ON THE ISSUES

Public Safety & Strong Neighborhoods

Every family in Edison deserves to feel safe in their home, in their neighborhood, and on the streets where their children play. Public safety is the foundation of a thriving community, and we cannot afford to fall behind. Too often, residents feel that crime prevention in Edison is reactive rather than proactive, and that trust between law enforcement and our neighborhoods is not as strong as it should be. Dave Tingle believes that a safer Edison requires both more effective policing and a stronger connection between officers and the people they serve.

Today, less than half of Edison’s police force is actively patrolling the streets. Too many officers are tied up in administrative roles instead of protecting residents where they are most needed especially due to the 70% increase in crime from 2021 - 2023 according to publicly available New Jersey State Police data. That must change. Dave will work with the Police Chief to move more officers back to patrol duty so that Edison has a visible, active, and effective presence in every district. Crime is best prevented not by responding after the fact, but by stopping it before it happens, and that means more officers actually driving through the streets, more visibility in our neighborhoods, and stronger relationships between residents and law enforcement.

Traffic safety is another critical part of protecting lives. For too many families, Route 1, Route 27, and other high accident zones represent a constant source of worry. Unfortunately, we have seen a 13.4% increase in traffic fatalities & 29% increase in pedestrian fatalities in NJ from 2023 -2024 Edison is not exempt - we have one of the most major roadways passing through Edison: Route 1 which has seen it’s fair share. Expanding the township’s traffic unit will allow Edison to better enforce the rules of the road, reduce serious accidents, and save lives. By targeting the areas we know are most dangerous, we can turn Edison’s roads from a hazard into a safer path for everyone — drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.

But policing is not just about cars and patrol vehicles. Safety also comes from walking the same streets as our neighbors, knowing the shop owners, and being present in the community. That’s why Dave is committed to working with the Chief of Police to create neighborhood “walking and rolling” patrols in every district. These initiatives are not just about preventing crime; they’re about building trust. When residents see officers walking their streets, talking with neighbors, and being part of the community, policing becomes a partnership. This visibility creates accountability, reduces the fear of crime, and helps ensure that every corner of Edison feels protected.

Dave’s vision for public safety is built on a simple principle: residents and officers working together to keep our town safe. By putting more officers on patrol, expanding the traffic unit, and establishing community patrol initiatives, Edison can build safer neighborhoods

Responsible Taxes & Smarter Spending

Residents in Edison work hard for their money, and they deserve a local government that respects every dollar they contribute. Too often, taxpayer money is wasted through mismanagement, bloated contracts, and avoidable cost overruns. Dave Tingle is committed to building a culture of fiscal responsibility at town hall, where spending is transparent, waste is eliminated, and long-term planning takes priority over short term politics.

One of Dave’s key priorities is hiring a professional municipal project manager. Too many town projects have gone wildly over budget, such as the infamous case of the Jets sports building project that ballooned from an initial $4 million estimate to more than $17 million. A project manager will ensure that every public investment is carefully overseen, deadlines are met, and taxpayers get what they are promised without footing the bill for incompetence or waste.

Edison’s debt has also spiraled out of control, reaching $179 million, with $57 million to be added soon. This mountain of debt threatens to raise taxes for years to come unless it is aggressively reduced. Dave will implement a debt reduction plan that pays down bonds, consolidates obligations, and renegotiates interest rates wherever possible. His plan will also prevent new bonds from being issued until the township has paid down a responsible percentage of its existing debt. By paying off our obligations now, Edison will save millions in future interest payments and give taxpayers room to breathe.

Transparency is central to Dave’s approach to fiscal responsibility. Budget processes will be livestreamed so residents can see which priorities are being fought for and where wasteful spending is being proposed. A line-by-line, easy-to-read breakdown of the township’s budget will be published online for every resident to review. Every expense, down to the mayor’s lunch receipts, will be made a matter of public record within 48 hours of payment. When taxpayers know where their money is going, trust in government begins to be restored.

Dave also recognizes that seniors and veterans who have given so much to this community deserve relief. His administration will offer age-based and disability-based property tax incentives that ease the burden on those least able to afford it. By making smarter spending decisions and protecting the most vulnerable residents, Edison can keep taxes stable while still providing the services families rely on.

Growing Local Businesses & Jobs

Edison’s economy should work for its residents first. Too many small businesses struggle to survive while large corporations enjoy tax breaks and dominate the market. Dave believes in leveling the playing field by empowering local entrepreneurs, supporting businesses owned and operated by Edison residents, and ensuring that prosperity is shared across our community.

To help resident-owned businesses thrive, Dave will create targeted tax relief programs and small grants for Edison residents who open or expand businesses on our main streets. These initiatives will not only keep our local economy strong but also build a sense of pride in supporting hometown entrepreneurs.

