Independent Lakewood

Why Independent?

Many of us have identified ourselves with one of the major political parties, but in the last several years it is clear that the two party system is just not working. Party politics and partisan posturing has slowed government to such a pace that meaningful legislation and solutions to our society’s problems seldom occur. The two major parties have really one mission to get re-elected…so do they represent you, or do they represent their own self interest and the special interests that finance them? Nowhere is this more profoundly true than in our own town of Lakewood. Both parties have been completely co-opted and no longer represent the Lakewood taxpayer. Our Township Committee may be bi-partisan, but ask yourself who they answer to… you… OR the “power-elite” in Lakewood? Do the Democratic and Republican Committeemen hear your voice, OR… are they at the “beck and call” of the power-elite who appear to manage every move, influence every decision, make every appointment, and control every vote they make? Are the labels Democrat and Republican meaningful in Lakewood since both Parties have demonstrated their loyalty and allegiance to the “power-elite” and not to the greater constituency of Lakewood?

“Concentrated power has always been the enemy of Liberty”

- Ronald Reagan

It is time for change…
It is time for a new party…
It is time for Independent Lakewood.

The Independent Lakewood Team of Lynn Celli and Charlie Cunliffe believe the time has come for a third party in Lakewood. Lynn and Charlie believe your voice should be heard, that your vote matters, that you deserve representation.

Here’s where we stand:

• Cut discretionary Budget spending by 20%
• Discourage dual-office holding and double-dipping by eliminating medical and pension benefits for the Township Committee which could save up to $125,000.00 or more
• Lynn and Charlie pledge not to participate in the Township Medical or State Pension benefits program
• Contract with the State, or outsource Uniform Construction Code Inspection and Code Enforcement services
• Submit voter-rejected B O E budgets to an outside consultant for review, analysis, and recommended cuts
• Return to four township meetings per month with a public session at each meeting
• Enforce Open Public Meeting Law by prohibiting Cell Phone, Blackberry use, and texting by the Committeemen during Township meetings
• Press Cablevision to televise all Township Committee, Planning and Zoning Board meetings
• Stop runaway over-development, enforce existing Zoning Laws, and preserve the Crystal Lake and Murray Farm now
• Revive a “real” quality-of-life task force to enforce life/safety and property maintenance codes.
• Reinstitute the two satellite Senior Community EMS first-responder vehicles
• Conduct a public safety study on our First Aid and Fire Department staff levels and capabilities
• Provide Committee and Municipal Department email addresses on Township web site
• Post all Municipal and Board of Health Ordinances on the Township web site