The following is an ‘Ask The Mayor’ question submitted to TLS, and the Mayor’s response. Email your questions for the Mayor to [email protected].

Question:

Hi Mr. Mayor,

The area we live in, Linden Ave off Ocean, has had way too many blackouts in the 10 years we’ve been here.

For some reason, any time there is a blackout, we are affected. It is unaccepted for anyone’s to have blackouts in the year 2026. I’m not sure if there is any way to do anything about it, but we can’t handle it anymore.

Who can be approached in JCPL to ensure it doesn’t keep on happening? Is it First Energy, the parent company that is in charge?

Yesterday, we had a blackout for 2 1/2 hours! Two weeks ago, we also did. The little kids are scared, it inconveniences everyone, making supper is impossible at times, and foods get spoiled. How can we hold JCPL responsible for the numerous times this happens? We are charged exorbitant rates but they don’t seem to be delivering.

A frustrated Ridge resident

Response from Mayor Coles:

Good afternoon

I completely understand

We have had numerous meetings with JCPL, the BPU and our state legislators to get JCPL to live up to their mandate to supply safe interrupted power to our residents and businesses

They are committed to upgrading their infrastructure in town. The highest piece is the substation off New Hampshire. That will hopefully be done on the coming year

Thanks

Ray

Question:

Dear Mayor:

Thank you for always taking the time to answer the community and forwarding the concerns of the community to their proper places.

I’m writing this in response to the cancellation of the long anticipated amazing 4th of July fireworks show that has been cancelled for tonight 7/5/26. How come Lakewood always cancels the event more than 12 hrs before the event? While other surrounding towns cancel much closer in time if they have to?

We’ve seen this by the Memorial Day parade where Lakewood canceled while all surrounding towns continued on with it!

We’ve seen this other years where the mayor has blamed it on the weather while elsewhere the show went on. As a resident of the community. This is extremely upsetting. Especially knowing what these shows cost us tax payers. Does the township get full reimbursement for every cancelled show? Are the township members pocketing this money because no one is thinking about it? The members of this town have questions. Where is all this money going? We hope it’s not getting lost.

Thank you for doing your best. Looking forward to to hearing back from you!

Response from Mayor Coles:

The last thing I wanted to do was cancel tonight’s celebration. I remember the great times we all had back in 1976 (I know I’m dating myself!) celebrating the 200th. I’ve been looking forward to adding a drone show to our celebrations for several years. I am as disappointed as anyone that we won’t be celebrating America’s birthday together tonight.

It’s important to remember that decisions need to be made up to 12 hours in advance. We need to have our crews make the lake area ready for drone and fireworks crews. Once the fireworks start getting set up, they are ours, whether the go off or not

I just spoke to someone about this a little while ago. He said the forecast said we should be able to do it. I wasn’t trying to be funny but I told him another word for forecast is guess.

The intensity of the storms the last 2 days took many of us by surprise. We finally have power and internet back at my house after 2 days. We had it back for a little while yesterday, but the storms came in around 10:00 PM and then it was gone again

The conditions that allowed those storms to occur are still present today. The decision to postpone was made in part to protect those who had to set everything up and to make sure that those who came to enjoy it could get home safely without having to brave another potential downpour.

At the end of the day it is our responsibility to keep people safe. Sometimes we end up looking bad when the expected storm doesn’t come. On the off chance that it does I want to be able to sleep at night knowing we kept people safe.

I’m sorry for your disappointment but I look forward to sharing the event with you and the rest of our great town later this summer

Ray

(Editor’s note: The letter came in prior to the rescheduling.)

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