Clockwise from top left: Stephen Carl Brame, Glenn Collins, James S. Kownacki and Max Ramos.
Lawrence Township residents will have several decisions to make at the polls Nov. 5.
In the local race for township council, Republicans Glenn Collins and Max Ramos will challenge Democratic incumbents Stephen Brame and mayor James Kownacki for the two council seats.
The Lawrence Gazette asked the candidates to fill out a questionnaire; their answers follow.
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Stephen Carl Brame
(Incumbent)
Party: Democratic
Age: 64
Years lived in township: 20 years
Occupation: Lawyer
Education: B.A. in Political Science, Rutgers University; Juris Doctor, Rutgers University School of Law-Newark
Previous public office: none
Previous unsuccessful bids for office: none
Community organizations/involvement: Former executive director of Habitat for Humanity (five years), member of Board of Trustees of Every Child Valued, member of Building One New Jersey, member of Building One America
What do you think are two of the biggest issues in the township now, and how do you plan to address those issues if elected?
Improvement of the township’s financial condition and stimulation of economic growth. We have had to make tough decisions over the last two years due the effects of the Great Recession’s impact on employment, property values, tax revenues, and business retention and expansion in our Township. But, we are weathering the storm.
The largest part of the budget is salary and wages for employees. Lawrence Council has negotiated employee contracts with 7 unions that have contained unprecedented give backs, such as salary freezes, and for new employees, no medical benefits upon retirement and elimination of longevity pay. I will evaluate township functions that are not economically efficient and would consider privatizing functions of government that can be more efficiently delivered without a loss in quality of services. For example, council’s privatization of police dispatch, with a projected savings of $1.1 million over the next five years. I would investigate shared services with our bordering towns and Mercer County government.
We amended zoning laws to stimulate economic opportunities at the Quaker Bridge Mall and the Mercer Mall. We have worked with Mrs. G’s to modernize its facilities and revitalize several acres of underutilized land along the U.S. 1 corridor. Our planning board has approved the arrival of Costco, which will bring a substantial ratable and up to 200 new jobs. This month, two new businesses have celebrated their grand openings along the U.S. 1 corridor: Bellacina Kitchen and Bath Showroom and Hobby Lobby.
Why should voters elect you to council?
Over the course of my career I have developed experience in economic development, planning, housing, management and leadership skills. I have worked with fellow citizens, neighborhoods in several cities, and business to help build better communities. I have used this experience during my brief time on council and I would continue to do so.
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Glenn Collins
Party: Republican
Age: 54
Years lived in township: 25
Occupation: Senior Field adjuster, Encompass Insurance Company
Education: Kean College
Previous public office: None
Previous unsuccessful bids for office: None
Community organizations/involvement: Member of the Lawrence Township Planning Board and the Recreational Advisory Committee; coached township baseball, basketball and Hamnett soccer; member of VFW Post 3022; sergeant-at-Arms at American Legion Post 414; member of St. Ann’s Church; Den leader for Cub Scout Pack 28; member Knights of Columbus Lawrenceville Council
Why are you running for council?
To bring leadership, transparency and balance to this council.
If elected, what would your first priority be?
Repeal the garbage tax and prioritize public safety.
What do you think are two of the biggest issues in the township now, and how do you plan to address those issues if elected?
Lack of leadership and no balance. I will bring a different view and much needed common sense.
Why should voters elect you to council?
My running-mate Max Ramos and I are just like anyone else in this community who is simply fed up with how our one-party council has been governing. Having controlled council for nearly two decades, there is less discussion on the issues and more of a singular mindset with representatives who are deaf to our concerns.
I’ll bring a different view to council, along with some much-needed common sense and greater responsiveness. We’re told that council wants to maintain an affordable community that’s also business-friendly, but we see decisions and lack of leadership that speak otherwise. From attempting to circumvent the two percent cap law with a garbage fee to ignoring the will of voters on the budget, I believe we can change this poor style of leadership and give residents the good government they deserve.
