Rinker announces bid for mayor

In 2010, Vernon voters overwhelmingly voted to change our form of government from manager/council to mayor/council. The manager form had not served Vernon well. Managers generally came from places other than Vernon and oft times became involved in local politics which conflicted with their duties. Many of us who supported the change of government had hoped to elect a mayor who was entrenched in the community by business, family, and home. That did not happen. The current mayor has no business, family or home here. Not being a taxpayer, he has no skin in the game.

Shortly after his narrow win as the first elected mayor, he embarked on an effort to make the mayoral role a highly paid position for himself. And every time the public said no, he asked for even more. Vernon taxpayers pay for his gas, his cell phone, and his health benefits. This was not the intention for the mayor’s position. The millions of dollars of new debt he incurred as mayor to balance our budget, while pretending we are in such great financial condition, will be a burden left for Vernon taxpayers for years to come. In a time when the demographics show a reduction in population, this mayor increased our number of employees nearly 20 percent, salaries have increased in excess of $300,000, and debt has increased by $10,000,000. A politician from yesteryear, Marotta has brought all his old habits to this new mayoral position. Observations of the council meetings show that he and his friends on the council come with pre-determined decisions. There is no debate or discussion for the public. The bills’ list has been removed from the public meetings and there have been numerous accounts of violations of our town codes. This administration has not operated with transparency.

Since leaving office in 2011, I have been attending council meetings, observing the disrespectful treatment of our citizens and out of control spending. I have been commenting on and documenting the actions of this mayor and council, and bringing issues to the public for voting by drafting the petitions for the mayor’s exorbitant salary increases and his attempts to use the open space trust fund for the purchase of Camp Sussex. The Vernon Taxpayers’ Association has been at the forefront of delivering factual information to the public and taking action where needed, of which I serve proudly as President.

Vernon taxpayers and residents deserve truthful, respectful and transparent government. After careful and thorough consideration, because I remain committed to Vernon Township flourishing with stable taxes as a result of increased revenue and decisions that enhance our quality of life, I announce my candidacy for the office of mayor in the November 2015 election.

Sally Rinker
Vernon