George de Luna Announces Republican Candidacy for Mayor of Berkeley Heights

I am announcing my candidacy for mayor of Berkeley Heights.

Some of you probably know me. I've been in town since 2005 and have stayed involved in our community and local government. Over the last 20 years, I've seen the town put up lots of new apartments, and I have taken the time to understand the PILOT programs used to incentivize that development. I ask myself who is the beneficiary of all this building. Is it the people who already live here and own homes? I do not believe it is.

I believe local government should represent the people who already live here, making their lives good, easy, and prosperous, keeping their expenses down, and helping their homes maintain or improve their value.

This campaign is about serving the residents who want a safe place to raise their children and retire.

My approach would be to maintain a suburban family community that benefits current residents more than builders or property owners who receive tax abatements and other benefits at the expense of current taxpayers. That makes sense to me.

One of my other focuses would be to do the things that would benefit the greatest number of residents, like paving roads that need it. Emerson Lane comes to mind, and Farm Gate Road is another one. I know there are drainage and sewage problems that need to be addressed as well. Additional residents would only strain an already overburdened system. These are the kinds of issues I believe local government should be dealing with as a priority.

Berkeley Heights is a safe, friendly town of families who, for the most part, like it that way. I'm hoping to meet many of you in the coming weeks, and I hope you will support my vision for change. I appreciate your support and your vote.