Gary LaBruno Wyandotte Avenue

Democrat

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Political newcomer Gary LaBruno is running for Oceanport council because he says there are still issues in the borough that need to be resolved.

"I have a lot to offer the borough," said LaBruno in an interview last week. "Most people who get involved [in politics] are in the business world. I am here to offer a different perspective."

LaBruno, a registered Democrat and Oceanport resident since 1998, has spent the past 17 years serving as a police officer with the Little Silver Police Department.

If elected in the Nov. 7 election, LaBruno said he wants to explore ways to provide more affordable housing opportunities in the borough.

He also said he wants to work to make sure the borough is one step ahead of the state in making decisions for the future of Fort Monmouth.

"Unfortunately, the federal government can do what it wants, so we have to be prepared for the day they turn the fort over to the borough," LaBruno said.

He added that the borough needs to make sure that zoning regulations are in place to preserve the character of Oceanport.

LaBruno said he would also like to look into shared services with surrounding communities to try to cap budget increases.

"We need to keep [a cap] on spending," he said. "We need to keep costs down and still continue to offer services. Shared services is one thing we can look at to do this."

Another area of concern LaBruno said he would address on council are environmental issues.

"I want to do something about the borough's water quality," he said. "The problem, though, is that you have to keep on the state," which is what LaBruno said he would do as councilman.

He said although Monmouth Park Racetrack has been one source contributing to water quality problems in the borough, another problem with bacteria in the water is the goose population at Old Wharf Park.

"Our job is to keep on the state to make sure they are doing their job to keep our water clean," he said.