. Holmdel resident praises seasoned, dedicated mayor When I look around at neighboring towns' property taxes, I am thankful that they are not mine. For a $500,000 house in 2006 a Holmdel taxpayer would pay $16,500 in property taxes (a rate of 3.30) for a resident living in Marlboro or Middletown for the same $500,000 house that taxpayer would pay $20,200 and $17,800 respectively! (Tax rate 4.04 Marlboro, and 3.56 Middletown.) For lower taxes I get to live in this lovely small town with beautiful parks and wonderful neighbors. No one in our town government has been indicted or is under investigation, nor has there even been a suggestion that there is less than honorable behavior by our elected officials. Our town meetings are open and friendly, and if you get up to speak more than once, chances are the mayor will address you politely by name the second time. In fact, Mayor DiMaso regularly publishes her phone number and openly solicits calls of concern or suggestions from Holmdel residents. Since the mayor seems to make it to all of the town's events - school PSA meetings, Easter egg hunts, Chinese New Year celebrations and more - it is not hard to run into her. Frankly, I am constantly amazed by how integrated she is into the daily life of our town. We are so lucky to have a mayor in Holmdel who in effect works full time for our town. (Her salary is $4,000 a year.) Having her law degree is icing on the cake. Her volunteer work all over the town really gives her a multi-dimensional perspective and understanding of local issues. She understands our schools intimately not only because she is the mother of four, but also because of her volunteer work at the schools and the time that she served as PSA president. She is and has been involved over the years on town committees like the traffic and safety committee, Holmdel Planning Board and the chair of public safety. She currently sits on the Bayshore Hospital board of trustees, just to name a few things. Mayor Serena DiMaso has the kind of experience that is invaluable to us as a town. I am so proud to be a resident of Holmdel and equally as grateful that we have such a seasoned and dedicated mayor. That's why I am voting for Serena DiMaso and her running mate Republican Jerry Allocco Nov. 3. I hope you will too. Petrina Picerno Holmdel