Freeholder candidates discussed their platforms live on WRNJ.
Where does Warren County go from here?
One week ahead of New Jersey's June 6 primary election, two Republican candidates for county freeholder -- longtime incumbent Rick Gardner and challenger Gus Bordi -- shared their ideas in a live radio debate. Tuesday's hourlong meeting was hosted by Hackettstown-area station WRNJ, and lehighvalleylive.com was invited as a guest moderator.
Here are some highlights. The full audio will be available on WRNJ's website.
Rick Gardner, left, and Gus Bordi (File, courtesy photos) Hot mics and heated speech
Things got somewhat heated early on. The debate's first question focused on the county budget, and Bordi, a Hackettstown resident, pointed to his experience on the town school board, saying he has "groundbreaking ideas."
Gardner, of Franklin Township, seized the opportunity to question Bordi about Hackettstown overcharging its sending districts by $1.9 million. Bordi shot back, alleging that Gardner got his talking points from those districts, and that the issue was resolved in public meetings. The fight then turned to what information is available on each government entity's websites -- it was mentioned that the last freeholder meeting minutes on the county site are from Jan. 28.
Things were, for the most part, more cordial after that, both on and off the air.
Economic development
The debate frequently returned to the question of how to grow business in Warren County.
Bordi said that a countywide economic development plan is needed. He said that more technology courses offered at Warren County Community College could benefit the local economy.
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Gardner said more tech programs such as a drone-flying course are already in the works at WCCC, which could help the agriculture sector. A county economic development committee is also helping with what he said is the biggest hurdle -- cutting through red tape, even as state and federal assistance dwindles.
Within this conversation, Garder cited his experience in controlling spending over his 15 years on the freeholder board, which Bordi did not contest. Bordi did say he wants to see more done to share services between the county and its towns -- though he did not say specifically which services. Gardner replied that the county already coordinates with towns on public works projects.
Other issues
Both Bordi and Gardner agreed that more needs to be done to help drug addicts in Warren, the state's only county without a facility to help them.
With regards to veterans affairs, Gardner said a new facility in Sussex County now serves Warren residents as well. Bordi seemed to appreciate the effort, but suggested an in-county facility would be better.
In summation
Each candidate offered a brief closing statement. Some of their key quotes:
Gardner: "I think with my seasoned approach and knowledge of this county, I think you're in good shape. To protect your tax dollars ... is my highest priority. ... We are in a rock-solid financial position in Warren County."
Bordi: "This is not the same Warren County as it was 20 years ago, 15 years ago. ... You feel that it's changed, you see that it's changed, it's become very diverse, both socially, economically, demographically -- it's time for a change. The leadership has to be questioned."
Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.