Lynda Woods Cleary for Middlesex County Freeholder

What do you see as the three biggest issues facing the county?

I think that the three biggest issues facing Middlesex County are property taxes, road congestion and imprudent spending of the Open Space funds. The residents need some relief from high property taxes so that they can enjoy the fruits of their labor. Driving from South Brunswick to Carteret may take 60 minutes or more any time of the day using County Roads for most of the distance. Open Space funds are being used for projects unrelated to the definition of Open Space. Let us preserve more land for passive recreational purposes.

What do you feel you bring to the county board?

I will bring a different voice and perspective to the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders that are more reflective of 21st century leadership and public policy, and independent of political patronage.
I will work for the people by being a good steward of their resources. Not only will I scrutinize each line of the budget, but I will apply this
tactic to each proposal brought before the Board. I understand the consequences of not making the best decisions possible and I would encourage other board members to take the extra time and thought required to determine the feasibility of the proposals before them.

What is the county doing right and/or what needs to change?

Although I would like to state with certainty that the current board is doing right, I am unable to do so because of the lack of transparency. In spirit, I think that the board is trying to do right by keeping the budget at the same level; however, the means employed may not be appropriate. The budget and expenditures should be available for residents to review at all times. The reckless spending of Open Space funds to acquire new properties needs to change immediately. Also, the excessive number of recusals on each issue voted on raises many questions.

Candidate Profile

Name: Lynda Woods Cleary

Occupation: Consultant

Number of years living in Middlesex County: 22

Education, degrees:
M.B.A., Finance, New York Institute of Technology B.A.,
Psychology, Tougaloo College
Attended Dartmouth College junior year

Prior, current civic or community involvement:
Chair, South Brunswick Republican Organization and Municipal Committee
Board Member,
CJA Foundation Member,
Middlesex County Republican Women’s Club Supporter,
United Negro College Fund Member,
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Director, Princeton Scrabble Club Alumna,
Christine Todd Whitman Excellence in Public Service Program

Political Topics of Interest:
Ethics, corruption, lack of transparency, open space, property tax reform,
public education, environmental
and health issues


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