GOP candidates call for more sensible priorities BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer Amid rising property taxes, the Republican candidates vow to make a change. The Republicans are running on a full slate with John Vrtaric, the township Republican Organization chairman, running for the four-year mayoral term against Democratic incumbent Mayor John E. Mc- Cormac. Magdalena Curcic of Woodbridge, Paul Lund Jr. of Hopelawn, Christopher Struben of Colonia, and John E. Vieira of Colonia are seeking the four four-year council-at-large seats. The Republican candidates will vie for the four council-at-large seats against Democratic incumbents Councilman James Carroll of Fords, Councilman Gregg Ficarra of Woodbridge, Councilwoman Patricia Osborne of Iselin and Councilwoman Brenda Yori-Velasco of Colonia. Vrtaric is not new to the political scene. He ran unsuccessfully in the 1997 Democratic primary against Councilman Charles Kenny. He also ran unsuccessfully for mayor as an independent against then-Mayor James McGreevey and Republican candidate Christopher Struben in 1999. He also lost council races for a Ward 1 council seat in 2001 as an independent and as a Republican in 2004. Like Vrtaric, Struben is a political veteran. He ran unsuccessfully for mayor not only in 1999 but also for the mayoral position in last year's election. He also ran for a state Assembly seat in 2001. Curcic said she witnessed socialism and communism when she was growing up in Yugoslavia. "That's why I want to contribute back to the United States," said Curcic. Like Curcic, Vrtaric also fled communism from what is now called Croatia when he was 13 years old. He came to the United States in 1961 with his family and settled in Woodbridge in 1963. The candidates said the political power has been in the hands of the same political party for far too long. "The last straw for me was the case of the off-track gambling facility," said Lund. "I am against gambling on moral grounds, but what bothered me was this … we have nine council members. They are a fairly diverse group, at least by gender and age, and yet every single one of them votes 'yes' for gambling in a family-oriented neighborhood in Fords." Vrtaric said eight years ago, decisions made on how money was spent by the township was not made wisely. "At that time, 95 percent of the township was developed," said Vrtaric. "Now 98 percent of the township is developed. That leaves us with 2 percent. Where are we going to go from there?" The candidates called the money received by the township through host community benefits (funds received from business entities) "pipe dreams." The township has brought in new revenue ($1,140,000) by seeking host community benefits from three township business entities in Keasbey that either operate transfer stations or recycling businesses. "This is only a one-time revenue," said Vrtaric. Candidates said the township would benefit from what their surrounding neighbors have done with their waterfronts. The townships have developed their waterfront with townhouses, condominiums and businesses. "This would generate more money into the township each year," said Vrtaric. The candidates questioned the recycling plants in Keasbey. "The owners will attempt something that they have never tried before … receive and process 250 to 500 tons of rotten food daily," said Lund. "We are for progress, and the concept of recycling is a good one; however, we don't believe in being the 'guinea pig' for promising technology that is nonetheless unproven at the scale in which it is being attempted." The candidates said it was nice to strike a deal with ProLogis; however, they said township officials did not use the money wisely. The ProLogis redevelopment project of eight warehouses in Port Reading was announced in January. "A new turf field is not the number-one priority [for the township]," said Vrtaric. "Why not put the money toward tax relief?" The candidates zeroed in on items such as the municipal budget itself, legal expenses, and the increased absence liability of the budget that they have observed increases in. "The typical Woodbridge taxpayers have seen their income remain stagnant, yet the politically connected lawyers and accountants see obscene increases in their income at the taxpayers' expense," said Struben. Vieira added that the residents have to stop the "spending machine." The candidates pledge to reduce wasteful spending, attract quality businesses to the township, and promote the interests of working-class families and retirees. The candidates added that reducing the number of people holding additional public office positions and the number of people who could retire with multiple pensions is a priority. "It's not fair that these highly paid attorneys and other professionals have township jobs outside their full-time jobs," said Struben. "I believe in spreading the wealth. Some have two to three jobs, and it's outrageous. We need to stop pension abuse. This will lead to a more efficient, less expensive government." Vrtaric, 61, Amboy Avenue, is the owner of Vatra Beauty Supply and Salon and Mr. John's Beauty Salon, both on Amboy Avenue. He has lived in Woodbridge for 46 years. He has two sons and a daughter. Curcic, 55, Leonard Avenue, is an assistant vice president analyst on Wall Street. She has lived in Woodbridge for 11 years. She is married and has two daughters, a son, and two grandchildren. Lund, 44, Lee Avenue, is regional vice president at Primerica. He lives in Hopelawn and has been a lifelong resident of the township. He is married. Struben, 40, Dukes Road, is an attorney at Michael A. Percario law firm in Linden. He lives in Colonia and has lived in the township for 14 years. He is married with twin sons. Vieira, 51, Beechwood Court, is a stockbroker. He has lived in Woodbridge for 21 years - 10 years in Woodbridge proper and 11 years in Colonia. He is married with one son.