Issues - The Platform

End the Spending

Freehold Borough now spends more than $23 million every year and carries roughly $46 million in debt—while residents continue to face rising costs and property taxes. That's not a sustainable path.

Sara will conduct a top-to-bottom audit of every department and contract, implement zero-based budgeting, eliminate wasteful spending, and demand complete transparency for every tax dollar. Every expense should be justified, every contract should deliver value, and every budget decision should put taxpayers first.

The goal is simple: control spending, protect essential services, strengthen Freehold's financial future, and deliver real tax relief for residents.

Lower the Municipal Tax Rate
Sara will Introduce and pass a balanced budget that trims wasteful spending, prioritizes core services (roads, public safety, and infrastructure), and delivers a direct reduction for the property tax rate. This puts hundreds of dollars back in residents’ pockets each year without cutting essential services. As a taxpayer, Sara will fight for efficiency audits and zero-based budgeting to make Freehold sustainable to live in again.

End the Gas Tax Escalator
Sara will introduce a resolution urging the NJ Legislature to reform the automatic gas tax escalator (the formula that just raised the tax by 4.2 cents/gallon on Jan. 1, 2026). This targeted advocacy keeps pressure on Trenton to deliver permanent relief at the pump for commuters, small-business owners, and families already squeezed by inflation. It’s pro-taxpayer leadership at the local level without raising any local fees.

Lower Water & Sewer Bills Through Smart Utility Management
As of April 1, 2026, Freehold Borough has increased the water bill to cover the net loss from Nestle. Sara will direct the Water & Sewer Utility to conduct a full rate review, eliminate unnecessary surcharges, and invest in cost-saving infrastructure upgrades. The residents of Freehold Borough deserve lower water bills and transparency as to where their money is going. 

The 3-Strikes Community Safety & Recovery Program for Drug Addicts
Sara will partner with Monmouth County’s existing opioid resources to implement a local 3-Strikes ordinance for Freehold Borough: The first offense triggers immediate treatment referral and monitoring; the second offense adds mandatory counseling and community service; third offense mandates structured rehabilitation or incarceration with follow-up support. Sara’s goal is to encourage accountability and real recovery in order to clear up our streets, protect our families, and break the cycle of addiction that harms our neighborhoods. 

Introduce Health Education Initiative for Girls
Once elected to council, Sara will propose a voluntary, science-based supplemental health module for middle and high school students focused on girls’ hormonal and metabolic health. Topics will include evidence-based diet and lifestyle strategies to help prevent or manage conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, and hypothyroidism. The curriculum will be opt-in, parent-reviewed, and taught by qualified health educators empowering young women with practical knowledge to make informed choices about nutrition and wellness. 

Freehold Boro

Freehold Borough