Dave will also champion incentives for businesses that hire local residents. When Edison companies employ Edison workers, money stays in the community, commutes are shortened, and traffic congestion is reduced. To further encourage local shopping, Dave will launch a Buy Local campaign that highlights the unique value of Edison’s small businesses. As part of this campaign, the township will create a business loyalty card program offering discounts at local shops — funded by participating businesses, not taxpayers. This initiative strengthens ties between residents and the small businesses that make Edison special.

Dave’s approach ensures that big-box retailers and outside corporations no longer get to dominate the marketplace at the expense of local businesses. By empowering Edison entrepreneurs and rewarding local hiring, Edison will grow an economy that supports its residents instead of pricing them out.

Veterans & Seniors First

The strength of a community is measured by how it treats its veterans and seniors. Edison is home to men and women who have served this nation with honor and to seniors who have spent their lives contributing to this town. Dave believes that government has a duty to provide them with respect, relief, and opportunities to continue living with dignity.

For veterans, Dave will expand the township’s hiring preference in municipal jobs, ensuring that those who have served our country are given priority for positions in police, fire, and other essential services.

Seniors deserve the same consideration. Dave will enact property tax breaks for residents as they reach retirement age, ensuring that they can afford to stay in their homes after decades of contributing to our community. He will also create a Family Home Continuity Program that reduces taxes for families who keep their homes in Edison when children take ownership. This program will protect neighborhoods from the disruption of constant turnover and keep family roots strong in the community.

In addition, Dave will work with construction companies and contractors to volunteer labor for Edison’s “Mr. Fix It” program, reducing taxpayer costs while delivering critical home repairs for seniors. This program not only saves money but also fosters a culture of giving back, where businesses and residents work together to care for those who built this town.

Dave’s vision is simple: veterans and seniors must come first. By offering tax relief, prioritizing hiring, and building support programs, Edison will honor its obligations to those who have already given so much.

Fixing Infrastructure & Ending Congestion

Edison’s infrastructure is at a breaking point. Roads are riddled with potholes, traffic congestion wastes countless hours of residents’ lives, and our sewer and water systems are straining under the weight of unchecked development. Dave Tingle believes that until we fix the basics, no large-scale development should be allowed to move forward.

Under his leadership, Edison will implement a freeze on new large-scale development projects until core infrastructure sewer, water mains, and roads is upgraded. The town must be able to handle growth before approving new housing or commercial projects. This common-sense approach ensures that residents are not forced to bear the cost of poor planning.

Instead of relying on private contractors, who often deliver poor results at inflated costs, Edison will pave its own roads to guarantee quality and accountability.

Congestion is another constant frustration. Dave will deploy artificial intelligence tools to better coordinate traffic signals in partnership with county and state officials. Smarter traffic management will reduce gridlock, shorten commutes, and improve quality of life. At the same time, an open space ordinance will require new developments to include green space, reducing strain on infrastructure while improving livability.

For Dave, infrastructure is not about flashy projects; it’s about fixing the basics so residents can live without frustration. His approach ensures that every dollar spent goes toward making Edison safer, stronger, and more efficient.

Prioritizing Edison Residents for Jobs

Edison already prioritizes local hiring—but Dave will expand on this commitment to make sure it delivers even greater benefits for our community. Township jobs and opportunities should not only serve Edison residents, but also employ them. When our neighbors fill these roles, local dollars stay in local pockets, and the people serving our town are directly invested in its success.

This priority is especially critical in our police and fire departments. Today, only 16% of Edison’s officers live in town. Dave’s goal is to increase that number to at least 35% by the end of his first term through incentives & Edison first hiring practices. Officers and first responders who live here are more accountable, more connected, and more trusted because they’re not just employees, they’re neighbors.

Local hiring also strengthens Edison’s resilience. In the event of a catastrophic emergency, having trained personnel who already live in the community means faster response times, stronger coordination, and greater protection for our families.

By building on Edison’s local hiring efforts, Dave will ensure our township government is not only run by the people of Edison—but prepared for anything that comes our way.

Keeping Edison Affordable

Affordability is one of the most pressing concerns for families in Edison. Between high property taxes and rising costs of living, too many residents feel squeezed and worry about being able to stay in the community they love.

Dave is committed to stabilizing property taxes through responsible fiscal management and by cutting reckless spending. He will push back against unnecessary borrowing and wasteful projects that drive taxes higher.

At the same time, Dave knows that wages must keep pace with Edison’s cost of living. He will fight to attract employers who pay fair, family-sustaining wages rather than low-wage corporations that exploit workers while straining local infrastructure. Protecting resident wages not only strengthens families but also reduces congestion, as more Edison jobs will be filled by Edison residents rather than commuters.

Keeping Edison affordable means protecting residents from both rising taxes and stagnating wages, and Dave has the plan to do both.

Investing in Youth & Education

Edison’s future depends on the next generation. Our schools are strong, but they are overcrowded, and our students deserve better opportunities to prepare for 21st-century careers. Dave Tingle is committed to working hand-in-hand with schools, parents, and local businesses to give Edison’s youth the best possible start in life.

