To the editor:

This is in response to Mr. Schaffer’s letter of July 1. It is unfortunate that the controversial comments in that letter of my 4th Ward council opponent necessitate this response to the voters during the summer vacation season. There are certain issues raised by my opponent, which, if left unaddressed by me, could leave doubt in voters’ minds regarding my position:

(1) The lack of transparency regarding the city manager’s severance package leads me to assume that the package exceeds $150,000 and includes full payment for (a) unused sick leave and (b) the remaining term of office ending on Dec. 31, 2011. As sick leave is not an entitlement, payment of unused sick leave should never have been included in the city manager’s employment contract. Furthermore, why should the taxpayers be charged twice for this remaining term of office: first for the departing city manager’s severance package and second for his interim replacement’s salary?  Being a man of principle, I would never have agreed to this blatant mismanagement of taxpayers’ money for the pure convenience of taking the easy way out of a difficult situation. My opponent’s astounding statement in his July 1 letter attempting to defend his vote in favor of Mr. Barber’s severance package that it was better “Paying Mr. Barber what he is asking for, instead of what I believe he is entitled to…” clearly demonstrates my opponent’s desire for political expediency over the best interests of Brigantine taxpayers and voters.  What if all of our public officials thought it was acceptable to pay every government employee what the employee wanted to be paid?

(2) When elected officials began to deviate away from serving the will of Brigantiners, many of my supporters being staunch Republicans tried unsuccessfully for several years to move the Old Regime elected officials in the direction of being responsive to Brigantiners. When their efforts fell on deaf ears, these same concerned supporters chose to seek a candidate (me) that possessed national Republican conservative principles having the best interest of Brigantine at heart. This approach was validated by the grassroots support we experienced during our campaign resulting in winning the June primary election.   Furthermore, I note that in the past my opponent’s fellow Democrats on council have in the past supported these Old Regime elected officials.

(3)  Finally, I want to remind 4th Ward voters that my opponent has never won a general election and was not chosen by you as councilman. He was merely appointed by members of City Council to fill one year of a vacated council seat. This November is your opportunity to use your good judgment in choosing the BEST person to represent your 4th Ward views and interests.  Rest assured, when elected, I will be ever vigilant of the needs and desires of 4th Ward residents and will always keep Brigantine on the path toward good government and fiscal responsibility.

I wish all Brigantiners and visitors a safe and enjoyable summer on our friendly island.

Sincerely,

Tom Milhous

New Republican 4th Ward Council Candidate