Haines and Wujcik for Freeholder

For Immediate Release
Contact: Rich Levesque
609-267-3432
September 12, 2006

Haines & Wujcik Kick Off Campaign Centered on Accomplishments

Focus on Effective, Ethical and Affordable Government
(Mount Holly, NJ) - Burlington County Freeholders Bill Haines and Jim Wujcik today officially kicked off their reelection campaign, pledging to build upon their commitment to land preservation, public safety, and economic growth.
But the largest cornerstone of their platform, they said, was a renewed effort to control taxes and spending at a time when fixed costs – like insurance and utilities – have taken their toll on government budgets.
“We’ve cut the County property tax rate each and every year we’ve been in office,� said Haines. “Without exaggeration, that tax rate is now at its lowest level in 50 years. Obviously, we’re running on our record.�
As Haines and Wujcik begin their pursuit of new three-year terms, their slogan and message for the upcoming campaign is one in the same: “Effective, Ethical and Affordable Government.�
Haines, a 53-year-old cranberry farmer who resides in Medford, joined the freeholder board in 1995. Wujcik, a 49-year-old banker from Cinnaminson, has been a freeholder since 1997.
During his tenure, Haines has pursued and promoted an aggressive farmland and open space preservation program and, over an eight-year period, has increased from less than 8,000 acres to nearly 29,000 acres the amount of land saved from development.
“Saving land saves taxes,� said Haines, “especially when you weigh the cost of the alternative, large-scale residential development to pay for schools and other government services. So it’s not just about keeping it green, it’s about keeping some green in taxpayers’ pockets.�
Wujcik, a former volunteer fireman, has taken charge of the County’s Public Safety and Emergency Management programs. At his direction, the County has built a new state-of-the-art emergency communications system, as well as a new Emergency Services Training Center to train firefighters and emergency personnel.
“Ours is a record of promises made, promises kept,� said Wujcik. “But it’s not just about what we’ve done, but where we go from here, and we believe that our agenda going forward is one that County residents and voters are counting on.�
The Haines and Wujcik plan includes the following:
LAND PRESERVATION - The goal is to acquire another 3,000 acres of open space, most of which will be earmarked for completion of the County park system, and to preserve another 15,000 acres of farmland. It won’t all happen in the next three years, said Haines, but if voters approve extension of the dedicated farmland and open space fund (also a referendum on this November’s ballot), it will happen.
PUBLIC SAFETY - With police training facilities in the County now inadequate and antiquated, Wujcik is already investigating grant and low-cost loans that can assist in the construction of a new regional law enforcement training academy. It will focus not only on police training, but also anti-terrorism awareness training.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – Upscale marking of the revitalized Route 130 Corridor, along with expanded redevelopment, is already underway in an effort to attract more businesses and jobs. But Haines and Wujcik also foresee completion of the “smart growth� regional planning initiative along Route 206, which will bring with it a rededication to preserving agriculture as an industry.
“In the grand scheme of things, the level of services in Burlington County speaks for itself,� said Wujcik. “For example, we have a well-maintained system of roads and bridges, a one-of-a-kind curbside recycling program, an outstanding library system, transportation for seniors and veterans, and the lowest County college tuition in the State.
“Finally, at a time when State and Federal government is immersed in ethics issues, we have adopted the most progressive ethics code in the State,� he added. “Ours not only includes an outright ban on gifts, but also a ban on dual office holding, which the State hasn’t been able to even approach.�
Added Haines: “The bottom line is that our campaign is going to be about accomplishments. What we’ve accomplished, and the best that’s yet to come. We hope the voters will stand by us come November 7th.