April 21, 2003: Spiers Challenges Russo In Republican Primary

Ocean County Politics .com

Van Speirs

Neither Candidate Has Previously Voted In Republican Primary Elections

Van Speirs Challenges Russo Jr. For Mayor In GOP June 3rd Primary

Speirs, A Traffic Engineer, Promises Frequent Town Hall Meetings So People Can “Voice Their Concerns” And Runs On Platform Of “Restoring Government • • • By The People”

Dover Township: Appointed “Mayor” John F. Russo Jr., who became a Republican shortly before the filing deadline for local candidates, is being challenged for the party’s nomination for mayor by traffic engineer Van Speirs.

Although Speirs says he is a life-long Republican, he has, like Russo, never voted in a Republican primary election in Dover Township.

In his declaration, Speirs noted the people of the community “voted for a new form of government last November” which, he says, shows the change should include “electing leaders who will be representative of the people, not the party machine.”

“Representative Government Run By Leaders, Not Politicians”

“That is why I am challenging the political machine. In this historic election, you can elect a representative government run by leaders, not politicians”, Speirs said.

Speirs presented a four point plan as a candidate for Mayor”

• “I will answer the call by instituting frequent town meetings so citizens can voice their concerns.”

• “Since I have years of traffic engineering experience, local and statewide, I will offer new and innovative ways to curb traffic congestion in Dover Township.”

• “I am committed to across-the-board municipal tax cuts to relieve the taxpayers.”

• “I will conduct a government performance project to ensure that our local government lives within its means and operates efficiently.”

Speirs did not say how he would cut taxes or what form the government “performance project” would take, but promised to expand on his ideas during the campaign.

Heads Traffic Engineering Department At Gravatt Geller

Speirs is head of the traffic engineering department at the firm of Gravatt Geller & Associates in Toms River. He served as Assistant Engineer at Ocean County Department of Engineering.

He is Honorary Chairman on the Business Advisory Council appointed by the National Republican Congressional Committee.

Speirs and his wife, Linda, have been married for 20 years. They have nine children, ages one to 19.