Curley's run for freeholder can help, not hinder Red Bank

A s a registered Independent who has attended 75 percent of all Red Bank council meetings over the last 15-plus years, I think I offer a pretty fair and accurate view of town happenings and insight.

I found the recent letter to the editor titled "Red Bank Democrats don't skip town like Republicans" clearly politically motivated. I was surprised that Mr. Bruce Maida, who is a good guy and whose family is involved with Red Bank kids and families, seemed pretty disconnected from the realities of our elected officials.

Kaye Ernst twice ran for council and lost, yet persevered and won in a third attempt (that is not easy). Then she had a chance to move closer to her family and did so (most of us would do the same if we had the same opportunity).

Jennifer Beck "still lives in town" and clearly has helped the town of Red Bank as a member of the state Legislature. In 2007, the borough schools got the largest percent increase of extraordinary aid of any town in the state. Just recently, the mayor announced that the borough just received the highest amount of extraordinary aid in years and the highest in all of Monmouth County. I am sure Ms. Beck had some influence here in helping her hometown.

And Mr. John Curley's decision to run for freeholder can only help Red Bank (he may have moved, but he has a strong allegiance to Red Bank). In fact, our current Democratic mayor endorsed Mr. Curley's campaign knowing that if he wins, Mr. Curley can influence favorable county decisions to help Red Bank.

Mr. Ed Zipperich — who Mr. Maida was clearly endorsing — is one of four outstanding candidates we have up for council in Red Bank this November (our best slate presented to the voters in years).

Let's stay positive and accurate, Mr. Maida. Our kids, families and our town need that.
David Prown
Red Bank