Belmar homeowners host "Meet Candidates Night"

Belmar homeowners host "Meet Candidates Night"
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 10/19/07
BY ERIK LARSEN
COASTAL MONMOUTH BUREAU

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BELMAR — Questions ranging from the future of redevelopment to what to do about those trouble-making summer renters will be among those raised at the fourth annual "Meet the Candidates Night" Tuesday, sponsored by the Belmar Homeowners Association.

In response to criticism from Belmar Democrats that the forum has been unfair in the past, the League of Women Voters will moderate the debate, among other changes.

"We have received literally dozens of questions for "Meet the Candidates Night' from town residents either by e-mail or in the newly installed lockbox at borough hall," wrote Susanne Sweeny and Ed Bonder, co-chairpersons of the event, in an e-mail to the two sets of Democratic and Republican candidates, who are seeking two open seats on the Borough Council this year.

Eighteen questions have been prepared, which have been edited for clarity and grouped into topics. The questions are similar to issues raised in a recent association survey.

"Quality of life has been a major problem in the south end of town," one question begins. "As we continue the transition back to a more family oriented community, do you think we are doing enough to enforce the laws and control the summer weekend chaos or are there more proactive actions you'd propose?"

On the subject of tourism, the candidates will be asked if Belmar should continue to promote tourism at its current levels or whether the borough should focus on encouraging a specific kind of tourist to Belmar.

"Given the recent termination of the Gale agreement: What should be done to promote investment and rapid improvement of our downtown?" another question asks.

Democratic candidates Meredith Brennan and ClaireDeicke, and Republican candidates Michael Seebeck and Victoria Rennner are all scheduled to attend.

The forum will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Taylor Pavilion on the boardwalk.