Council Candidate Profile: Robert Bianchini (D)

Editor's Note: Each of the six candidates running for three at-large seats on the Toms River township council responded to a questionnaire sent by Toms River Patch. Their answers to our questions will be published on our site verbatim. We have disabled comments on profile articles to ensure the candidates' statements speak for themselves and readers can decide, without additional, potentially anonymous commentary, their view on those running for office.

Robert A. Bianchini, Democrat candidate for at-large council seat.

Biography:  Bell St., Toms River, NJ, 52 years of age, Assistant Engineer and Deputy DPW Director for the City of Asbury Park

Please briefly explain what professional and civic/volunteer experience you have. Feel free to include job experience, awards, or  schooling.     My background is in engineering, construction management and infrastructure. I am a former business owner (25 yrs) with   experience installing sewer mains, water mains, roadways and all types of concrete work.  I am currently employed as Assistant  Engineer/Deputy Director of the DPW for the City of Asbury Park I am also owner of an MBE/SBE/DBE certified engineering  firm,  SLX Infrastructure. I am greatly involved with the American Legion and their cause to assist our veterans, troops returning home and their families, as well as the American Legion Riders who attend  ceremoniously to many events throughout the year.  I am a member of  the Masonic organization which raises funds for children's hospitals around the country.  In additon, I am a member of the Sons of Italy, helping out our community. I have the necessary skills and experience to know how to improve the streets, parks and roadways in our town and how to do in the most cost efficient manner.

What are your key concerns about the Toms River?
One of my main concerns are the diminishing businesses in Toms River. There are many vacant businesses and buildings all around our town. Additionally, our infrastructure, sadly,  has been neglected . Our roadways and walkways are in poor shape despite millions of taxpayer dollars being spent.  The Barnegat Bay has been long talked about, however, not even the simplest of measures have been implemented to correct these issues.

These things have added to the diminishing  property values and the deterioration of our quality of life in Toms River.  If we continue with  the existing system, we will continue to lose property value, and people will walk away from their homes leaving the rest of us to pick up the tab. It benefits all of us to improve our infrastructure as other towns have done. Otherwise our town will continue to deteriorate.  

What issues do you hope to address?

The roads, sidewalks, handicap access, the bay, the traffic issues, security in our senior areas and  all of our community, the parks where our children play.

What do you think should be done to resolve those issues?

I will use my expertise in infrastructure and construction to ensure our  taxpayers are getting professional services for every dollar we spend.  Every job will be done professionally!  I will confer with all  residents addressing their concerns in a responsible, professional manner.  Their voices will be represented at the Council.  We need a real assessment of what we are getting for every single dollar we spend.

What motivated you to run this year? 

The continuation of "business as usual" with no accountability has to end.  The waste of taxpayer funds is inexcusable and unnecessary.  I see the waste everywhere in our town and I am determined to improve it. I have the experience and the ability to change the way business is currently done  in our town.

How do you plan to serve the council and the residents of Toms River in a meaningful way?

I want to provide real answers to problems and provide actual results!! I will work to provide accountability and accessibility from our town representatives. I am dedicated to improving our town and saving  money for all of us as taxpayers..

Anything to add: Please think about our town.  Do you feel your hard earned money is going towards projects that are enriching our community and our quality of life or are you constantly disappointed and disconnected by your town representatives?  That is what this election comes down to.  That is the question I have for each voter in Toms River.  I have a different approach on how to make our town a safe, more beautiful place for all of us, as well as the tourists who help our businesses thrive. Our town is in a state of disrepair everywhere you look. We can do SO MUCH BETTER.  Let's do it!! Give me a chance.

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