Dec. 28, 2006 DEMOCRATIC CLUB ELECTS MIKE KAFTON PRESIDENT
The Jackson Democratic Club of Jackson, last night unanimously elected Mike Kafton as its next president for the upcoming year. “I am excited and energized by your overwhelming support and will do everything that I can to build this club. I want the Democrats to, once again, become a dominant and formidable force in local politics.”
Noting that there was a great need to increase and diversify its membership, Mr. Kafton added, “We need to keep moving forward by researching new ideas and asking our friends and neighbors to join us so we can continue to make a difference in Jackson.”
Elected along with Mr. Kafton were 1st Vice President, Marvin Krakower; 2nd Vice President, Tom Simmons; Treasurer, Lorraine Rytel; Recording Secretary, Dee Mandola; Corresponding Secretary, Kevin Di Gesu; and three Trustees: Jerry Gross, Alan Stern and Rosanne Tarnofsky. Mrs. Mandola said, “We have a great deal of enthusiasm and talent within our club and now, we really want to build upon that. We are asking people to give back and get involved in their community. Our children’s future depends on that!”
We invite anyone interested in learning more about the Jackson Democratic Club to attend one of its meetings which takes place on the fourth Wednesday of the month. The next meeting will be Jan. 24, 2007 at 7:30 pm at Bella Terra Assisted Living on Kathleen Drive, Jackson.
BATTLE OF THE BANDS NEEDS YOU
JACKSON - The Jackson Educational Foundation is looking for bands to showcase their musical talents at a Battle of the Bands competition the foundation is sponsoring on Saturday, February 10 from 7-11 p.m. at the Jackson Memorial High School Fine Arts Center.
“We are looking for groups from multiple genres from the Jackson community and surrounding areas who want to strut their stuff and compete with other groups for some great prizes,’’ said event chairperson Rosanne Tarnofsky. “It will be a great night of entertainment and fun for everyone.’’
Bands who might be interested in participating in the Battle of the Bands must submit a non-returnable CD or audiotape to determine if the band would be appropriate for this competition.
“I know that there is a great deal of musical talent in our area and this would provide a great venue for our kids to show what they can do,’’ Tarnofsky said. “We also have professional musicians, music critics and others from the music world who will be working on this evening as well.”
The Jackson Educational Foundation (JEF) is a non-profit organization that raises money to help support the Jackson School District by supplementing programs that are not funded in the Board of Education’s operating budget. The goal of the JEF is to enrich and expand the education of Jackson’s children.
“We want to be the group that teachers come to when they need that ‘something extra’ that can’t be provided in the Board of Education’s budget,” said JEF President Marty Spielman. “We want to do whatever we can to have a positive impact in the classroom and in the lives of students and teachers.”
Anyone who is interested in participating should begin by calling Rosanne Tarnofsky at 732-833-1938 for additional information about how to participate. Jackson Memorial High School is located at 101 Don Connor Boulevard, Jackson NJ, 08527.
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MIKE KAFTON BRINGS JACKSON TOGETHER FOR FOOD DRIVE
“HELP!! As we all know, the holidays are approaching and supplies in Jackson’s Food Pantry are dangerously low. Since we have many families in our community who are in need, I am reaching out to all of our residents asking their help in collecting food and other supplies for the holidays so we can fill up the shelves of the Jackson Pantry and then everyone can enjoy a bountiful and joyous holiday,” said Mike Kafton.
“We are asking the non-profits and sports groups to join us in this town-wide food drive as well as the senior communities and anyone else in town so we can all make a difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate. Vickie Vitale, Director of the Food Pantry, has sent us a list of much needed items and we are asking each organization to collect, maybe one or two, items and that way the pantry can completely fill up on a particular item. We will then pick up all food, etc. every couple of weeks when it is convenient and we will deliver everything to the pantry.”
“Jackson traditionally has always been such a giving and selfless community and I know that this season will be no different. Everyone has such big hearts and they always seem to come together at the right time. This food drive will continue through the Christmas holiday.”
“People can donate food at my office, George Realty, 2200 W. County Line Rd., at the White Butterfly 200 N. County Line Rd. and many other locations. If you have any questions, or for a list of participating groups/drop-off points, please call my office at 732-905-7898. People wishing to donate frozen turkeys can drop them off at the Food Pantry at 65 Don Connor Blvd. on Sunday, Nov. 5 between 10-4; Nov. 14, 10-4; Dec. 1, 10-4 and Dec. 12, 10-4.”
FIGHTING BACK
THE VOICE OF THE TAXPAYER
(As seen in the Jackson Times, Oct. 27, 2006)
Jackson residents have been slapped with the highest municipal tax increase in history -- $6.7 million! The question is why?
