fiscal crisis. Candidates Yakubov and Russitano feel that a stipend is justified; however $30,000 for a part time job is excessive. 

 The Freeholders Estrada and Ward concluded by emphasizing their records on various social programs such as homelessness and job training. Freeholder Proctor used his time in the aforementioned attack, and after that was interrupted concluded by saying the programs the freeholders run cost money and when things cost money taxes are increased. 

The challengers emphasized it is time for a change and that the doubling of spending and taxes over the last few years has to stop. People are having serious trouble making the payments on their homes and rising taxes is adding to the problem. Councilman Yakubov stated that many residents pay more taxes to Union County than in local property taxes. John Russitano added “many residents pay more in county taxes than they do in federal income taxes”. Candidate Franchino reiterated that part of the problem is lack of representation and believes that by dividing the county into districts and increasing representation would reduce wasteful spending.

 After the debate had ended a person was dismayed that their question was not asked. The question was “Is it appropriate for the Democratic Chairman to be responsible for the Union County Improvement Authority? “ Councilman Yakubov heard the comment and replied “It is a conflict of interest when the chairman of a political party who is largely financed by companies doing business with the county to hold a position that would allow that person to award contracts to those same companies”.

He continued “I don’t believe a conflict like that is healthy. If we are fortunate enough to win, I would not recommend putting the Republican chairman in that position.”

The consensus felt that it is time for a change and Yakubov, Russitano, and Franchino will bring positive change to Union County.