Atlantic Highlands Council candidate Justin Thomas is clear and outspoken on his primary goals for the borough once he is elected in November to fill one of the two council seats up for election.
Thomas, who currently is serving on the Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education, would step down from that board if elected. He is running as a republican with Laura Hesse, a native of the borough whose business is also located here.
The two hope to take the places of current Democrat council members Vito Colasurdo and Eileen Cusick, neither of whom is running for a other term. If elected they would change the governing body from all Democrat to a Democrat mayor and four Democrat council members and two Republican. Cusick is stepping back from political life at least for awhile and Colasurdo is seeking office as a Monmouth County commissioner.
But Thomas has set specific goals he would work toward, in addition to many other areas they feel needs improvement or updating.
“My primary goals for the town are to assist with ways to help generate revenue and drive down costs where applicable, especially if it meets the strategic direction that our community wants to move in,” the candidate said.
Towards these goals, Thomas wants to align “with residents and taxpayers on ‘Strategic Development’ In his opinion, he feels new businesses and homes can bring in income for the town; but he continues to note, “there is less and less land for new development in town. There are always new and fresh ideas of what can be added, but what truly meets the identity of our town and what can be constructed in different zones is a key focus for me,” he said.
Thomas also conceded that there are “a lot of areas and different policies that I would like to better understand in their entirety. I think there is a lot of opportunity for innovative ideas for town events, collaboration with our businesses, Green Economy/Eco Friendly Initiatives, and more.”
A pragmatist, Thomas also points out “The only thing constant in life is change.” As proof, he continues “ As Atlantic Highlands becomes more and more appealing to people from all over it can be challenging to preserve some of the small-town characteristics and quintessential things that make Atlantic Highlands such a special place.”
It is because of that, he said, that “being part of the strategic direction of the town is one of the most important things for me. Understanding what our residents and community wants is critical, but there are usually alternative, efficient, and equitable ways to implement most things depending on the subject. As innovative ideas and opportunities increase I don’t think we as residents should lose sight of why people moved here in the first place. I am definitely looking forward to meeting, connecting, and serving our community!”
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