It's been a quiet election

MILFORD - With most of the higher profile races decided in the May primaries, the weeks leading to election day have been quiet in Milford and Dingman. For the most part, had it not been for the advocates of the proposed $10 million greenspace bond, some say the local election season might have passed unnoticed. The bond issue, which is expected to leverage additional state and federal funds, would fund purchase of development rights on endangered properties, including source waters for Milford’s spring-fed water supply. There will be three new faces on the Delaware Valley School Board in December, but the newcomers, Robert Goldsack, Ed Silverstone and Deborah Ducharme, sealed the seats in May and are unopposed on Tuesday. James Mooney, Chuck Pike and Denise DeGraw Fey are completing their board terms and departing. Only incumbent Pam Lutfy chose to seek another term. With Allen Gatzke’s decision to not seek reelection, Milford Borough has one seat contended this fall. Jim Belcher is the only Democrat in the race. “It was odd, I suddenly realized that people running were uncontested. That’s hardly a democratic process,” he said. A new resident of two and half years Belcher got signatures, got on the primary ballot and “I got 55 votes.” That surprised him with his short tenure in town. Belcher says he sees changes appearing. “This is not necessarily the town I thought I was moving into. There are a lot of people with cash trying to create legacies. It’s not just a quaint Victorian town.” From California originally, Belcher, 56, makes his living backstage in the theater. He’s new to public office, but has varied work experience, working for a water conservation district in a plant business and teaching gymnastics. “What’s wrong with bringing a different point of view,” he asked. Carlo Gamboni entered the race as a write-in candidate in May. He’s 58, a 37 year Pike resident and a borough resident for seven years. He’s owned several businesses, home building, electrical contracting, and the former lumberyard, which is now a shopping center. He’s been a licensed real estate agent for 30 years. Currently he’s the project manager for construction at Milford Landing. “Everyone’s concerned about rapid growth. Growth is a good thing, but it does have to be managed,” he said. “I feel, based on my experience, that I’ve got a lot to contribute to the borough. I’ve been here long time. I should give something back, Hopefully I’ll win the election...Milford is a special little town,” he said. This is his first run for public office. Incumbent James Price, 33, manufactures greeting cards for a living. Orginally from San Jose, California, Price moved to Milford 10 years ago. In addition to serving the borough, he is an active member of the pastoral council at St. Patrick’s Church. Price sees the borough job as a duty, “Anybody who wants the job, needs to get a serious checkup. We sat down and figured out the pay one time and it came to about 25 cents and hour. He says he wanted to be involved because of his love for the community. “That was the main thing, involvement. I love Milford. I had a business here.” There are no big issues that he sees. “It’s a great small town. I’d like to keep it the way it is,” he said. “I remember going to my first meeting and I thought then that the most important thing they do is listen. I’m a darn good listener,” he added. Bill Kiger comes from a Milford family and grew up in town. At 63, he’s a retired advertising executive, who is also active in the new Pike Visitors Bureau. Kiger has served on the borough council since 1998. Why would someone take on the job? “I’m retired and interested in serving. I enjoy it and I try to do the best I can. But that’s up to the voters. I don’t campaign,” he said. Kiger says it’s not always easy, but it is important, “That’s why I do it.”