Spray plan killed, but money spent on perks

After taking office last summer, Mayor Mark Seda criticized me and the prior Township Committee for spending township funds for a gypsy moth spraying program. Mayor Seda said he wouldn't have spent that money. Recognizing an increasing problem, Toms River, Plumsted, Manchester, Lakewood and Brick all had expanded programs to combat gypsy moth infestation this year.

After a record-breaking tax increase that created a year-end $7 million surplus last year, Mayor Seda said Jackson was too cash poor to fund any 2007 program to combat the gypsy moth problem. He completely rejected the state's plan for expanded spraying in Jackson. He said he had to make tough choices to balance his budget.

The people with the tough choice are not Mayor Seda, but the homeowners who have had to shell out $500 or more to have someone spray insecticide to protect trees on their property.

It is reprehensible that Mayor Seda killed a program to protect our environment and our homeowners, yet he had no problem spending thousands on salary increases for his pals in town hall. During his first year as mayor, Mayor Seda paid a former GOP campaign manager $92,000 to run the public works department. He hired a new recreation director from out of town at $10,000 more than we spent a year ago. He even agreed to pay his new public safety director an annual $2,500 "stipend" to buy new suits. He gave himself a $20,000-a-year raise.

Unfortunately, our Township Council has exhibited no desire to question, challenge or even suggest anything other than what [the mayor and administrator] propose. Between their salary and benefits the five council members cost taxpayers $100,000 a year. For all they're worth, we could buy five rubber stamps for a few dollars and save the $100K. That would make a good down payment on a spraying program next year. I think most residents would make that trade.

Sean Giblin

former mayor

Jackson