As a resident of Liberty Village, I am utterly perplexed at the back and forth going on in the Toms River mayoral contest primary. You ask one person, they tell you to vote for Mo Hill; the next person says Geri Ambrosio; and the third will say they’re both wrong – vote for Dan Rodrick.
As a frum resident, I am stunned that this is even a debate. Two years ago, my entire neighborhood was affected by an issue – the turning light at Route 70 and Whitesville was so short that 2 or maybe 3 cars could get through before it turned red again. As someone who drives into Lakewood every day, this caused major frustration for myself and my wife, as it did many of my neighbors.
Together, we reached out to Mayor Mo Hill and asked him for help. Many people sent letters and emails, but I called his office, because I wanted him to hear directly from me how big of an issue it was. I didn’t expect to get through, but I did. I spoke to Mayor Hill and he sat and listened at length while I described my issue. He told me he had heard about this problem from many of his constituents, but he wanted to hear my perspective as well – even though he knew the problem.
Just days later, Hill had the problem fixed. And he didn’t stop there, either. He got another light, at Route 70 and Massachusetts, fixed. That intersection had been one of the deadliest intersections not just in Toms River, but literally in the entire United States.
And he’s still going. On Whitesville Road, just outside my neighborhood, there’s roadwork going on to make sure that it’s safe for everyone. And I’m told that he has also worked out for two additional traffic lights to be installed on Whitesville itself to help regulate traffic and improve safety. With a busy shul on Whitesville, these upgrades are a massive help that will directly positively impact frum residents.
But now people want to vote against him? It just boggles my mind. We have three candidates all of whom have been accused of antisemitism. I can’t see into someone’s heart, but I condemn every one of them for the mailers and comments that they made.
That said, I already know what I have in Mo Hill – someone who will hear me out and try to help with issues around town. Why would I give that up for an unknown and someone else who is also accused of being an anti-Semite? I have not heard a single argument refuting this and yet I keep hearing the same thing – “you can’t vote for Mo Hill because he’s an anti-Semite!” Sorry, but that doesn’t reflect my experience with him, and more importantly, it doesn’t mean I should vote for a different anti-Semite.
You might want me to vote for Geri or Dan, or whomever else, but you’re two years late. My vote in the primary is going to Mo Hill.
Name withheld upon request
NOTE: The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Lakewood Alerts.
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A clarification is in order.
The road work and installation of traffic signals on Whitesville Road is being done by Ocean County.
The Route 70 traffic signal upgrades were done by New Jersey Department of Transportation.
The Township of Toms River does not have jurisdiction over either of these roadways or the improvements thereon.
Correct. but the local Mayor made the calls asap to get the job done. I’m with Moe and think its crazy that others are leading everyone differently.