EDGEWATER - In the only scheduled campaign appearance by all four candidates for Borough Council, the Edgewater business community heard the candidates’ views on development, traffic, and the relationship between government and business.

The Edgewater Business Alliance, Edgewater’s local business chamber organization, invited the four to appear at the group’s October general membership meeting. Approximately 35 attendees listened to brief presentations by Councilwoman Valory Bardinas (ICBE), Lois Fein (D), Manuel Jimenez (ICBE), and Dale Ludwig (D). The candidates’ statements were then followed by a question and answer period.

The first speaker was Democrat Dale Ludwig, a five-year resident of Edgewater who spoke about his background in the management and operation of the Independence Harbor condo association. Ludwig stated that he wants to encourage a “business sense” in borough government, and felt that the business community needs to be better represented on the Council.

Independent candidate Manuel Jimenez, an Edgewater resident since 2000 and a current Zoning Board member, felt that Edgewater’s status as a town in transition creates many business opportunities. However, he opined that lack of foresight in the development of the town could negatively affect local businesses, and that there should be diversity in the types of businesses coming in to Edgewater.

Democrat Lois Fein, an 18-year resident and a member of the Edgewater Planning Board, focused on traffic and ferry service, stating that she would like to see more corporate and mixed-use buildings in town. Fein expressed her desire to encourage business partnerships with the borough, and cited mentoring and charitable work as examples of contributions to the town by the business community.

The final speaker was Councilwoman Valory Bardinas, who was elected to the Council three years ago in an election which saw the first ticket of candidates from the Independent Coalition for a Better Edgewater. A local business owner and a resident for over 20 years, Bardinas stated Edgewater experiences problems caused by lack of planning. As examples of possible assistance from the business community, Bardinas suggested sponsoring local children’s recreational events and assisting the police department with equipment acquisitions.

The EBA had also sought to coordinate an evening debate among the candidates under the auspices of the League of Women Voters, as a public service to the community. However, a date could not be reached with all of the candidates due to scheduling conflicts.