TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Fire commissioner candidates Rick Tutela and Michael Hopson are campaigning on a platform of maintaining stable fire taxes and supporting volunteer firefighters while opposing what they describe as costly proposals from their opponents, according to a campaign letter distributed to local residents. In the letter, Tutela and Hopson criticize candidates Tony Cirz and Jim Golden, alleging they support raising fire taxes and transitioning Toms River to a per-diem fire department, a move the challengers claim would lead to significant financial strain on taxpayers. The letter also raises concerns about Cirz’s and Golden’s current employment, stating that … Continue reading Toms River fire commissioner candidates oppose tax hike raise concerns over future department direction