TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Fire commissioner candidates Rick Tutela and Michael Hopson are campaigning on a platform of maintaining stable fire taxes and supporting volunteer firefighters while opposing what they describe as costly proposals from their opponents, according to a campaign letter distributed to local residents.
In the letter, Tutela and Hopson criticize candidates Tony Cirz and Jim Golden, alleging they support raising fire taxes and transitioning Toms River to a per-diem fire department, a move the challengers claim would lead to significant financial strain on taxpayers.
The letter also raises concerns about Cirz’s and Golden’s current employment, stating that Cirz already holds three public jobs—as a sub-code official in Berkeley Township, an inspector for Seaside Heights, and a paid firefighter in Howell Township—while Golden collects a public pension and works full-time for the Toms River Schools.
Tutela and Hopson argue that adding a fire commissioner role to their responsibilities is excessive and not in the best interest of taxpayers.
“We need people on the Fire Commission that put the taxpayers and volunteer firefighters ahead of personal gain and self-interest,” the letter states, urging residents to support their campaign.
Tutela and Hopson emphasize their combined 45 years of experience in fire and safety, pledging to ensure the welfare of residents while exercising fiscal responsibility. They are encouraging residents to return their mail-in ballots promptly and have provided a campaign contact number for further discussion.
The election comes amid ongoing debates over fire department funding and whether Toms River should maintain its volunteer firefighting system or shift toward a more expensive paid model.
