Redevelopment among top issues in Keyport Pair of Republicans hope to break Democrats' full control of council BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer John Ambrose KEYPORT - Election day is right around the corner and the campaigns in Keyport are heating up. This year the big issues include redevelopment designations, the future of Aeromarine, and the ongoing debate over what to do with the waterfront. Two three-year seats are up for grabs Nov. 6. Republicans John Ambrose and John Kovacs will try to break the Democrats' dominance on the council as they vie against two sitting councilmen, Democrats Richard Hassmiller and George Walling. Republican John Ambrose, 55, has worked for Verizon as an operations manager for 37 years. He has never run for public office. Why run now? "I thought the political environment in the town needed a change," Ambrose said. Noting that the current council is composed entirely of Democrats, Ambrose said he felt a large portion of Keyport is underrepresented. "I'd like to see Keyport grow," Ambrose said. "I see a lot of potential for growth, but I want to keep that small-town feel of it." Ambrose said he looks forward to creating an improved business-friendly atmosphere and to finalizing the future development of Aeromarine. Although he believes the school district could not support "an influx of 500 children," the ratables that could be generated by the large waterfront property are not to be overlooked. John Kovacs A resident of Keyport for nine years, Ambrose said he is most interested in giving a voice to the residents. Democrat Richard Hassmiller, 60, is a retired police officer and is finishing up his first term on the council. The council president says he's running again to "complete what we started the last time: the waterfront." "When we came in, the tax rate increase was in the 30s [cents] and this year it was down to just 6 cents per $100 [of assessed property value]," Hassmiller said. "I don't know how anyone else can get it any lower than that." Hassmiller said he is concerned about the rising cost of pensions, health care and mandatory salary increases for borough employees. "It's going to be tough next year," Hassmiller said. "Every salary is going up roughly 4 percent. ... Pensions and health benefits have gone up almost 20 percent. Almost 90 percent [of our budget] is on fixed costs. There's really nothing we can add to it." Richard Hassmiller As far as the waterfront is concerned, Hassmiller said it's still up to the people to decide what they want: park or parking. "There's been ideas thrown around, but nothing's been decided," Hassmiller said. If re-elected, the councilman said he hopes to build a better relationship with the Keyport Business Alliance (KBA). "I'd like to see us as a council get along a little better with the KBA when they come in as the KBA. We are friends out of there, but once we get together as the KBA and the council, the gloves come off." Republican John Kovacs, 65, is a 20- year veteran of the Unified Planning Board and a former council member, (1985-1991). He works in town as a maintenance mechanic and has been a volunteer fireman since 1960. He is also a graduate of Keyport High School. Why run again now? George Walling "I just thought it would be a good time to get back on," Kovacs said. "If I do retire, I'd have plenty of time to put into it. It's all Democrats up there right now." As the senior member of the Unified Planning Board, Kovacs is up to date on the issue of redevelopment, particularly the designation of "areas in need of redevelopment," a controversial zoning term that, along with eminent domain, gives the Borough Council a larger say in what can and cannot be built on private property. "Redevelopment is a real key issue," Kovacs said. He added, "It takes the voice away from the planning and zoning board. The planning and zoning board have nothing to say with what's going on." Consequently, Kovacs believes the residents are losing their voice on the issue, a position he hopes to change. "I'm against eminent domain," Kovacs said. "Just because they say they won't use eminent domain, it doesn't mean a year or two down the road they won't go to eminent domain." The future of the waterfront is also a top priority. "I'm not in favor of a parking garage, but I would like to see some parking, because you need parking for the businesses." Democrat George Walling, 57, has served two nonconsecutive terms on the council (1997-2000 and 2004-present). The lifelong resident works in town as a manager for a retail company. He is a graduate of the high school. What does he hope to accomplish if reelected? "High on my list is creating a plan for redeveloping the Route 35 and 36 commercial corridors to generate business tax revenue to help offset residential property taxes," Walling said. Never shy when it comes to expressing his opinion, Walling said he is proud of his stance to support the promotion of Keyport Police Officer Thomas Mitchell to captain, rejecting the concept of a police director, a debate that would have allowed a civilian to lead the department. Walling said he is also proud of his vote to allow the ballot question concerning a ban on new multifamily housing projects in the borough. He supports using the waterfront as a Green Acres-funded park with enough parking incorporated for the nearby businesses. Walling was also outspoken during the aftermath of former Mayor John Merla's arrest on bribery charges and other politically corrupt behavior. For almost an entire year, the remaining length of Merla's term in office, Walling continually called on the former mayor to resign his post.