TC CANDIDATES TRADE BARBS IN SLIGHTLY MORE LIVELY DEBATE

Township Committee candidates Frank McGehee and Mike Summersgill squared off in their second debate forum Thursday night with some disagreements over development, shared fire services and taxes.

Democrat McGehee and Republican Summersgill traded points during the League of Women Voters event at the main library. The two are vying for the lone TC seat up for grabs this November.

The candidates appeared to take more of a direct focus on each other in this debate than in the previous forum, with McGehee pointing out Summsergill's opposition to a shared fire department proposal, which is currently being studied by a consultant. Summersgill countered that he was not opposed, just wanting to await the final review.

"Frank has made uninformed comments around outsourcing, outsourcing isn't something you take a bite out of," Summersgill said. "You have to be very careful."

McGehee countered that any job reductions due to outsourcing or merged fire services could come through attrition, not layoffs.

Summersgill also took issue with McGehee's property rewards tax plan, which was instituted in Marlboro and which he highlighted at the first debate. It would give residents a property tax break when they shop locally.

"First, it doesn't work, I went to Marlboro, I went to one of the businesses that was touting it and they're out of business," Summersgill said, later adding, "it helps to do your homework and investigate things."

When the issue of tax abatements or PILOTS (Payment In Lieu of Taxes) came up, both candidates objected to the way they have been handled. Such PILOTS have been given to several developers in the township -- including the former Maplewood Village Post Office project.

"I'm not a PILOT guy, let me say that right now," McGehee said, adding that such deals should be reviewed by a financial analyst before they are approved. "Professionalize this process."

Summersgill agreed, noting "it's really a business transaction." He added he was "disappointed" in the way the post office project was handled. "When I'm on the Township Committee they won't get a rubber stamp from me."

He later added, "I hate to see a tax credit go to Starbucks," citing the tax abatement for the post office project, which is said to have an agreement for Starbucks to be a tenant. "It just doesn't feel right."

Both also promoted more services for seniors when asked, with McGehee urging a joint program with South Orange. Asked which Township department needs the most attention, Summersgill pointed to the TC itself and its need to provide more information, while McGehee cited the Hillcrest neighborhood near Irvington Avenue. 

They also both supported the planned $12 million library expansion, and agreed that efforts need to be put in place to limit the influx of chain stores in Maplewood Village.

On property taxes, McGehee said the TC needs to work with the school board and our state representatives to urge legislation that would help boost state school aid. Summersgill said "the answer's not in Trenton."

See the entire debate below, courtesy of SOMA TV: