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For the Record

01.

Fighting Political Intimidation

At this borough council meeting in April, Mark Flaherty spoke up about political intimidation in Metuchen, something that the World Health Organization defines as political violence. Numerous residents reported being afraid to plant campaign lawn signs for fear of property damage, losing friends, losing business, or their children being shunned in school. The mayor berated him and rejected this testimony. Fast forward to minute 4:15 of https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXrBkJ9eaI0
02.

Defending the First Amendment

At the following borough council meeting, Mark Flaherty rebutted the mayor's dismissal of political intimidation and called out the council members' failure to live up to their oath of office to defend the constitution. Indeed the council members almost never speak. They are puppets of the party boss, the mayor. Fast forward to minute 23:15 of https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzHPscXLQbA&t=1395s
03.

Objecting to another Large Municipal tax IncreasE

At a June borough council meeting, several residents joined Mark Flaherty in expressing dismay at yet another tax increase, this year by 3.15%, while neighbors such as Westfield managed a 0% change for the second year in a row. The council is speechless, and the mayor shrugs his shoulders. Fast forward to minute 11:09 of https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wswIXYxGz6E
03.

The BIAs of the Mayor and COuncil

In September, the mayor, who is the only spokesperson for Metuchen government, despite being impotent in our form of government where the council votes on issues and the mayor is a mere meeting chair and tie-vote splitter, chose to use the assassination of conservative leader Charlie Kirk to make a criticism of candidate Mark Flaherty (see the first 2 council meeting items above for context). A resident replied to the Facebook post pointing out the wreckless, biased, and wasteful town sponsorship of the Hands-Off Rally in April.
The link to the council meeting referenced here is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXrBkJ9eaI0 The link to the rally video referenced here is https://x.com/LibsofMetuchen/status/1909765799964782874
03.

Response to a Political Attack Ad

The Metuchen Democrat political campaign created an attack ad centering on the public video recording of the two times Mark Flaherty addressed the Metuchen Board of Education in 2021 BOE asking questions about critical race theory in our schools. Here is his statement: As many of you feel, even today dissenting from borough authority can lead to losing business and friends, and suffering personal harassment. In 2021, the national political climate was even more dangerous. I literally was fearful for my family and myself to provide my real name and address. Despite me speaking up publicly this year about continuing self-censorship and political intimidation in Metuchen (see above), and the mayor eventually agreeing this is unacceptable, council candidates Meg Suchan and Lisa Hyman edited the video to display my home address, a reckless doxing move, turning my safety concern into a political smear. They still have not articulated an argument to our platform of putting the brakes on taxes and overdevelopment, the issues that really matter to residents regardless of party affiliation.
Your candidate, Mark Flaherty

Article: Metuchen Town Hall: Candidates Address Community Concerns in Grassroots Forum

October 30th, 2025, Metuchen, NJ — In a grassroots effort to foster transparency and direct dialogue, local residents gathered virtually for the first annual Metuchen Candidates Town Hall. Organized spontaneously by resident Stu Segal, the event provided voters with an opportunity to hear directly from town council candidates Mark Flaherty and Meredith Joyce, both running as Republicans in a predominantly Democratic local government.
A Call for Balance and Transparency
Segal, a long-time Metuchen resident, explained that the idea for the town hall emerged from his own search for clarity on candidate platforms. After inviting candidates via local Facebook groups, only the Republican candidates responded, while the Democratic candidates declined to participate, with the local Democratic chair calling the event a “sham.”
Flaherty and Joyce introduced themselves as long-time residents with deep ties to the community. Both emphasized the need for political balance on the council, which is currently composed entirely of Democrats. “A healthy government has a balance,” Joyce said, adding that their goal is to offer transparency and creative solutions for development and taxation.
Key Issues: Overdevelopment and Taxes
Throughout the evening, overdevelopment and rising property taxes emerged as central concerns. The candidates criticized recent large-scale rental developments, such as the 272-unit Golden Pilot complex, which they noted is tax-exempt for 30 years. “When developers are tax-exempt, resident taxpayers pay more,” Joyce argued, calling for alternative approaches to affordable housing that do not overburden local infrastructure.
Flaherty echoed these concerns, advocating for attracting clean businesses and innovation hubs to diversify the tax base and reduce the reliance on residential property taxes. “Other towns do better in getting tax revenues from businesses,” he said.
Community Accountability and Services
Residents raised questions about accountability in local government, citing issues with building inspections and the dissolution of the Chamber of Commerce. The candidates pledged to bring greater oversight and to listen to individual concerns, promising to publicize issues and push for solutions at council meetings.
The discussion also touched on the importance of supporting first responders and maintaining the town’s volunteer fire department, especially as population growth increases demand for services.
Arts, Recreation, and Community Spirit
The future of the Arts District and the Forum Theater was another topic of debate. While both candidates supported the arts, they expressed caution about financial risks and called for greater transparency in development contracts. They also advocated for increased support for the recreation department and the revival of community events, noting the importance of safe, engaging activities for children.
Residents reminisced about the town’s tradition of volunteerism and camaraderie, asking how to rebuild that sense of community. The candidates suggested organizing grassroots meetings and encouraging participation in local organizations.
Senior Citizens and Historic Preservation
The forum concluded with discussions on supporting senior citizens and preserving historic homes. Ideas included tax abatements for seniors who contribute to the community and incentives for homeowners to maintain historic properties.
Looking Ahead
Asked about the most pressing issue facing Metuchen, both candidates pointed to overdevelopment and its impact on taxes and infrastructure. They pledged to increase transparency, involve residents in decision-making, and seek creative solutions to balance growth with the town’s unique character.
Paid for by the Committee to Elect Flaherty & Joyce. Copyright 2025 © All rights reserved.