What do you feel is the top issue that the borough faces?

Dr. Tom DeBari (D) DeBari, 57, has a wife, Linda, and two daughters, ages 16 and 23. A chiropractic physician, DeBari has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from New York Chiropractic College. He is a member of Corpus Christi Church. DeBari: One of the top issues facing South River is the unaffordable electric rates. Last year, electric rates went up 70 percent. The administration at that time stated that they would review this increase, they but never did. The rates have reached a level that is directly affecting our local businesses and, of course, our residents.

Krenzel: Since the Republicans took over from 13 years of Democrat rule, the town has seen a seismic shift toward a more open, efficient and modern government. The top issue is to continue this progress. Decisions are made on need, after being studied to find the best way for implementing the project. The public is given the services that it has demanded for years, such as responsive answers to questions and a helpful Office on Aging. For this work to continue, Republicans must be in control.

John M. Krenzel (R) Krenzel, 51, is a lifelong South River resident. An attorney, he has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers College and a Juris Doctor degree from Seton Hall School of Law, Seton Hall University. He served on the Borough Council from 1991 to 1999 and again in 2004-08, serving as various liaisons and heading various committees during this time. He was also the South River Planning Board attorney from 1987 to 1990. He is involved with St. Mary's Church, South River, and the Knights of Columbus, Council 3001. He is also an Eagle Scout. Palaski: The top issue facing the borough is the budget. Although we had no increase in taxes this year, we had a record 20 percent increase last year. Borough spending has increased at a time when municipalities, businesses and families have looked for ways to reduce spending. We have also amassed a huge surplus in the electric utility. The high electric rates have presented a hardship to many residents as well as to the businesses in town.

Greg Palaski (D) Palaski, 55, has a wife, Bernadette, and three children, Matthew, 23, Christine, 19, and Anna, 18. He has resided in South River for 18 years. A senior sales manager for A.O. Smith Electrical Products Co., he has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Adelphi University and a Master of Science in Management from Thomas Edison State College. He served on the Board of Education from 1996 to 2008, including terms as vice president and president. He served on South River's Downtown Development Commission from 1999 to 2002, on the Ad Hoc Building Committee in 1999, and the South River Little House Association for 2001-07. Trzeciak: One issue that the borough faces is the proper planning and use of taxpayer dollars for the long term. In the past, we've gone forward with projects that were not thoroughly investigated. The previous administration renovated various municipal buildings with cost overruns in excess of $5 million due to poor and rushed planning. As a result, we're still paying for the mistakes of the past. In addition, parts of our infrastructure and certain areas of town have been neglected for far too long.

John T. Trzeciak* (R) Trzeciak, 35, who has a wife, Amelia, is a lifelong South River resident. An investment adviser, he has a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Rutgers University. He is currently serving the third year of a three-year term on the Borough Council, serving as president, liaison to Finance and Administration, the Budget Committee and the Library Board of Trustees. He previously served on the Public Safety Committee. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 3001 and the Lions Club, serving as president for 2009-10. *denotes incumbent What would you do to fix the issue?

DeBari: Find out what our real expenses are and begin reducing our reliance on the surplus in the regular budget. If our rates on our electric purchase go down, then we should lower the rates our residents and businesses pay. We need to wean ourselves off this reliance, which will then help us reduce what we charge our customers. We need to do this as soon as possible to help our residents, and before we start losing some of our local businesses.

Krenzel: If elected, I would continue to provide the government that did not raise municipal taxes this year and added services such as returning the police to foot patrols. There are still issues to be addressed: helping people and nonprofits with their electric bills; bringing back the building department to town; and keeping taxes and electric rates in check. Also, I would like to continue to cultivate newly enacted programs. For example, there is a committee that investigates abandoned or neglected buildings. It has begun to get after the landowners to clean up their property; I want that work to continue.

Palaski: We must look to reduce spending wherever possible. We need to do all we can to either reduce the electric rates or return some of the surplus in the form of a rebate.

Trzeciak: I feel the residents of South River demand a government that will ensure all future capital projects fit into the original planned budget. I will strive to make sure previous mistakes won't be repeated. What we must do first is evaluate all our priorities to make sure our resources are allocated properly. I want it to be clear that all costs of a project are known before going ahead with any spending. Also, all of our projects will provide continuing maintenance to our infrastructure with an eye on areas that have been forgotten.

Are there any new laws or other changes the council should consider?

DeBari: Working with patients daily, one area I am very interested in is the people side of government and the programs we offer our residents. I would like to expand on the current programs for our seniors and push to open the senior center for a full day. I would work with our board of health to see where my experience can help them. I would like to add some additional programs that will stimulate our kids' minds as well as their bodies. I will work closely with these various departments to see where we can make these programs better.

Krenzel: I want the council to continue its work of fine-tuning the government to be responsive to the people. South River is changing. The government must meet those changes and do what it can for the people, even when the problems come from outside the town. For example, the cost of electricity and the transportation of that electricity is going up. I want to see the town install modern electric meters so that the people can have better control over their use and lower their bills.

Palaski: I want to do all we can to make downtown South River a safe and business-friendly place. We need to be sure we are doing all we can to encourage businesses to come to and stay in South River. I think the Economic Development Commission should be better funded to help the businesses. Our Main Street is an asset that we need to care for properly.

Trzeciak: It's not just what I think should be done, it's what the residents of South River want. It's the changes that need to be made with the input of our residents. Which is why I support the mayor's Strategic Planning Committee, which I am liaison to. I always value the community's feedback, and it's important that we listen to the people when making decisions that involve them. Why should residents vote for you?

DeBari: I've been a successful chiropractor for over 26 years. My approach will be similar to what I afford my patients: 1) investigation of issues; 2) offeringmultiple solutions; 3) formulating plans to achieve them. In the last two years, I've seen a lot of positive programs put on hold or changed. I would like to get this town back on track where residents can see results from their taxes. We need to curtail our spending and stabilize our tax rates while reducing our reliance on the electric utility. This will directly impact our residents and businesses by reducing their rates.

Krenzel: If elected, I would bring years of experience to the council. Knowing how things work and how to resolve problems is the key to good governing. Anyone can make vague promises. Promising to make cuts in the budget and electric rates but still increase programs is foolish; yet, such promises have been made by the Democratic candidates. The simple truth is, if you cut the budget, you have to cut programs. We all want what is best, but to deliver what is best takes experience, dedication and hard work — all three John Trzeciak and I offer.

Palaski: I would bring experience and leadership to the Borough Council that would serve the residents of South River well. As a member of the South River Board of Education for 12 years, we built two new schools while stabilizing taxes. I successfully negotiated contracts with several bargaining units. I served as vice president and chaired the finance committee. I have over 30 years of experience in business management. South River has been a fantastic place to raise my family. I want to make sure it remains a great place for others to raise their families as well.

Trzeciak: My council experience has bridged from the old ways of doing things to the way we do things now. I want to be part of the change that restores South River's faith in government. As I've proven over the past two and a half years, I'm not afraid to make tough decisions. Those same decisions are paying dividends in 2009 and beyond. There is plenty of history and tradition in this community, which I want to preserve for the future. John Krenzel and I are the best two candidates to do this.