Like a squirrel storing nuts away for the winter, Mark Seda has taken money the local government doesn’t need and is holding on to it for use later as a so-called "tax cut". He is storing the money away now, in the beginning of his term, with the hope that when re-election time comes around, people will have forgotten that he increased our taxes almost 20%.
Our money is purposely being hidden in several places by our local officials. One of the places is the fuel cost budget which he has increased by $200,000 despite the fact that fuel costs are lower now than in the last two years. In 2004 fuel costs were $300,000 and in 2005, they were $340,000. Now with prices falling Mr. Seda has increased the fuel budget to a whopping $540,000!!! That’s an almost 70% tax increase. Why? Is he hiding money? I’ll let you decide. The Township’s buildings are heated by natural gas which each year costs the taxpayers $100,000. Why did Mr. Seda increase the natural gas line item in the budget to $150,000 this year? This is an increase of more than 50%. Are we actually paying more in taxes so he can use this money for his re-election? I’ll let you decide.
Now for a look at the capital improvement fund – this line item allows the town to bond for capital improvement. Prior to Mr. Seda taking office, this fund had $200,000 in it which allowed Jackson Township to bond $4 million. Mr. Seda increased the fund by another $250,000 allowing him to bond over $9 million in total. Why is Mark Seda allotting $9 million for which taxpayers will have to shoulder the burden? Is he simply hiding another quarter of a million dollars of our tax money on over inflated costs written into the budget? I’ll let you decide.
Mark Seda’s $37 million dollar budget is taxing our residents right out of their homes. In fact they’re being taxed right out of Jackson. Right now, there are over 700 properties on the real estate market. How much longer can we afford to live here? How much longer can we afford Mayor Mark Seda? I’ll let you decide.
FIGHTING BACK
THE VOICE OF THE TAXPAYER
(As it appeared in the Jackson Times, Sept. 29, 2006)
For the past 6 years as a former Mayor and as a member of the Township Committee, I, as well as other committee members, worked diligently to provide services to the residents of Jackson as well as to expand recreation, preserve over 1,500 acres of land, purchase and update most of the public works equipment and police vehicles. A few years ago we started a road paving program that allowed us to pave several miles of roads in some of the town’s developments where roads had been neglected for many years.
We built many ball fields as well as a new roller hockey rink, skate board park, new playgrounds and so much more over these past 6 years.
Meanwhile the population has grown by roughly 20% over these same 6 years forcing the township to expand the police force as well as our public works department and other departments to meet the demands of the residents. All of this while maintaining a MUNICIPAL TAX RATE THAT WAS LOWER THAN ANY TIME IN THE 1990’s.
We did this by treating Jackson Township like a business NOT a political “THIEFDOM” (sic).
Mark Seda (now the Mayor for the next 4 years?) ran a campaign of lies and deceit, promising to cut the municipal budget. In the prior year’s budget, after only being in office for a couple months, he voted against a stable budget because he said that over $700,000 more should have been cut from that budget (he even took out a full page ad in the local papers). Now one budget cycle later and only 3 months into his term of office, Mark Seda increases our taxes, more than 6.5 million dollars. THE HIGHEST TAX INCREASE IN JACKSON HISTORY!
To make matters worse he insults the taxpayers of this town by saying he didn't know about the budget issues and that he was kept in the dark by the prior administration. This is an OUTRIGHT LIE. Every expenditure, every new hire, every dime of taxpayer money spent by Jackson Township WAS approved and voted on by the entire Township Committee of which Mark Seda was a member for over 18 months.
Every year we managed to run Jackson Township while decreasing or stabilizing the MUNICIPAL TAX RATE. Even the year we took the majority over from Mr. Seda’s party in 2000, we lowered the tax rate by 5 cents, putting more than a million dollars back into the pockets of the taxpayers. Mr. Seda has raised our taxes by over 6.5 million dollars for ONLY one reason……….He is preparing for his next election. He will spend the next 3 years slowly giving us back a little bit of the 6.5 million dollars he has just stolen from us taxpayers. Using smoke and mirrors he will try to convince us all that he is working hard to reduce the budget.
This and future columns will serve as a vehicle for exposing the fraud Mark Seda is perpetrating on the taxpayers of this great community. If you have any questions or comments please call my office at 732-905-7898.
Paid for by Michael J. Kafton
MIKE URGES JACKSON RESIDENTS TO SUPPORT WALK FOR THE CURE
MARK YOUR CALENDARS -- OCT. 8TH IN JOHNSON PARK
The Westlake Women's Club and Jackson Township are asking for your support for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation's Walk for the Cure on Oct. 8th in Johnson Park. There are so many of us who have been touched by this insidious disease -- possibly through a spouse, a daughter, mother or friend. In addition, men can and do get breast cancer. 90% of the money raised from the walk stays in the state of New Jersey and helps fund new research as well as providing vital medical services such as mammograms to those who couldn't otherwise afford them.
