Five Poles, $300K: Is This What ‘Fiscal Responsibility’ Looks Like?

Here we are again, facing yet another situation where the current council—controlled by the party of “fiscal responsibility”—is asking us to spend $300,000 of taxpayer money to fix a preventable mistake. This time, over five 5G poles hastily installed back in June, and now—surprise, surprise—they have to come down. At $60,000 per pole, you have to ask: Is this what "fiscal responsibility" looks like these days?

For years, we’ve been told by the republican-dominated council that they’re the ones who can manage our budget, that they’re the responsible ones, that we can trust them with the town’s finances. And yet, here we are, about to fork over hundreds of thousands of dollars to undo a problem they created.

Mistakes happen—we all understand that. But when rushed decisions become a pattern, it's the taxpayers who end up paying the price. First, the poles were installed without enough consideration, and now we're footing the bill to remove them. And this isn't a small bill—$100,000 this year and $200,000 next year, just to make this go away.

Imagine what $300,000 could have done for Point Pleasant Beach—improving parks, supporting local businesses, or strengthening our infrastructure—projects that directly benefit residents. That money could have funded a grant for the town’s new Business Improvement District (BID), helping local shops and restaurants with facade improvements, digital marketing, or even interest-free loans. Or improving the “Shop Local" program’s point-of-sale issues and encouraging residents and visitors to spend locally and support our downtown?

We’ve been patient, hoping that the current leadership knows what they’re doing. But this is the same story, time and again. Decisions are rushed, the community’s voice is overlooked, and when things go wrong, it’s the taxpayers who are left to pick up the tab.

Let’s be clear: this isn’t just about one decision—it’s a pattern of mismanagement that Point Pleasant Beach can no longer afford. The stakes are too high, and we need leadership that can get it right the first time. Let’s ensure our town's future is in the hands of those who truly understand the meaning of responsibility.