- Foster professionalism and harmony in government;

- Proceed with service sharing prior to state mandates;

- Expedite the beach replenishment process;

- Provide budget control discipline;

- Institute more transparency in our government;

- Generate a more business-friendly environment;

- Create taxpayer advisory committees when needed;

- Fix our water system - no more rusty water.

2. What do you feel is the most important issue facing Long Beach Township at the present time?

The township has no strategic long-range planning for infrastructure replacements, beach maintenance and replenishment alternatives, school and service consolidation or tax relief.

3. What is your stance on the beach replenishment project, and in what direction do you see the project heading in the future? Are you for or against the project coming to the township, and why? Also, what would you do, if elected, to collect the remaining easements required for the project to begin?

Beach replenishment is a priority for the future safety of our township. The present easement agreement needs to be modified before the vast majority of owners sign off on it. I am for timely negotiations with the DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) and property owners.

4. There has been a lot of discussion and news reports about the lack of public access to Long Beach Township's beaches as well as public restroom facilities being unavailable. If elected, would you sign on to be a part of the state DEP's Shore Protection Program that would require certain public access regulations? Why or why not?

I have never heard anyone, other than the DEP, complain about our lack of public access to the beach or lack of bathroom facilities.

5. Consolidating the police departments into one that would be headed up by the township has been discussed recently. Where do you stand on this issue and if elected would consolidation be something you would consider?

In a perfect world, one police department would be more cost-effective and efficient. Residents of the individual municipalities have great pride in their individual departments and a keen interest in maintaining their own autonomy. I am for consolidation, but this will be a very tough culture to change.

6. As issues with the township Beach Patrol continue to be in the spotlight, if elected, what do you think you could bring to the situation to solve problems the department may have?

Our Beach Patrol has been declared one of the best in the East. I think the spotlight was totally politically motivated, and the spotlight should be unplugged.

7. Long Beach Township, as you know, makes up a sizable portion of LBI, but there are not as many businesses located here as there are in surrounding municipalities. If elected, what would you do to encourage businesses to set up shop in the township?

I encourage business growth. I think each and every application for a new business, or the expansion of an existing one, should be nourished and helped by every department and professional in our municipal government. The taxpayers will support new, viable and needed business endeavors.

8. New home construction in the township is inevitable, especially since many older homes are being torn down and newer, bigger homes are being built in their places. What would you like the future of new home construction in the township to be?

New construction is a fact of life, locally and nationally. I have always been for making each new home conform to the feel or theme of the neighborhood, be it modern, coastal-shingle style, traditional, Victorian, etc.

9. There has been an increase of burglary activity in the township over the last few months, particularly in the Holgate area. If elected, what would you like to see done about this criminal activity, and how do you think it could be prevented in the future?

I think we need to have our police officers patrol our neighborhoods more and our Boulevard less. We have plenty of police assets; we just need a change in methodology and mission.

10. Will you be a resident of the township all year long, or do you travel somewhere warmer for the winter? If so, how do you think being away from the township for an extended period of time will help or hurt your service as a commissioner?

I am a full-time resident and take an occasional vacation.

Robert Palmer, Sharon Stefanoni, Robert Fleck

1. Please describe the platform on which you and/or your team is running.

Our platform is "Integrity, Service and Commitment." Commissioners are elected to serve the residents. The ultimate manner for the commissioners to serve the residents is together with integrity and commitment for the common good. We are the only candidates with a clear commitment to serve together. We will not let politics be an obstacle to serving the residents. When the agendas of individual commissioners are pursued, the residents lose. We will serve you together to assure that all departments in Long Beach Township are first class for service, efficiency and quality.

2. What do you feel is the most important issue facing Long Beach Township at the present time?

The most important issue for Long Beach Township is the need for effective leadership and team work, to lower the tax rate for our residents and accomplish projects to protect the safety of the residents. Effective leadership will be required this year to negotiate police and public works contracts. Effective leadership is required to achieve beach replenishment for the safety of the township. We have the background and experience to provide effective leadership.

3. What is your stance on the beach replenishment project, and in what direction do you see the project heading in the future? Are you for or against the project coming to the township, and why? Also, what would you do, if elected, to collect the remaining easements required for the project to begin?

We are in favor of the beach replenishment project. To obtain the easements required to proceed with the project, we will address the needs and concerns of the property owners with clear and definitive answers. We will pursue changes to the requirements to satisfy the property owners. We are the only candidates with the skill, education and experience to accomplish this successfully.

4. There has been a lot of discussion and news reports about the lack of public access to Long Beach Township's beaches as well as public restroom facilities being unavailable. If elected would you sign on to be a part of the state DEP's Shore Protection Program that would require certain public access regulations? Why or why not?

We do not agree with the proposed regulations. The regulations are extreme. Long Beach Township currently offers over 200 public accesses and 54 guarded beaches. Long Beach Township currently offers over 8,000 free parking spaces which are greater than any other New Jersey shore community. We will strongly oppose and resist any attempt to change the magical atmosphere of Long Beach Township.

5. Consolidating the police departments into one that would be headed up by the township has been discussed recently, where do you stand on this issue and if elected would consolidation be something you would consider?