Come out and walk or "be proud in the crowd". Let's make this walk a spectacular event where every resident in the community participates. We are also looking for non-profit groups who would like to host a table for their particular organization. For more information, and to download an entry application, please go to the website www.westlakejacksonbcwalk.com
THE MORE THINGS CHANGE…..
As most of you may be aware of by now, Jackson Township has its first directly elected mayor who, along with a five member council, took office on July 1st. Although I will no longer be serving the Jackson community in an elected capacity, I will, nonetheless, be serving it on a very grass roots level. My office has been, and always will be, open to anyone seeking help or my involvement in community affairs. I have been an active member of Jackson since I was seventeen years old and I plan to continue that involvement in any way that I can.
I wholeheartedly thank all of you who have supported me over the years. Your faith in me has raised my spirits and kept me going through good times and bad. The only possible way that I can repay you is through continued public service. Thank you again.
Sincerely,
Mike Kafton
AND....SOME OF MY PAST CONTRIBUTIONS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER TO HELP FAMILY OF BOY KILLED BY CARBON MONOXIDE
Committeeman Mike Kafton and the Jackson community are teaming up to help the family of Billy Miller, 13, who died Thursday, June 15, from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Pam Braue, Secretary of Pop Warner, reached out to Mr. Kafton asking him for help in obtaining donations for the Miller family who is temporarily residing with family members in Jackson. “Although we’re a growing community, we have never given up that small town feeling and our people are always there to help another family in need,” Mike said.
Mrs. Braue, whose daughter attended the Goetz School with Billy Miller, is helping to organize the school students who have already begun raising money for the family. “I am blown away by these kids and their teachers who, in no time at all, came together to help the family of one of their fellow students,” Mrs. Braue explained. A group of these students have gone one step further and arranged for car wash fundraisers to take place simultaneously this Monday at 3 pm at the local fire departments.
“So far we definitely have the departments on Miller Rd. and Hope Chapel Rd. signed up, and we’re just waiting on Jackson Mills on County Line and on Larson Rd.,” Mrs. Braue added.
Mr. Kafton has asked anyone wishing to contribute to the Miller family to do so at any Sovereign Bank location; at Mike’s office at 2200 W. County Line Rd.; at the White Butterfly Gift Shop at 200 N. County Line Rd. and in the Winding Ways community where checks and cash donations can be dropped off at the home of Dee Mandola, 25 Dowing Lane. Checks should be made out to the BILLY MILLER MEMORIAL FUND.
COMMITTEEMAN MIKE KAFTON REMINDS SENIORS
IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO FILE FOR PROPERTY TAX REIMBUSEMENT
Committeeman Mike Kafton is reaching out to the senior community to alert them to the fact that the State of New Jersey has extended the filing date for homeowner property tax rebate applications to August 15, 2006.
“Although the state’s program doesn’t reduce the property tax rate, it can help seniors and disabled homeowners get back some of the money that they’ve already paid in property taxes, provided they meet all the necessary eligibility requirements,” Mr. Kafton noted. “I am fully aware of the burden placed on our seniors as they struggle to pay their property taxes when they are on fixed incomes. There has been a steady exodus of our seniors from the state because of the exorbitantly high property taxes. Most of these people have to fight in order to stay in their homes, so any relief they can get is greatly appreciated” Mr. Kafton continued.
The requirements for first time filers who are seeking reimbursement of the difference between the amount of property taxes paid in 2004 and the amount paid in 2005 must:
· Have been age 65 or older or receiving Federal Social Security disability benefits by Dec. 31, 2004. (If receiving disability benefits, applicant must have continued to receive benefits on their own behalf through Dec. 31, 2005); and
· Have lived in New Jersey continuously since before Jan. 1, 1995, as either a homeowner or a renter; and
· Have owned and lived in the home for which the reimbursement is being claimed since before Jan. 1, 2002; and
· Have total income for 2004 that is less than $40,869 for single applicants and $50,113 (combined income) for married couples, and total income for 2005 that is less than $41,972 for single applicants and $51,466 (combined income) for married couples; and
· Have paid the full amount of the property taxes (or mobile home park site fees) due on the home for both 2004 and 2005.
For further information, or help filling out any forms, please feel free to call my office at 732-905-7898.
Dear Friends,
I’ve given myself a couple of days since the mayoral election to write this letter of extreme appreciation and gratitude to those of you who worked on my campaign. You never run a campaign alone and you are the people who believed in me and a brighter future for Jackson. You are the people who dedicated hours and hours to helping me run a campaign that we hoped would be successful. You walked miles and miles; stuffed thousands of envelopes; wrote more postcards than anyone could ever imagine and spoke to voter after voter as to why you believed in Mike Kafton. All of you sustained me through this particularly despicable campaign when my name was being dragged through the mud by my opponents. Your hard work and honest convictions made me want to work harder and be the best possible candidate that I could be. Your tireless efforts will never be forgotten. Your kind words will stay with me forever. I will never be able to adequately express how thankful I am for the hundreds of volunteers and the thousands of residents who showed their confidence in me by casting their vote for Mike Kafton for Mayor.
