TOMS RIVER, NJ – Dan Rodrick, a political candidate for mayor in Toms River, declared his commitment to halting overdevelopment and reining in property taxes in an open letter to the community.
Rodrick, who has served on the Town Council since 2017, criticized the ongoing multi-family developments and tax hikes affecting the area. The councilman was the sole dissenter against Mayor Hill’s proposal for two 10-story, 500-unit apartment projects downtown. Rodrick also voiced opposition to the downtown redevelopment plan, which proposes 20 more apartment buildings up to 12 stories.
The candidate took aim at his opponent, Ben Giovine, who has publicly supported the construction of more apartments. Rodrick contends that the revenue from new apartments would not offset the required service costs, thereby escalating property taxes.
Giovine had accused Rodrick of anti-Semitism due to his opposition to overdevelopment, an allegation that Rodrick firmly rejects. According to Rodrick, Toms River attracts residents from various religious backgrounds seeking a respite from the high costs and congestion of bigger cities.
Overdevelopment and congestion is a problem that everyone in Toms River is dealing with regardless of their religious backgrounds, Rodrick said.
While highlighting his own voting record against every proposed tax increase, Rodrick also criticized Giovine’s tenure on the school board. He claimed that Giovine supported tax hikes totaling $47 million, leading to a rise in school taxes from $125 million to $172 million.
Rodrick warned voters that Giovine is backed by developers and special interests that he believes are undermining Toms River.
The mayoral election is set for Tuesday, November 7th. Rodrick is running alongside Nivison, O’Toole, and Coleman for Town Council under Republican Column A.
Rodrick’s campaign is offering lawn signs to supporters who text their addresses to 732-581-7284.
His entire letter can be read here:
Fellow Residents,
Toms River is in Big Trouble. Property taxes are out of control and high density, multi-family development continues to reshape our town. Our once quiet community is steadily becoming one of the biggest cities in New Jersey. These changes are having a disastrous impact on taxes, quality of life, traffic, and our school system.
I’m Dan Rodrick and I’ve been fighting overdevelopment & higher taxes for the last six years. Since being elected to Town Council in 2017, I have voted against all multi-family development, every tax increase, and I was the only councilman who voted against Mayor Hill’s plan for two, 10-story, 500 unit apartment projects downtown. I also opposed the downtown redevelopment plan, which calls for 20 more apartment buildings up to 12 stories.
My opponent Ben Giovine told the press that he’s in favor of more apartments, and if elected he will continue moving forward with the plan for thousands of new apartments downtown. These apartments will never bring in enough tax revenue to cover the cost of services they’ll require and property taxes will skyrocket! I voted against these reckless plans, and if elected mayor I will repeal the downtown redevelopment plan & stop the two, 500 unit, 10-story apartment projects from being built. I will also fight to overturn the 30 year property tax exemption they received.
Giovine said my opposition to more apartments & overdevelopment is anti-Semitic. It is not! People of all religious faiths move to Toms River to get away from overcrowded cities with lots of apartment projects, high crime rates & outrageous property taxes. He’s completely out of touch!
Not only is Ben Giovine pro development, he has an abysmal record on property taxes as well. Giovine voted to raise taxes every year he was on the school board. Together with his team, Giovine jacked up property taxes by $47 Million dollars, increasing school taxes from $125 Million to $172 Million dollars. As you know I have voted against every tax increase and opposed millions in waste. If elected mayor, I will cut the wasteful spending that is driving up taxes.
Ben Giovine is being supported by the same developers and special interests that are destroying our town and everything he has said in this campaign has been a lie. Don’t be fooled!
Election day is on Tuesday, November 7th. Hopefully my team and I can count on your support. Don’t forget to vote – Rodrick for Mayor – Nivison – O’Toole & Coleman for Town Council – Republican Column A. The future of Toms River depends on it!
P.S. If you are willing to take a lawn sign, please text your address to 732 581-7284.
Daniel T. Rodrick