Hornik, LaRocca, Marder Fundraiser Kicks Off Election Season

With 7 weeks until Marlboro Township’s election, fundraising season is in full effect for mayoral and council candidates.

Supporters of Mayor Jon Hornik, Council President Randi Marder and Councilman Frank LaRocca gathered at Battleground Country Club on Saturday for a full night of dinner, dancing, and campaign fundraising.

Candidates spoke briefly, and highlighted each other’s best qualities for office.

Hornik said the night was not a time to delve too far into the issues, as residents will be consumed with opinions in the coming weeks, and not a time to mention the name of his opponent, Craig Marshall.

“He has to spend money to get in your head,” Hornik said.

The mayor stressed what the mayor and council have done in the township, including creating the 700-member Teen Advisory Council and brining new businesses such as Costco and the Fireside Grill and Bar to Marlboro.

Councilman Frank LaRocca said, “If every mayor in the country did what Jon has done in the last two months, unemployment would be under two percent.”

Hornik added that when he and his running mates began, the township had 230 employees, and now has 198. In addition, the township has functioned on a 4-day workweek, closing on Fridays to cut down local government salary costs.

“The government is smaller than when we started,” he said. Hornik added

Council Vice President Jeff Cantor spoke on behalf of the running mates, and said they are a mayor and council that truly care about the community.

LaRocca said that when the three started, they did not “owe anyone anything,” and began with a clean slate. Now, he said, they owe the residents of Marlboro everything.

“I believe in working hard for the people around me,” LaRocca said.

The event featured a silent auction, handbags and sports memorabilia. Tickets were $150 per seat, with funds raised benefiting the Hornik, LaRocca, Marder campaign.

Hornik said, “The key to being successful in government is attracting smart people who are willing to give up time from their families and friends.”