South Toms River— October 23, 2022 — South Toms River mayoral candidate Debra Di Donato and borough council candidate Robert Edgar Hailey have pledged to donate their stipends to fund local youth programs when elected to office this November.

“Our population is projected to increase upwards of 40% because of the high-density apartment complex that was approved by the Republican-led council. Without adequate youth programs, useable parks, and open spaces, we can expect our crime rates to increase as well,” said Di Donato in a recent Facebook post. The mayoral candidate pledged to contribute the entirety of her stipend to fund youth activities in South Toms River, and Robert Edgar Hailey pledged to do the same.

The Di Donato, Hailey, and Calhoun for South Toms River team have publicly challenged their opponents to follow suit. As of this release, there has been no response from their Republican opponents.