In 18th District, angry voters create hope and concern

There are six candidates running for two seats in the 18th District Assembly race in Middlesex County and they all agree on one thing: Something has to be done to reduce property taxes in the state.

In a district where Democrats have a history of getting re-elected easily, incumbents Patrick Diegnan Jr. and Peter J. Barnes are concerned that there is an anti-incumbent mood this year among voters, despite believing they voted with their conscience on issues, sometimes even bucking their party leaders.

The two Republicans and two independents on the ballot hope they can attract the anti-incumbent vote on Nov. 3. The 18th District covers East Brunswick, Edison, Helmetta, Metuchen, South Plainfield, South River and Spotswood.

Republican Joseph Sinagra said voters have to elect fresh faces in the Assembly to change the way business is done in Trenton. His running mate, Robert Jones, agrees.

Andrew Tidd, a Republican running as an independent, and his running mate, Katherine Shkolar, feel neither major political party has the answer.

"My best qualification for this job is that I've never been involved in politics before," said Shkolar, a school nurse who is the only candidate in the race never to have sought elective office. "I've been caring for people for decades. I'm sensitive to people's needs. I'm not a politician and I think we need that."

She supports a constitutional convention to address the funding of public schools to reduce property taxes.

Diegnan agrees with her.

"I know it's not popular, but the only way to deal with school funding is to convene a constitutional convention and give people a menu of options," the Democrat said.

Barnes and Diegnan voted against the new school construction program because, according to Barnes, "we felt it was wrong."

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