Obler joins charter study race
'I'm very enthused and impressed with the development of Asbury Park and want to be part of it'
Downtown dweller Robert Obler is the fourth resident to throw his hat in the ring and seek a seat on the charter study commission.
The charter study commission, established via ordinance in May, would scrutinize the city’s current form of government and possibly suggest changes. In the November election, the electorate will vote on whether they want to see a commission formed, as well as which five citizens should serve on the commission.
The attorney and his wife moved to an apartment on Mattison Avenue two and a half years ago after living in Spring Like.
“My wife and I are city people, and I’m very enthused and impressed with the development of Asbury Park and want to be a part of it,” Obler said.
He’s currently pursuing retirement, “phasing out” of involvement with the law firm in Mercer County where he’s employed, he said.
He’s been involved with the Democratic party in Mercer County, both as a volunteer and as a representative, he said. He and his wife have also lived in Princeton.
Obler has been campaigning for signatures for several weeks, but said he is having a hard time collecting those of registered voters.
“I’ve been a little disappointed in the amount of people I’ve spoken to who are either not registered voters or are registered someplace else,” Obler said.
Prospective candidates must collect 100 signatures of registered voters. If city clerk Steve Kay can verify the signatures, candidates’ names will appear on the Nov. 6 ballot.
Obler has also found many residents are unaware of the charter study commission’s significance. Some have asked him what position he would have on the commission, not realizing the purpose of the commission is to examine the current form of government before forming a position.
In the November election, voters will be asked whether they want to establish the charter study commission, as well as vote for five candidates to serve on it.
The commission will scrutinize the city’s current form of government to determine if changes need to be made, as well as potentially reschedule the date of elections. If the five commissioners determine change is necessary, they will make recommendations to the electorate, who will vote on the change at the 2013 election.
The commission can propose such changes as establishing a directly-elected mayor, creating a ward system to elect council members and other options allowed under the law. Currently, all five council members are elected at once, every four years in May.
The commission can also recommend changing the municipal election from May to November, as well as switch from the current non-partisan system where candidate run without party affiliation to one where they’re designated as Democrats or Republicans.
The deadline for candidates to hand in their petitions is Aug. 31. Rita Marano, Pam Lamberton and Michelle Maguire are also seeking candidacy. The commission has space for five members and petitions for candidacy are available at city hall.