We will earnestly consider consolidations of police departments. Long Beach Township police currently are responsible for Barnegat Light. We regard consolidation of the police department in the same manner as sharing services in other areas as a way to provide necessary services in the most fiscally responsible manner.

6. As issues with the township Beach Patrol continue to be in the spotlight, if elected, what do you think you could bring to the situation to solve problems the department may have?

As commissioners, our goal will be to have the township be a place where people will want to work. This goal will for all departments. To accomplish this goal, we will listen to all of the employees' suggestions, and actions will be taken. We believe services to residents and quests will then be improved. We are the only candidates that recognize by improving the township as an employer, services to the residents will improve.

7. Long Beach Township, as you know, makes up a sizable portion of LBI, but there are not as many businesses located here as there are in surrounding municipalities. If elected, what would you do to encourage businesses to set up shop in the township?

Where property in the township is zoned commercial, we will be accessible to the owners to listen to their ideas and proposals for use of the property. We will not ignore the requirement for the use to be financially feasible. We believe commercial property in the township can be financially rewarding to its owners without detriment to the residents. We are the only candidates with business and law degrees, with certified public accountant experience.

8. New home construction in the township is inevitable, especially since many older homes are being torn down and newer, bigger homes are being built in their places. What would you like the future of new home construction in the township to be?

As part of obtaining a building permit for new construction, we will require the owner to demonstrate that the plans and design submitted have considered the impact on the surrounding neighborhood. We will also require that the plans and design incorporate sustainable design and high energy efficiency and renewable energy systems, such as solar water heating and solar electricity.

9. There has been an increase of burglary activity in the township over the last few months, particularly in the Holgate area. If elected, what would you like to see done about this criminal activity, and how do you think it could be prevented in the future?

We will make available to the police department equipment and technology to assist in eliminating crime, such as cameras. We will require the police department to increase its interaction with the community. We will require businesses renting rooms to transients obtain identification.

10. Will you be a resident of the township all year long, or do you travel somewhere warmer for the winter? If so, how do you think being away from the township for an extended period of time will help or hurt your service as a commissioner?

We are all yearround full-time residents of the township and do not travel somewhere for the winter. Our interest and concern for the township is 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Township residents deserve responsive commissioners. We are the only candidates that have a proven record volunteering for projects which improve the township and assist residents.

BONUS QUESTION: What is your favorite thing to do on LBI during any one of the four seasons?

Robert Fleck: During all of the seasons, my favorite thing to do is to enjoy the water and beach with my family.

Sharon Stefanoni:My most favorite time on LBI is the summer when my children are out of school, and the beaches are exploding with families enjoying the ocean and spending family time together. My favorite thing to do on LBI is to spend the day at the beach with my family. A perfect day always ends with a breath taking sunset over the bay, a sure sign of a beautiful day to follow.

Robert Palmer: There is something in all the seasons that I enjoy. Foremost for me it is using my boat. It is a 215 Hydro-Sports CC. It works well for me for fishing, skiing, mooring up, swimming and picnicking on different places on LBI.

DiAnne Gove, incumbent

1. Please describe the platform on which you and/or your team is running.

Being an elected official is a tremendous responsibility. It is not a 9-to-5 job. It is a dedication, one that should not be taken lightly. Continuity is important - not just for the town, but for the surrounding community, as well. I would like to see various projects to their completion and institute new ideas - to continue and improve a good quality of life. Protection of our fragile beaches and coastal waterways is very important. We all need to do our part - as the beaches and waterways are our culture - our way of life. Looking to the future, I see more interaction between the island municipalities.

2. What do you feel is the most important issue facing Long Beach Township at the present time?

Obviously the beach project is extremely important, but the whole idea of shared services is really coming into light, and municipalities have to continue to work together in all facets.

3. What is your stance on the beach replenishment project, and in what direction do you see the project heading in the future? Are you for or against the project coming to the township, and why? Also, what would you do, if elected, to collect the remaining easements required for the project to begin?

We need to do something. Our beaches are in desperate need, and we cannot turn down federal money. Do I see the project happening, yes. Somewhere on LBI the continuation will happen. To collect the remaining easements we have to go to the people and talk to them. I think many of the people are waiting to see if the project is really going to happen.

4. There has been a lot of discussion and news reports about the lack of public access to Long Beach Township's beaches as well as public restroom facilities being unavailable. If elected would you sign on to be a part of the state DEP's Shore Protection Program that would require certain public access regulations? Why or why not?

First of all, we have enough beach access points in the township. The only issue is in North Beach and Loveladies, and these issues will not be settled tomorrow. There has to be working relationship between the state, federal government and the municipality.

5. Consolidating the police departments into one that would be headed up by the township has been discussed recently, where do you stand on this issue and if elected would consolidation be something you would consider?

There have been feasibility studies on police consolidation, and I have no problem looking at the studies for what's better for the township. We have to start looking at shared services, which we already have with Barnegat Light, but it has to be what is best for everybody.

6. As issues with the township Beach Patrol continue to be in the spotlight, if elected, what do you think you could bring to the situation to solve problems the department may have?

