Issues | Samara For Manalapan

Tackling the Issues

"Common Sense, Common Ground" isn't just a slogan. I truly believe in a common sense approach to problem solving and finding common ground with all stakeholders on difficult issues. As an educator, counselor, coach, and parent, I have spent countless hours communicating with adults and children of countless ages, backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses, and viewpoints. I believe in a collaborative, open-minded environment where everyone, regardless of their stance, can come together to solve real-world problems together.

Click below to read about some of the important topics in Manalapan that I would like to make a priority...

Ben Samara - 2023 Candidate for Manalapan Township Committee

As a candidate for the Manalapan Township Committee, I strongly believe in the importance of reliable and efficient garbage collection services for all residents of our community. In recent years, we have seen a debate surrounding the cost of garbage collection and the number of pickup days that are necessary, leading to a reduction in the frequency of garbage pickups. This has caused inconvenience and frustration for many residents, including myself in Knob Hill.

I understand that the Township Committee had been hesitant to consider any tax increases to fully fund the old garbage pickup schedule. However, I believe that it is important to explore all possible options to ensure that our community receives the services it deserves without placing undue burden on taxpayers. For instance, a modest increase could fully fund the old garbage pickup schedule. The benefits of such a measure would far outweigh the costs, considering the potential consequences of privatizing garbage pickup services, which seems to be on the horizon. The current Township Committee frequently touts Manalapan as one of the only towns in the area without privatized garbage collection, but the writing seems to be on the wall. Our services have been cut now multiple times over the past several years. If we don't elect leaders who prioritize the needs of the community, we could see hundreds of dollars in extra fees added to our yearly expenses, which would be much more burdensome than a modest tax increase. It's important to elect officials who are committed to finding cost-effective and sustainable solutions that provide reliable and efficient garbage collection services to all residents.

If elected, I will work tirelessly to ensure that the garbage collection system in Manalapan is optimized and that residents receive the services they need without sacrificing affordability. I will also strive to engage residents in the decision-making process and provide them with accurate and transparent information regarding costs and benefits associated with any proposed changes to the system.

Overall, my policy on garbage collection is focused on providing reliable, efficient, and affordable services to all residents while ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used wisely and responsibly. I believe that, with careful planning and consideration, we can achieve this goal and enhance the quality of life for all residents of Manalapan.

The safety and security of our residents should be a top priority. While Manalapan is fortunate to have a relatively low crime rate, recent incidents of car theft and suspicious activity caught on Ring cameras indicate that we cannot afford to be complacent. In this ever-changing world, we as a community must adopt a proactive approach to crime prevention, rather than being forced to react after an incident has occurred. This involves a comprehensive strategy that includes increased law enforcement presence, community engagement, and educational initiatives.

One area where we can make a significant impact is through education initiatives. It is essential to remind our residents to take basic precautions, such as locking car doors at night. We can do this through targeted campaigns,` using social media and local news outlets to spread the message. We must also work with local schools to teach children about the importance of personal safety and the role they can play in keeping our community safe.

Furthermore, the Township Committee must work closely with law enforcement to ensure that our police department is adequately equipped and staffed to prevent and respond to crime effectively. This includes investing in new technology and training programs to keep our officers up-to-date with the latest best practices and strategies.

As a member of the Township Committee, I will prioritize the safety and security of our community by adopting a proactive approach to crime prevention. By working together, we can ensure that Manalapan remains a safe and secure place to live and raise a family.

I recognize that education is one of the most critical issues in our community. Our schools here in Manalapan are top-notch and in great shape, thanks to the hard work and dedication of our fantastic school board, our professional staff, and the impeccable safety standards they have set for each of our buildings. The School Board, of course, sets the course for education policy in Manalapan. However, an educational system is a microcosm of the larger community. With this in mind, we must continue to communicate and work with the School Board to ensure that our students, teachers, and administrators have the technology and resources they need to continue their success in the constantly changing landscape of education.

As a long-time school counselor and coach in the Princeton Public Schools, I have the background and experience necessary to make a meaningful impact on education policy in Manalapan. If elected, I can work closely with the school board to identify areas of need and explore innovative solutions to meet those needs.

I am also committed to ensuring that our schools are safe and welcoming environments for all students. This means addressing issues of bullying and harassment, providing mental health resources to students in need, and creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and promotes acceptance. This is an area where I feel the Township Committee can play a larger role in educating and advocating for our youth outside of school.

Community involvement is essential to the success of our schools. I will work to increase transparency and communication between the School Board, the Township Committee, and the community, including organizing town halls and public forums to discuss important issues and gather feedback from residents.

My policy on education is focused on working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure that our schools remain safe and welcoming environments for all. With my experience and passion for education, I am confident that I can make a meaningful difference in this important area.

There may be no entity with a wider reach than the Recreation Department when it comes to impacting our residents. From youth sports programs, to yoga classes, to pickleball, to summer camp, a thriving Recreation Department is crucial for the health and happiness of our community. Our Recreation Department here in Manalapan has a fantastic reputation for providing accessible and fun programs for all ages, from young children trying a new sport to seniors looking for a fun activity in their spare time. As a member of the Township Committee, I would be honored and excited to use my experience in this area to serve on the Recreation Committee or to contribute to the expansion of our recreation programming.

I have spent more than a 10 years working with the Recreation Department in Princeton, both as a Program Coordinator and Summer Camp Director. Over the past decade, we've expanded our track and running programs from one single week of summer camp for 40 kids to three weeks of camp, a youth running club, kids running programs, and specialty clinics for high school athletes, all together serving more than 500 children from Kindergarten through 12th Grade this past year. I know firsthand the incredible benefits that a well-run Recreation Department can provide to residents of all ages.

First and foremost, a successful Recreation Department needs to be accessible to all members of the community. This means ensuring that programming is affordable and inclusive, and that facilities are safe and welcoming for people of all backgrounds and abilities. The splash pad was a fantastic addition in recent years, but many facilities - such as the bathrooms at Kuschick Pavillion - need some upgrades.

A thriving Recreation Department must also prioritize the needs and interests of its residents. This means actively seeking feedback from the community to understand what types of programs and activities are most important to them, and working to develop creative and engaging offerings that meet those needs.

Finally, a successful Recreation Department must be forward-thinking and adaptable. This means being open to new ideas and approaches, and constantly seeking ways to improve and innovate. As a candidate who has spent a decade working to expand quality programming for youth, I know that I have the fresh ideas and creative energy needed to help our Recreation Department succeed.

Tackling the Issues

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