Robert Heiden

Democrat Candidate For Wantage Township Committee Heiden and his wife Christine have four children: Julia, 12; Noel, 11; Cassidy, 9; and Emily, 6. What are the most important issues the township faces today? The most important issue that Wantage residents face today is high taxes. This seems to be number one on everyone’s mind. Most Wantage tax bills increased an average of 6 to 10 percent this August in addition to the introduction of the new open space tax have people asking “where are my tax dollars going?” Residents also want to know how we lessen the tax burden of our ever-expanding population. Our roads and schools are already at or past capacity. We have to look at new ways to upgrade our infrastructure and at the same time protect our precious natural resources. I stepped up to run to offer Wantage a candidate with not only fresh ideas but one who is not beholden to any special interest group real estate or otherwise. How would you address those issues? First, Wantage can’t shoulder the burden itself so we have to create more cooperation with neighboring municipalities so services will be more cost effective. Second we need to attract infrastructure and eco-friendly ratables such as wind farming to hold the line on our ever-expanding tax bills. This would help our struggling agricultural community remain viable. I started researching and met with the right people over the summer and it turns out Wantage is one of a few areas viable for wind farming in northern New Jersey. Lastly we have to stop the “free ride” for part-time Committee members. Committee members receive full time medical benefits at Wantage taxpayers’ expense. I will not accept healthcare benefits, which will save Wantage thousands of dollars immediately. What is your vision for Wantage? As a Committee member my vision would be to create a modern, rural Wantage we can all be proud of. To think outside the box and bring new ideas to make Wantage government more fiscally responsible and more responsive to residents problems before they become dangerous and more costly. What special skills and knowledge would you bring to the position? I hold a bachelor of arts degree in Political Science from C.W. Post College. As a Wantage resident, husband and father of four I have been involved in my community for years. I have great insight due to my connections with many groups in the township. I have been a soccer coach, a member of the Wantage First Aid Squad, vice president of Taxpayers for Public Schools and key communicator for the Sussex Wantage Board of Education, and am a member of Friends of Lake Neepaulin. Clara Nuss Republican Wantage Township Committee A Realtor and 34-year resident of the township, Nuss and her husband John have two children, Kenneth and Jenn, and two grandchildren. What are the most important issues the township faces today? There is a serious issue involving the safety of our children which needs to be rectified immediately. It is hard to believe that the recent attempted abductions were not reported in a timely manner. These reported crimes occurred last Monday, but did not make the headlines until Friday. (Many other non-emergency events get published the next day). We must have a more effective public alert system in place. I believe the current emergency system can be enhanced with minimum adjustments. The safety of the public, and our children, in particular, are paramount, and we should take action immediately. How would you address those issues? Our seniors are getting a minimal increase of 2 percent in their benefits, while the municipal property tax has increased 10 percent; something needs to be done. I am in favor of affordable senior housing for the township, because it doesn’t burden our school system. Our seniors and the middle class need to be able to afford to stay here; or they too, will be moving out of state. What is your vision for Wantage? The new DEP Proposed Wetlands Rules and Regulations would require 300 foot buffer from existing wetlands. This is another example of how taxpayer’s rights are being taken away without fair compensation. This will reduce the value of your property and reduce taxes paid to the township; which means, you’ll have to pay more! I’m a strong advocate for property rights and I will fight for your rights. What special skills and knowledge would you bring to the position? During my 30 years in business, more than 20 years of which have been in management; I have consistently upheld my strong professional code of ethics. Some of my responsibilities have included mentoring, balancing of budgets and maintaining trust accounts, along with other numerous accounting functions. If elected, I plan to try to cut expenses where possible, without neglecting safety or education. For more information, visit my Web site at http://www.claranuss.com