Plumsted Fire Commissioners race heats up

This year's Plumsted Township Fire Commissioners race will feature two newcomers seeking one seat on the board.

The newcomers include Aaron J. Heller, 30, of 68 Evergreen Road recently completed a six-year tenure as Fire Chief of the New Egypt Fire Company. Heller is a career firefighter in Hamilton Township. He is also a member of the International Fire Chiefs Association and the Ocean County Fire Chiefs Association.

Heller said, "Their are new challenges facing the commissioners and the township. I know the budget process well. The township is growing and the fire company has to keep up."

William "Bill" Rasmussen, 45, of 74 Jacobstown Road. Rasmussen is a member of the fire department and previously served as the assistant fire chief of the New Egypt Volunteer Fire Company. He also served as a fire captain.

Patricia Tilghman, Bright Road, is seeking an uncontested seat for a one-year unexpired term.

This year's district spending plan is $327,857, with $304,757 to be raised through taxes. The new budget features an incrase of about $12,800, which represents a tax rate rise of .093 cents per $100 assessed valuation. Polls are open from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the New Egypt Fire House at 59 Main St., New Egypt.