One of Dave’s priorities is bringing modern skills into the classroom. By partnering with schools, he will work with the Board of Education to expand curriculum to include financial literacy and artificial intelligence education, equipping students with the tools they need to thrive in the future workforce. Beyond the classroom, Dave will establish a youth internship program that connects high school students with local businesses, giving them hands-on experience and building connections for future careers.

To address overcrowding, Dave will work with the BOE & push for the creation of a third high school, funded through a mix of PILOT program revenue and state and federal grants. By investing in new facilities, Edison can reduce class sizes and give every student the attention they deserve.

Finally, Dave will repurpose underutilized municipal buildings into an Edison Innovation Lab, where students, displaced workers, and community members can learn coding, AI, and trade skills. Partnering with Job Corps and other workforce programs, this center will prepare residents young and old for the jobs of tomorrow.

Dave’s vision for education is about opportunity making sure every student and every worker has a path to success right here in Edison.

Stopping Overdevelopment

Overdevelopment threatens the very character of Edison. Families move here for strong schools, safe neighborhoods, and a sense of community but unchecked construction is pushing our infrastructure, roads, and schools beyond their limits. Dave Tingle believes it is time to put residents before developers.

Edison must also push back against the state’s Mt. Laurel doctrine, which is forcing the township to build more than 3,000 new units. This mandate is unsustainable and will overwhelm the town. Dave will lobby the legislature to restructure or overturn this requirement so that development decisions reflect Edison’s capacity, not state mandates.

Dave’s approach is not anti-growth; it is pro-resident. By ensuring that infrastructure and schools can handle new construction, Edison can grow responsibly without sacrificing quality of life.

Fairness from Big Business

Large corporations operating in Edison must pay their fair share. For too long, companies like Amazon and others in Raritan Center have received generous tax breaks while residents shoulder the burden. Dave will ensure that future PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) agreements are used responsibly — only when they deliver clear, lasting value to the community, not just to developers.

Future PILOT programs will be restructured so that they include clear community givebacks.These partnerships must serve residents, not just corporate bottom lines.

By demanding fairness from big business, Dave will make sure Edison families and small businesses are no longer left paying the price for deals that favor developers.

Fiscal Responsibility & Accountability

Edison’s residents deserve a government that is transparent, responsible, and accountable. Under the current administration, township debt has increased by $69 million, and critical financial information is often hidden from taxpayers. Dave will reverse this trend with aggressive debt reduction and full transparency.

He will create a fiscal task force to develop a concrete plan for paying down debt without raising taxes while maintaining the quality of government services. His administration will also roll out a real-time public dashboard tracking crime statistics, township spending, and project progress. Residents will know exactly what is happening with their money and whether campaign promises are being kept.

Quarterly town halls will provide further accountability, with the mayor publicly presenting what was promised versus what was delivered. Contracts and expenditures will be published online within 48 hours, and crime statistics will be shared monthly, just as other nearby towns like East Brunswick already do.

For Dave, accountability is not a slogan, it is a daily practice of transparency, honesty, and responsibility. Edison taxpayers deserve nothing less.

A Government That Works for Residents

Edison’s government should serve its residents, not developers or political insiders. That begins with reforming how decisions are made and ensuring that residents have a real voice.

Dave will work with the council to change the town code in accordance with state statute to bar individuals with real estate or developer ties from serving on the zoning & planning board. This reform will stop backroom deals and prevent conflicts of interest that too often put developers ahead of residents. More zoning officers will also be hired to enforce ordinances and keep development aligned with community standards.

By reforming the boards, Dave will build a government that is more accountable, more transparent, and more focused on the people it serves.

A Ward System: Real Representation for Every Neighborhood

Right now, Edison elects all council members “at-large,” which means they are supposed to represent the entire township. While that may sound fair in theory, in practice it leaves neighborhoods without a true advocate. No single council member is directly accountable for the unique concerns of any one area, and residents are often left wondering who is really responsible for their local issues.

Dave will put the ward system on the ballot, allowing residents to decide whether council members should instead be elected by neighborhood. Under a ward system, each part of Edison would have its own dedicated representative, someone who lives in the community they serve and knows its challenges firsthand.

This change would make council members directly accountable to the people of their neighborhood. If a problem goes ignored, residents would know exactly who to call and who to hold accountable at election time.

A ward system also ensures that every neighborhood, not just the most politically connected or populated ones, has a voice at the table. Instead of competing for attention, each area of Edison would have someone pushing for its needs, from road repairs and traffic safety to flooding, zoning, and quality-of-life concerns.

Most importantly, the ward system brings government closer to the people. Residents gain a council member who is not just a name on a ballot but a neighbor who shops in the same stores, attends the same schools and houses of worship, and shares the same daily experiences. With this system, Edison will have a council that is more responsive, more balanced, and truly representative of the people it serves.