Toms River Council Election 2021: Karin Sage

Toms River NJ

31 October, 2021

2:34 PM

Description

TOMS RIVER, NJ — The 2021 election campaign culminates when voters go to the polls Nov. 2 to choose Toms River Township Council members. Each of the four ward seats are up for election. There are two candidates seeking each ward seat, which is a four-year term. Patch asked each candidate to answer questions to give voters information about who they are and their stances on various issues. We are printing their responses in full, unedited except for spelling or punctuation. Here are the answers from Karin Sage, who is running for Ward 3. Age: 43 Town of residence: Toms River Position sought: Councilwoman for Ward 3 Party affiliation: Democrat Family: I've been happily married to my husband Matthew Sage since 2007 and am a proud mother to three boys: Brady age 10; Trevor age 7; and Sam age 5. Education: I received a B.A. in Communications from Villanova University in 2000 and Juris Doctor degree from Seton Hall University School of Law in 2007. Occupation: I am an attorney at a large law firm, specializing in business litigation. Previous elective office, if any: None. Do you or anyone in your family work for the state, county or local governments? No Why are you seeking office? I'm concerned about the taxes and the overdevelopment in Toms River. I love Toms River which is why my husband and I decided to put our roots down here more than a decade ago and I plan on staying in Toms River. But I do not love or even like what has been going on with this town, and in particular this ward, and I simply cannot and will not just sit by and watch Toms River continue on this path. What do you feel is the most pressing issue facing the community, and what do you want to do about it? The poorly planned, and rampant overdevelopment in Toms River – especially in Ward 3 – has eroded the residential integrity of our neighborhoods and is threatening our quality of life. Over the past decade and a half, Mr. Quinlisk's team has approved thousands of units of new construction along the Route 9 corridor, Route 70, and Massachusetts Avenue. Not only that, but Mr. Quinlisk's team actually rezoned the Route 9 corridor, which used to be zoned commercial, to allow for this high-density housing. This zoning change, and the resulting overdevelopment, was approved without any meaningful consideration of the traffic problems it is causing. We need to review the zoning regulations to ensure we are protecting our existing residential communities. What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking to serve? Mr. Quinlisk's team chose not to fight to preserve Toms River. They agreed to build more affordable housing units. This didn't have to happen. We could have chosen instead to provide senior and veteran housing, and we could have rehabilitated existing homes. I, on the other hand, will fight to preserve Toms River and represent all of the township's interests, not just the developers. Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform. Since 2007 Toms River municipal taxes have increased by 102%. They have more than doubled since 2007! Why are taxes so high? Taxpayers are paying for more than 20 high-paying confidential political appointees among other things. I would eliminate all unneeded political appointees. I also plan to conduct an operational audit to identify cost savings and explore shared services. What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you will be effective in office? As an attorney and a litigator, I fight for my clients, and as your councilwoman, I would do the same for you. Unlike my opponent's team, I will not settle when it is not in our best interests. What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions? This race is not about party politics, it is about fighting for Toms River. I hope to have your support this election to fight for all of you and preserve the place we call home.