Toms River Council Primary Election 2021: Justin D. Lamb

TOMS RIVER, NJ — With Primary Day for the 2021 general election coming up June 8, Patch is sharing profiles of the candidates for local office.

Justin D. Lamb is one of two candidates seeking to be the Republican nomination for the four-year seat representing Ward 1 on the Toms River Township Council on the Nov. 2 general election ballot.

Patch asked each candidate the same questions. Here are Lamb's answers.

Your name: Justin D. Lamb

Age: 38

Town of residence: Toms River

Position sought: Toms River Township Council Ward 1

Party affiliation: Republican

Family: Unmarried

Education: Juris Doctor, Rutgers Law School, Newark, NJ

Occupation: Police Officer and Attorney-at-Law

Previous elective office, if any: None

Do you or anyone in your family work for the state, county or local governments? Police Sergeant, (2002-Present), Lavallette Police Department; Sister, Victoria, Police Officer, Lavallette Police Department; Father, Robert P. Lamb, Esq., Republican Councilman Borough of Lavallette (2004-Present)

Why are you seeking office? I could not sit on the sidelines as my opponent's abysmal record on taxes and zoning ruin this town. As a police officer for 20 years, I work with all walks of life and problem-solve on a daily basis. I believe this role needs someone who will make the right choices for the taxpayers. Someone who is not beholden to the pressures of interest groups, re-election, or just to be liked as my opponent has shown. I believe I bring the right background to the table for the taxpayers and I am eager to serve.

What do you feel is the most pressing issue facing the community, and what do you want to do about it? Property taxes are out-of-control and my opponent has more than doubled them over the last 16 years she's been on council. High-density development is also out-of-control and this unchecked urban sprawl is a constant threat to the tax base.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking to serve? My opponent is responsible for the present mess we now find ourselves in. She has been in office for 16 years and she is the poster child for term limits. Her political appointment to the Local State DMV office leaves her beholden to the political bosses. While in office, my opponent has more than doubled our property taxes, approved over 3,000 units of high-density development and 1,285 units of affordable housing. It's time for a change.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform. Mo Hill and Maria Maruca have been a fiscal disaster for Toms River. Last year alone, they increased property taxes by the largest percentage in 13 years and over the course of their tenure, the tax levy soared to almost 150 percent. The voters and taxpayers cannot afford to re-elect Maruca.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you will be effective in office? My greatest accomplishment was while working midnight shifts as a police officer, I put myself through law school at night while also working for the New Jersey State Senate Republican Office. This demonstrates a work ethic that is unyielding and illustrates I have what it takes to put Toms River back on solid ground and set the course for the future.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I feel I have right background, education, and experience in working for local and state government to put Toms River back on the right track.

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