With the Beach Patrol, one of the biggest issues is communication, and that is what needs to be worked on. Better communication could have addressed these issues earlier. People need to sit down and talk with one another.

7. Long Beach Township, as you know, makes up a sizable portion of LBI, but there are not as many businesses located here as there are in surrounding municipalities. If elected, what would you do to encourage businesses to set up shop in the township?

During these past four years we have been encouraging businesses to stay in the township. There is a way we can find a balance between businesses and residents in the township, and make everyone happy. For example, I have been a great proponent of outdoor seating.

8. New home construction in the township is inevitable, especially since many older homes are being torn down and newer, bigger homes are being built in their places. What would you like the future of new home construction in the township to be?

The building issue came up four years ago, and we formed a committee to address those issues. If we need to resurrect the Citizens Advisory Committee on Building Construction, we will. What has been implemented to date was set up by the Land Use Board and the committee. At this point, we don't have any regular land anymore, we just have teardowns. But as far as people wanting bigger homes, this is not just on LBI.

9. There has been an increase of burglary activity in the township over the last few months, particularly in the Holgate area. If elected, what would you like to see done about this criminal activity, and how do you think it could be prevented in the future?

People have to be educated, they have to know what their surroundings are and everyone has to work together, because it's not my town, it's our town. The Brant Beach homeowners did a great job with the Neighborhood Watch. Maybe that can be something that can be done in the Holgate area. It's really a cooperation between the township and homeowners groups.

10. Will you be a resident of the township all year long, or do you travel somewhere warmer for the winter? If so, how do you think being away from the township for an extended period of time will help or hurt your service as a commissioner?

I've lived here my entire life, 57 years, and I have no intention of leaving LBI at this point in my life. I would not be away from the township for any extended period of time.

BONUS QUESTION: What is your favorite thing to do on LBI during any one of the four seasons?

I just like walking on the beach, preferably in the wintertime for peace and solace, especially when it's snowing. Even when I was not an elected official, going up to the beach was my solace.

Ralph Bayard, incumbent

1. Please describe the platform on which you and/or your team is running.

I am running independently and my platform is as follows:

Continue to keep taxes stable.

Continue to be business friendly.

Continue environmental programs, such as recycling.

Establish Citizens Advisory Committee.

Establish long-term plan for water quality improvement.

Expand shared services with other towns.

2. What do you feel is the most important issue facing Long Beach Township at the present time?

Beach replenishment, water-sewer system upgrades, shared services.

3. What is your stance on the beach replenishment project, and in what direction do you see the project heading in the future? Are you for or against the project coming to the township, and why? Also, what would you do, if elected, to collect the remaining easements required for the project to begin?

I am for beach replenishment, but unaware of the direction the project is heading. To obtain remaining easements, I would try and open up dialogue with the DEP and Army Corps to change easement language, which is the biggest obstacle.

4. There has been a lot of discussion and news reports about the lack of public access to Long Beach Township's beaches as well as public restroom facilities being unavailable. If elected would you sign on to be a part of the state DEP's Shore Protection Program that would require certain public access regulations? Why or why not?

I would have to know what the DEP Shore Protection Program requires in order to answer this question. It is my understanding that the DEP is revising their regulations, and until I receive final notice, I have no comment.

5. Consolidating the police departments into one that would be headed up by the township has been discussed recently, where do you stand on this issue and if elected would consolidation be something you would consider?

The first step is to work with the other towns on shared services before we get into consolidation.

6. As issues with the township Beach Patrol continue to be in the spotlight, if elected, what do you think you could bring to the situation to solve problems the department may have?

I was director of the Beach Patrol for three years and solved many problems. I am not sure of the issues you are referring to, but as a reminder, the Beach Patrol is the best Beach Patrol on the East Coast.

7. Long Beach Township, as you know, makes up a sizable portion of LBI, but there are not as many businesses located here as there are in surrounding municipalities. If elected, what would you do to encourage businesses to set up shop in the township?

I think we have been business friendly for the last four years; however, due to the geographic character of Long Beach Township, it is almost impossible to have a central business district.

8. New home construction in the township is inevitable, especially since many older homes are being torn down and newer, bigger homes are being built in their places. What would you like the future of new home construction in the township to be?

We modified our building codes in 2004 and 2005 based on input from residents, Realtors, builders and contractors, and stand by those regulations now.

9. There has been an increase of burglary activity in the township over the last few months, particularly in the Holgate area. If elected, what would you like to see done about this criminal activity, and how do you think it could be prevented in the future?

I would depend on the police to promote public awareness of this problem and to encourage residents to coordinate with the police in setting up Neighborhood Watch groups.

10. Will you be a resident of the township all year long, or do you travel somewhere warmer for the winter? If so, how do you think being away from the township for an extended period of time will help or hurt your service as a commissioner?

I don't travel often and spend four to five hours daily at town hall.

BONUS QUESTION: What is your favorite thing to do on LBI during any one of the four seasons?

I enjoy having my grandchildren live with me during the summer and listening to their experiences as members of the Beach Patrol and watching them develop self-confidence in dealing with the public and maturing under the Beach Patrol's leadership.