Politics & Government

Little Silver Mayor Candidate Profile: Daniel "Dan" Levine

Levine answers Patch's questions.

Name: Daniel  “Dan” Levine
Party:
Independent

Why are you running for Mayor?

I am running for Mayor to strengthen the “voice” of our citizens on our Governing Body. I will continue to work exclusively for the interests of our residents and taxpayers regardless of party or other affiliation. After three years service on the Council, it is my intention to promote more long range planning for Borough expenditures.


What makes you a Independent?

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I believe that partisan politics have no place in community elections. During my term on the Borough Council I have tried to approach the issues that came before us from the perspective of what made sense for Little Silver. Frequently, my position was aligned with those on the Council with the Republican Party affiliation, other times with the Democratic Party affiliation. Why should party affiliation matter? The answer is “It shouldn’t." The issues confronting our town aren’t specific to us- property tax levels, appropriate levels of municipal services, balanced growth. The solutions we arrive at together should reflect what is in the best interests of current and future Little Silver residents.


What's your specialty? How can it help the borough?

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I firmly believe that “open” communication and transparency at all levels of government can get things done. For example, as Councilman, I have established my own Email network providing residents with town information. Also, I was instrumental in obtaining more than a half million dollars in construction projects and grants from Monmouth County for: 

- The replacement of the bulkhead on the Little Silver side of the Gooseneck bridge ($450,000)

- The installation of the (approx. $100,000)

- Memorial park ($70,000 grant), a first for our town

 
What do you believe is the #1 issue in Little Silver right now, and what should be done about it?

I have had a number of residents ask me about the abandoned properties on Willow Drive. Unfortunately, the properties (except for the EXXON Station) are in litigation. I have been persistent in getting the property maintenance company to maintain the properties. I believe that addressing the challenges that face towns like Little Silver require its elected officials to question how we meet the needs of its residents in the most cost efficient way possible.

I have not shied away from asking the probing question that led my fellow council members to consider an alternate view. Whether my position ultimately prevailed was not important. What was important was that I helped introduce a more robust discussion of the issues that helped bring about a better ultimate decision. I strongly feel that having a variety of outlooks weighing in on the decisions facing Little Silver is important.


(Sent in from a Patch reader) Candidates: What would you do to slow down traffic (especially large truck traffic) that passes through the center of town? What about the issue of making traffic stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk-specifically the dangerous crosswalk in front of the Wells Fargo Bank?

Prospect Avenue is a County Road. However, with the County contacts I have made as Councilman, I feel confident that I can initiate discussions with County and Little Silver officials on the speed limit and to make it a pedestrian friendly road.


(Sent in from a Patch reader... this is a three-parter) As we approach the municipal elections, I'd like to see more coverage of the Little Silver candidates. Specifically, their views on:

Consolidation of services with nearby towns

We have already partnered with Eatontown for animal control at a 1/3 of the cost of what we were use to spending. I am truly FOR shared services as long as it makes sense. I expect to use my contacts especially on the County level, to move forward on shared services.

Having council meeting minutes available sooner than 2 months after the meeting

We have one person in Borough Hall who is responsible for transposing the minutes from audio tape to written form. This is one of many full time responsibilities that she has. In order to provide the minutes in a shorter time line, additional resources would have to be added at an additional cost. Another option is to have the meetings televised on a local cable station, If this is a real concern for many residents, I will be more than happy to pursue it further. 

and a requirement for residents to shovel sidewalks in the winter

The Little Silver Safety Committee has had meetings with several departments including: Public Works and Police to address the issue. The Committee, based on feedback they received decided to “table” the resolution for another time.       

Anything else you'd like to share for the good of the borough?

The amount of time you devote to a job or responsibility is an important other factors are  how effectively you use that time and are you immediately available when an issue or problem arises? As most of you know . Residents know and need not make an appointment. If you think an important consideration in selecting a Mayor is full time accountability. You can be assured I will be ready to accept this responsibility.


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