5th District Freeholder Candidates Debate

Candidates spar over taxes during local debate

From The Hammonton News, 10/22/09, BEN MERITT,Staff Writer.

HAMMONTON -- The two candidates for the Fifth District Atlantic County freeholder seat squared off in a debate Oct. 15 at Town Hall, challenging each other about taxes and other topics.

Incumbent Republican Jim Curcio and Democrat challenger Sam Mento III -- both Hammonton residents -- will vie for a three-year term in the Nov. 3 election.

Curcio, who was elected to the board in 1994 and now serves as its chairman, said he was proud of his record in office and his efforts to keep the county's tax situation stable.

"I wanted to do everything that I could to help keep taxes low in Atlantic County. I'm pleased to say that we've done a great job in that area, as well as road projects," Curcio said. "We've been able to keep the tax rate under control. We've kept the services good. That's something that is important to me."

Mento, who said he expects to knock on at least 5,000 doors in the Fifth District prior to the election, said 15 years in office for Curcio is enough.

"As we do more with less, so should our county government," Mento said. "I'm going to bring pragmatic solutions to the Atlantic County Board of Freeholders. I want to bring fiscal transparency and open government to the county."

Radio talk show host Harry Hurley served as debate moderator, asking about a half-dozen questions of the candidates.

Other questions focused on green initiatives, term limitations, and the county's decision to guarantee part of a loan to help Boscov's keep its store open at Shore Mall in Egg Harbor Township.

At one point, Hurley asked each candidate to describe the positive aspects of their opponent.

"He's a heck of a politician ... a very smooth politician. I have tremendous amount of respect for him and his family," Mento said.

Curcio said of Mento: "Sam has a tremendous energy. That's a great asset."

About 100 people attended the debate, the details of which were finalized by the two campaigns only hours before the event took place.

The candidates huddled with their campaign managers for about 15 minutes prior to the debate to finish going over the rules.

In addition to Hammonton, the Fifth District also includes Folsom, Mullica Township, Buena Vista Township, Egg Harbor City, Estell Manor, Corbin City and Weymouth Township, as well as portions of Hamilton Township.

All Atlantic County freeholder candidates participated in a candidates' forum Oct. 19 at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.