newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2007/1017/Front_Page/020.htmlSims, 32, has served on the council since June 2006 when he was appointed to fill a vacant seat. He was later elected to complete that term. Sims said he is looking forward to serving the town for the next three years.
The councilman and his wife, Danielle, live on Robertsville Road.
When asked why he is running for reelection, Sims said, "I feel my work here is not done. I want to serve and I care a great deal about what goes on in Freehold Borough."
Issues facing the borough that Sims considers priorities are property taxes and the impact that illegal immigration has had on the town.
"We have to try to find a way to bridge the gap between the cultures in our town," he said.
He noted that recommendations made by a rental advisory committee in regard to certain housing issues are in place and said he believes the recommendations are "fully functioning and very effective."
Sims said he is very satisfied with the efforts of the code enforcement department which he said is doing a "wonderful job." The code enforcement department helps to monitor residential overcrowding.
Sims is the council's liaison to the borough's Human Relations Committee.
"This committee, created by the mayor, was set up to target key issues such as ethnic diversity and how that diversity impacts the town," the councilman explained.
He said the committee is the venue where residents can bring their concerns, especially if they are not comfortable with the idea of airing their concerns at a Borough Council meeting.
"Human Relations Committee members are available to help people with anything they need to discuss," Sims said, noting that the panel is preparing a safety forum and working on other issues that affect residents.
Sims is also the council's liaison to the new Community Information Committee.
"This town has had much negative publicity and this committee will help to promote many positive things about the borough. It will address many areas and issues in the town, not just those that concern the downtown area," he said.
Also on the list of important issues to Sims is getting some needed manpower and donations to the volunteer first aid squad.
He said he finds it "bothersome" when he hears residents say they feel that nothing more can be done in the town.
"If you have concerns, come to our meetings twice a month. I'm available to talk to. We're all available. We are all elected by the people and we are here to serve. Get involved. If we don't know what the problems are, we can't fix them," he added.
"This is a great town. Freehold Borough is not perfect, but it is a great town to live in. The last year has been a fun ride and I am really enjoying my time serving the town. I cannot say enough good things about the members of the council. I'm glad I said yes when they asked me to serve," Sims said.
Sims thanked his wife for her support and understanding of the time it takes to do the job. He said, "she knows how much it means to me to be a part of the council."