I understand council can’t solve every issue, but it can be more effective with two new councilmen more closely aligned with the overwhelming view of residents: that we cannot afford to keep governing the way we have. We can be more fiscally prudent, make wiser decisions, cooperate more with residents and create a business climate that benefits all of Lawrence.
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James S. Kownacki
(Incumbent)
Party: Democratic
Age: 61
Years lived in township: 16
Occupation: Ewing-Lawrence Sewerage Authority, 1988 to present; journeyman 4 apprenticeship electrical maintenance; former shop steward local 172
Education: Trenton High School GED; M.C.V.T.S. Apprenticeship Electrical; M.C.C.C. Leadership Skills for Executives
Previous public office: currently Lawrence Township councilman/mayor
Previous unsuccessful bid for office: Lawrence Township council
Community organizations/involvement: Lawrence Township committees: planning board, Public Safety Board, Municipal Alliance Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Lawrence Twp. Democratic Committeeman, Eggerts Crossing Civil League Inc.;
Military Service: U.S. Marine Corp Reserves’ and U.S. Army Reserves—Retired;
Former boards: President of Society Hill at Lawrence Circle.
Why are you running for council?
As a military veteran and a blue collar worker, I will bring strong leadership with me back to Lawrence Township council. I have always considered myself a reflection of the people I serve. I believe that elected officials must be willing to listen and encourage constituents to speak out on issues that concern them.
If re-elected, what would your first priority be?
As local government leaders, we are facing challenges of having to continue to provide necessary services in today’s fiscal environment. Make no mistake, I am committed to see that tax levy and tax appeals are properly divided against each unit of government. Many of these tax exemptions were authorized over 50 years ago. Energy tax receipts are taxes meant to be rent. These corporations pay for use and enjoyment of public right-of-ways. Taxes were to be given back to the municipals and give overdue relief to Lawrence Township taxpayers.
What do you think are two of the biggest issues in the township now, and how do you plan to address those issues if re-elected?
Taxes and ratables. Bring in more ratables as this council has done, and will keep doing.
Why should voters re-elect you to council?
I have high expectations for Lawrence Township, as I look forward to the next four years. The past four years I have had the honors of serving on council and being mayor. I have provided a voice for the working-class citizens. I would like to continue being this blue-collar working voice that represents the hard working people that I served.
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Max Ramos
Party: Republican
Age: 43
Years lived in township: 13
Occupation: Business Manager for IT firm
Education: BBA Baruch University 1997, MBA Rider University 2009
Community organizations/involvement: Ad Hoc Citizens Budget committee 2012; Growth and Redevelopment Committee 2013-2105; Coached in Lawrence Recreation Basketball and Soccer
Why are you running for council?
Because the mayor uses threats, misinformation, and petty political games to maintain power instead of governing in the best interest of the township.
If elected, what would your first priority be?
To listen to the people who voted for change and to work with the other members of council in a positive and productive fashion to get the community back on a sound fiscal trajectory and to continue to prioritize public safety.
What do you think are two of the biggest issues in the township now, and how do you plan to address those issues if elected?
The biggest issue in the town right now is the lock that one party has on governing and the utter failure their policies have produced. Lawrence was one of only two towns out of 566 that needed a Referendum in 2012 to pass the budget. In other words, less than 1 percent of New Jersey towns failed to stay within the CAP, and Lawrence was in that distinctive group. The second biggest issue is the tax rate and the inability of working class families and seniors to be able to continue to live in town.
Why should voters elect you to council?
Because they know the incumbents will raise their taxes another 30 percent in four years and they will be emboldened to continue to use threats, illegal maneuvers, and sneaky new fees like the new bulk waste fee in order to continue their massive hunger for revenue. I have sought leadership positions in every aspect of my life and career and this is no different. I will lead from the front and lead by example and listen to the community.
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