As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Let’s all of us, you and I, never give up on our dreams.
A million times….thank you.
Mike Kafton
COMMITTEEMAN MIKE KAFTON HOSTS
INTERNET SAFETY SEMINAR
Far too often, today, parents and children alike hear of disturbing stories of kids using the Internet with disastrous results. Committeeman Mike Kafton who is sponsoring a seminar on “Internet Safety” said, “As a parent of three boys, I am particularly concerned about what they do on their computers and who they talk to. We are all wired today and we have to know how to protect our children from potential online predators.”
Joining Committeeman Kafton will be Investigator Scott Stevens from the Computer Crimes Unit of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office who will discuss this very specific issue of Internet safety and what parents can do to ensure that their children will be surfing in safe waters. Investigator Stevens noted, “Parents need to realize the symptoms of the vulnerability their children face and they should always be vigilant and monitor the types of software they use in addition to who they are connecting with on the Internet. Children, as well, need to learn how to protect themselves on the online.”
Another guest speaker who Mike reached out for is former Jackson resident Ed Werner who personally lived through the horrifying experience of having his child murdered by the hands of a local teen, who, himself, was the ultimate online victim. Many of you can remember how Jackson residents mobilized their efforts in the futile search of little Eddie Werner. Mr. Werner, as Chairman of the Crime Victims Compensation Board, will not only discuss his personal experiences, but will speak about the greater issue of children and the dangers they face while on the Internet.
Mr. Art Wolinsky, Educational Technical Director of WiredSafety.Org, the world’s largest online safety and help group, will also address the audience. “Kids are living in a different world that their parents didn’t even know existed. We have to teach kids sensible rules and how they can learn to protect themselves,” Mr. Wolinsky commented.
This seminar is for adults only and refreshments will be served. For further information please call Committeeman Mike Kafton’s Office at 732-905-7898.
COMMITTEEMAN MIKE KAFTON AND JACKSON TOWNSHIP SPONSOR
WOMEN’S SELF DEFENSE CLASS
One in eight women can expect to become a victim of violent crime at some point in their lives. “Women need to learn what they can and cannot do if attacked, said Committeeman Mike Kafton. Probably one of the most important rules they can learn is to be aware of their environment at all times.”
Joining Mr. Kafton will be Fred Bauer, a 17-year veteran of the Howell Police force with vast experience in executive protection and a 3rd degree Black Belt. He will be teaching women basic techniques for self-protection and how they can avoid becoming a victim. Patrolman Bauer noted, “In addition to teaching women how to physically protect themselves, we also stress ways that women can psychologically talk their way out of a potential assault. Learning what to say is equally important as learning what hand strikes and grabs to use.”
The class is open to women of all ages and fitness levels. Girls, 13-18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Sneakers and comfortable clothing should be worn. The class is free but anyone wishing to make a donation will be able to do so with the proceeds going to Providence House which provides safe haven for victims of domestic violence. Last year alone, Providence House serviced 1,734 people.
Please call Mike Kafton’s office to register at 732-905-7898. We can only accommodate the first 80-100 women.
COMMITTEEMAN MIKE KAFTON ADDRESSES
STATE SENATE ECONOMIC GROWTH COMMITTEE
Before a Senate Economic Growth Committee in Trenton today, Mike Kafton lent his support to the entry of Verizon into the cable television market. “Unfortunately,” Mr. Kafton said, “our residents have no say as to who their cable provider will be since there is no competition in this area. When we have no obvious choices, everyone loses.”
The reason for Mr. Kafton’s appearance before the Senate committee was Bill 192, sponsored by Sen. Joseph Doria, Jr. and Sen. Anthony Bucco, which would authorize a system-wide franchise for certain providers of cable television service.
According to Verizon officials, when customers are offered a choice, their cable bills could drop anywhere between 15-23% which was the case in the state of Texas after Verizon entered the market.
Additionally, the franchise fee would go from 2% to 4% with ½% going to PAAD recipients who would receive free basic cable and 3 1/2% coming back to the municipality. “It would certainly seem to be a win-win situation for Jackson’s residents if this bill becomes law. It would help everyone – our seniors, those in need, and our general consumers,” Mr. Kafton went on to say. He further added, “We have choices for which gas station we use, which doctor we visit, which phone company we enroll with….why shouldn’t we have the same options when it comes to cable TV?”
COMMITTEEMAN MIKE KAFTON GOES TO TRENTON
