Consistent Budgeting Key, Driscoll/Range Team Says

The following is a statement from Diane Driscoll and Eric Range, who are running in the Republican primary to get their party's nomination for two Borough Council seats.

In times of slow economic growth and when everyone living in our communities faces financial pressure from all angles, Madison needs strong and consistent economic leadership at the local level.   The Driscoll/Range team is committed to being those leaders who are at their core are financially responsible while ensuring Madison can continue to grow and thrive as a model community.  

But what exactly does financially “responsible” and “consistent” mean.   Does it mean cutting services across the board?  No.  Does it mean never raising taxes?  Of course not.   

When asked the same question, Diane Driscoll said “What it does mean is keeping our property tax and utility rates low; it means continuing to seek out additional non-taxpayer funded revenue, such as shared services agreements; and it means being responsible with spending while continuing to offer quality services and infrastructure.“

Her running-mate, Eric Range agreed, “Consistency, honesty and openness as the budget process moves forward each year is key and is far more important political posturing.  While some like to believe that each budget cycle occurs in a vacuum, this is simply not the case,” he said.    

Range continued, “Take the recent debate concerning Madison’s Open Space Tax.   Last month the Borough Council approved an increase in total dollars to be collected under Madison’s Open Space Tax.  This action was a direct result of decisions made by council members, including Councilwoman Tsukamoto and Councilman Catalanello, just a few short years ago.  Diane and I believe the Madison Athletic Complex is valuable amenity and a great addition to our community.  However, there was no viable financial plan in place in 2011 when the ‘yes’ votes were cast and Mr. Catalanello declared ‘It’s our goal to have the entire amount paid off in three years.’”

“The consequences are clear,” Driscoll said. “First and foremost taxes have gone up.  In many ways the hands of today’s council members were forced in order ensure that the Open Space, Historic Preservation and Recreation Trust Fund remains funded for all its intended uses, not just to pay the debt service on the turf fields.   Second and perhaps the most disheartening, is that those hard-working community volunteers of the Madison Athletic Foundation who have pledged their time and efforts to raise money for the Madison Recreation Complex have been thrust into the middle of an on-going political battle.”  

“This all could have avoided by leading from a position of consistent and truly financially responsible principals.   Simply put, you can’t have it both ways.  We can’t 'spend' millions of unfunded dollars today and be against tax hikes tomorrow,” Range said.    

“If elected, we promise to make true financially responsible decisions with input from our entire community.  As our fellow Republicans head to the polls on June 4th we ask them to please vote for the Driscoll and Range Team,” Driscoll concluded. 

Eric Range Bio

Eric Range earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison. Since graduating he held positions in the non-profit, hospitality and higher education sectors. Originally from Blairstown, NJ where he was active in Boy Scouts of America earning the BSA’s highest rank of Eagle Scout, Eric moved to the Madison area in 1997 and quickly adopted Madison as his “new home town.”

Eric currently serves as Associate Director of Enrollment Management Operations at Drew University, providing the admissions and financial assistance offices with support in technology integrations, digital marketing, and reporting and data analysis. Previously he has held professional positions with Trump d’Elegance (an events management firm), Farleigh Dickinson University and the American Cancer Society.

In Madison, Eric has served nearly 9 years on the Downtown Development Commission, the last two years as chair. In the past he has also served as chair or co-chair of the Taste of Madison, the DDC Parking and Redevelopment Committee and the Madison University Relations Committee. Eric has played a key role in numerous DDC projects, many of which required working closely with Borough Council, including advocating for the reconstruction of Lincoln Place, moving the Farmers’ Market to downtown, launching the Madison Avenue Direct university shuttle and most recently assisting with launching the Madison Sidewalk Art Gallery (a partnership between the DDC and MACA) which will debut spring/summer 2013.
Eric has been recognized numerous times in both his professional and philanthropic efforts with various awards and honors including the Aurora Award “Best in Show” Documentary on an Issue (2000), Tell Award, Documentary (2000), Maddy Award for Outstanding Service (2008), ROSE Award from the Madison Chamber of Commerce (2009).

Eric currently lives on Belleau Avenue.

Quote from Eric Range regarding his Candidacy: "As my final term on the DDC comes to a close, I have a strong desire to continue to serve the community I have come to love and adopt as my “new home town.” While the economy has undoubtedly impacted our wonderful downtown, the commitment of our entire community has kept it strong. While on council I would seek to continue to support and grow our historic downtown, stream-line governmental practices to ensure we are as business friendly as possible in both our central business district and our corporate facilities. These goals coupled with need to ensure Madison continues to be a world class and affordable place to live means every item of Borough spending and every source of revenue be carefully evaluated and measured. This requires sensible and pragmatic leadership, two qualities I believe I embody."

Diane Driscoll Bio

Diane Driscoll earned her bachelor’s degree at Princeton University. She was and environmental manager at a chemical company for a decade. While her children were young, she volunteered with school, church and other organizations.

Diane is currently the Housing Development Specialist at Community Hope, a Morris County based not-for-profit corporation where she works to expand the availability of affordable, supportive community housing opportunities for the organization’s low-income, special needs clients. She represents the agency at the Supportive Housing Association and participates in working groups in several counties to provide for special needs individuals and families.

Previously, Diane worked in housing development at Monarch Housing Associates where she developed housing opportunities for organizations serving individuals with special needs. These projects ranged from single family to multi-family homes that were financed through federal, state and local sources throughout New Jersey.

Diane served a two-year term as co-chair of the United Way’s housing Alliance of Morris County. She is a member of Madison’s Zoning Board of Adjustment and she is a Commissioner for Madison’s Housing Authority. Diane is also a member of the Madison Republican Committee. A Madison resident of Madison since 2002, Diane resides with her husband and adult children.

Quote from Diane Driscoll regarding her Candidacy: "I decided to run for Madison Borough Council because I believe that working with everyone to further the best interests of the Community is the way to keep Madison the town we all love to call home. I look forward to using my combination of skills and experiences to continue the tradition of conservative, thoughtful local government."