Campaigns Cry Foul Over Election Claims

Campaign literature and claims of misinformation has both Democratic and Republican camps crying foul on the eve of Township Committee elections.

According to the Republican campaign, a recent mailer from Democratic Candidates John Reddan and Aldo Martinez includes incorrect information about the township administrator/clerk, township services, revaluations and crime statistics. A release sent Monday morning alleges that the literature states crime is increasing in town, that the revaluations were a result of the Republican actions, that municipal services are decreasing in town and that the township administrator/clerk does not have the required job certifications.

The Republican’s rebuttal cites the police chief’s year-end report for 2010, and monthly reports for 2011 for the crime statistics and lists services offered at the municipal complex. It alleges that the tax board is Democratic-controlled and that the township administrator/clerk is qualified for his job.

Democratic candidates said the Republican camp is entitled to send its release, though it noted a similar situation that occurred last year.

“They are entitled to do this but why they think doing this at the last moment will cut out the opportunity to hear the other side,” Aldo Martinez said. “This is a bad habit and really a disservice to the residents of Hillsborough.  .   .This is material that we’ve said before. This is the second year and they had an opportunity to tell us (at the candidate’s night at Hillsborough High School). I guess we all have to learn about what to do and what not to do.”

According to Martinez, the campaign cites the FBI’s uniform crime statistics report for Hillsborough’s crime rates, while also drawing on township meetings regarding the police layoffs for municipal service information. Meanwhile, Martinez noted that the county tax board is bipartisan, with representatives from both political parties.

He denies suggesting that the township administrator/clerk is not qualified, instead stating that the campaign focuses on the political background.

“I didn’t suggest that they are in violation of anything,” he said. “I question that they have someone who is as politically inclined in this position.”

The Democratic candidates aren’t backing down from their campaign claims either, he added.

“We stand by what we said,” Martinez said. “I don’t know what statistics or information they are using, but we have explained the statistics we are using. If I have made a mistake that someone will tell me, I will apologize.”