Letters to the Editor, Observer-Tribune:
Tolley backed for Mendham Township Committee
Published: Oct 30th, 6:57 AM
EDITOR:
Some things are worth a little extra effort.
Writing in Sam Tolley for Mendham Township Committee is one of them.
The signs of Sam’s small army of supporters stretch from one end of Mendham Township to the other for good reason: He is a dedicated servant to the needs of Mendham Township with a deep respect for the views of its citizens and a concern for fiscally prudent policies.
Sam has an unsurpassed record of dedicated service to Mendham Township dating back to 1983 when he began a nine year run on the Township Committee capped by a term as Mayor in 1991. As a committeeman, he demonstrated an understanding of what is important to Township residents by successfully opposing the Freeholders’ plans to construct a prison in Washington Valley.
That understanding of Mendham Township continues to this day, anchored by his two children in the township middle school, his 30 year membership in the fire company and his 17 year membership on the Planning Board.
Sam’s participation on the Planning Board and his chairmanship of the Master Plan Committee provided me the chance to witness his most important quality, which he has in common with Frank Cioppettini: respect for the views of his fellow citizens.
Developing the Master Plan was not an easy process, but Sam worked hard to provide everyone ample opportunity to state their views, which he listened to thoughtfully and respectfully. The result is a comprehensive document that reflects a thorough understanding of Mendham Township and what is important to all of its citizens.
The substantial effort that Sam Tolley puts into Mendham Township warrants a little extra effort from us on election day. Select Frank Cioppettini. Then write-in Sam Tolley by pressing the button in the write-in column in the row marked Township Committee. Using the keyboard at the bottom, type Sam Tolley. Press enter to complete your selection of a dedicated and respectful committeeman.
ROB STROEBEL
Stony Hill Road
Mendham Township
Tolley is best choice in Mendham Township
Published: Oct 30th, 6:57 AM
EDITOR:
When friends learned that I enthusiastically support Sam Tolley as a write-in candidate for Township Council in Mendham Township, they were surprised.
They remember several years ago when we stood on opposites sides of an issue; I favored an ordinance; he opposed it.
During the intervening years we have continued our discussions, each trying (so far unsuccessfully) to convert the other to our respective position.
Yet despite our differences or perhaps because of them I am fully supportive of his candidacy.
Why? Because he seeks comments from the public, because his opinions have always been open for all to hear, because he accepts fully responsibility for his actions. These are qualities I look for whenever an important issue comes before the Township Committee.
And they’re qualities that, in my opinion, seem often to be missing.
T. G. Timpson
East Main Street
Mendham Township
Tolley is the right leader for Mendham Township
Published: Oct 30th, 6:57 AM
EDITOR:
Yes, here in Mendham Township, we are in a more complicated economic climate than we have seen in years.
For many of our families, money is tight. Individual family member’s needs are reviewed, expenditures carefully considered, and budgets rigorously readjusted.
Yes, here in Mendham Township, we must follow this same approach at the Township Committee level. We need to examine our expenditures and budget accordingly. We need to listen carefully to the individual needs of our community.
I believe the person to do this is Sam Tolley. He has the experience from the various elective and volunteer positions he has held in town (Fire Chief, Planning Board, past member and mayor of the Township Committee).
He is a banker by profession with the skill set necessary for considering Mendham Township’s financial needs. I urge you to take the time to write in Sam Tolley for Mendham Township Committee at the polling booth on Tuesday, Nov. 3, or on your mail-in ballot. It will be worth the effort. We will have a new direction for our community. Yes, here in Mendham Township.
PATRICIA HAYDEN
Carroll Drive
Mendham Township
‘Enthusiastic’ support for Tolley for committee
Published: Oct 30th, 6:57 AM
EDITOR:
I am writing to enthusiastically support the write-in candidacy of Sam Tolley for Mendham Township Committee.
This committee faces important questions such as construction of new facilities, shared services, and library expansion, decisions that will impact every part of our community for many years to come.
It is essential that every committee member work to inform the public of important issues and trade-offs, collect input in an open-minded way, and then reach a decision through a transparent process.
Sam and I have worked together on many projects, and along the way we have not always agreed. But he has always taken time to listen to my point of view with respect, and to explain his own decisions.
I am confident that with Sam on the committee, the public will be informed, respected, and heard.
MICHAEL MERRITT
Mountainside Road
Mendham Township
New Direction is Needed in Mendham Township
Published: Oct 30th, 7:13 AM
EDITOR: Good news for all residents of Mendham Township: Perhaps a new direction
is actually taking hold for all of us.
Congratulations to Sam Tolley and Frank Cioppettini for participating in last night’s candidates night that was held at the Brookside Community Club. And, thank you to the League of Women Voters who moderated an open and respectful dialogue between the two candidates who agreed to participate and the 70 residents on hand.
It was very refreshing to see two fellow taxpayers openly discuss their respective views on a wide range of topics including their honest assessment that township budgetary cuts will be required for the foreseeable future.
While there may have been other points in the Mendhams’ past that were as critical, the decision making demands that will be placed upon this next Township Committee, the proper use of Pitney Farms, a new library, a teen center, a new police station, shared services, proper balance between active and passive open space, etc., will have a far reaching effect into taxpayers pockets for an entire generation.
Therefore, it is absolutely critical that a new direction is established here in Mendham Township, one that openly pursues the views of all residents on all matters. If you agree that views of all taxpayers should be apart of governmental decision making, we urge you to join us in voting for Sam Tolley and Frank Cioppettini who have a proven track record for “making decisions that are in the best interest and safety of the entire township.”
DENIS and JACKIE DEEGAN
Summit Road
Mendham Township