Please Mr. Brush… Pick a side.
Plan to merge DMUA … a cash grab by Democrats.

By CARMINE INTESO Jr.
Dover Township Councilman at Large, June 14, 2005

“Paul Brush’s proposal to seize control of the Dover Municipal Utility Authority is an ill-conceived, flip-flop by a man who is on record as opposing such a preposterous proposal and who is desperate to find a way to fund his spending proposals, patronage jobs, pay to play rewards”, so says Carmine Inteso, Dover Township Councilman.

“I had the opportunity to examine the Democrat proposal on this issue two years ago and it was wrongheaded then and it is wrongheaded now”, he said.

Intesso made the following points:

Prior to any takeover of the DMUA, at the very least a study should be conducted by an impartial party to determine whether or not it makes sense for the township to do so. Have there been conversations with the DMUA leadership? What has the auditor said?
Mayor Paul Brush offered a budget with the largest tax increase in Dover Township history last year.
He offered it late but the Council still managed to slash Brush’s proposed tax increase of Mr. Brush by half.
The mayor’s cash grab will jeopardize one of the most financial stable entities in the State.
To attempt to move this quickly is a political stunt on the part of the mayor designed to make a cash grab because of the proposed Democrat tax increase again this year.
This is nothing more than another Democrat band aid. Disgraced Governor James McGreevey borrowed the state into near bankruptcy and Paul Brush wants to play a similar financial shell game.
Mr. Brush’s record on this matter contradicts his current position. For example, on June 27, 2003, (see attached) Paul Brush himself said the following in the Asbury Park Press when a previous take over was proposed by the Democrats:

a. “he and his ticket of Township Council candidates will not support a Democratic plan to dissolve the Dover Municipal Utilities Authority.” and
b. “We believe that the DMUA is in sound financial condition and is well-positioned to replace the aging sewer lines throughout the township.” and
c. “The operation appears to run very efficiently, and we see no compelling reason why it should not remain independent of the township," Brush said. "There are 58,000 ratepayers in town who have not had their rates increased in 20 years. This is an enviable record for any government agency."

At that time, Brush was responding to a plan offered by then Democrat Committeeman Rich Larsen. Larsen is now the head of the Democratic Organization in Dover Township. Mr. Brush is now employed by Mr. Larsen.
The Republican Council believes that given the opportunity we can find new and innovative solutions to the budget.
Instead, we call upon the Mayor to include the Council in budget discussions and look for places where sensible cuts can be made.

As far as the specifics of the proposal, let us speak to each point raised by Mr. Brush.

The DMUA is regarded as among the finest run utilities in the state.
a. The characterization of the operating revenue losses cited by the Mayor are outright misrepresentations of reality.
b. For instance, the first $2.4 million was a direct rebate to ratepayers, a dividend if you will, similar to the one the mayor himself is proposing in his plan.
c. The next operating loss was a one time payment to the OCUA to settle a long term dispute that could have cost millions more were it not for the outstanding leadership and focus of the commissioners on that agency.
d. And finally, the third operating loss was the direct result of the DMUA’s decision to join with the town in purchasing open space. Had the DMUA not chosen to so this, the loss would be virtually nil.
The free surplus is much need money to service the infrastructure, maintenance and repairs of a utility that serves the 7th largest municipality in NJ and which includes more than 1000 miles of pipeline and supports an essential infrastructure that would cost more than $1 Billion to replace.
Management and support staff will be required in any case.
The property that is part of the DMUA asset base belongs to the ratepayers as distinct from the township. In the event that these assets were to be seized, compensation would be required. The mayor’s plan to seize property without compensation is out of line.
Free surplus is not free. Nothing is free. This is set aside money needed for long term commitments. The mayor wants to raid the piggy bank, give himself a raise and then stiff the taxpayers with tens of millions in upgrade and repair costs after he is gone. This is shameful.
He means spend tomorrow’s money, money that belongs to the ratepayers, and then raise our taxes again to refund what he wastes today.