About Hold Downe Accountable

Hold Downe Accountable is a grassroots platform created by concerned residents of Downe Township who believe in unity, transparency, and accountability in our local government. We are not affiliated with any political party or candidate. Our only mission is to help ensure residents are informed, empowered, and engaged in the decisions shaping our community.

We believe that when residents are aware of how local government works—what’s happening at township meetings, how public funds are being spent, and who’s making decisions—everyone benefits. An informed community is a stronger community.

What We Stand For:

  • Transparency: We shine a light on local government actions, policies, and spending.

  • Unity: We welcome all residents, regardless of political affiliation, who want to see Downe Township thrive.

  • Accountability: We ask questions, share facts, and encourage dialogue to hold public officials accountable to the people they serve.

We don't promote candidates. We don’t push party lines. We support residents—because this township belongs to all of us.

Why We Exist:

Downe Township deserves clear communication, responsible leadership, and open discussion. When information is withheld or questions go unanswered, trust breaks down. Hold Downe Accountable exists to help restore that trust by keeping residents in the loop and encouraging community involvement.

If You See Something, Say Something:

Reach out to us via email and let us know what residents need and deserve to know at DowneWatchDog@proton.me


Popular posts from this blog

The Sinkhole Scandal: Is Downe Township Exploiting Its Own Failures to Enrich Insiders?

Legal note: This article relies on official documents, public meeting records, and verified statements. All analysis and commentary are clearly marked and based on facts available at the time of publication. Resolution: R-73-2025 ,  Haines Tort Claim & Police Report , Haines Attorney Letter , Previous Article Downe Township residents deserve honest and transparent government that safeguards their interests — but recent events surrounding a dangerous road collapse and a $20,000 payout to the mayor’s stepson suggest a troubling pattern of secrecy and questionable decision-making. Among many locals, it’s already being referred to as “The Sinkhole Scandal.” But for Township officials, it appears to be just another day at the office. What the Police Report Reveals — and What It Doesn’t On June 21, 2024, at approximately 4:35 AM, Nicholas Haines was involved in a crash on Maple Avenue after the road’s eastbound lane partially collapsed. According to the official New Jersey ...
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Downe Township Faces Scrutiny Over Settlement Paid to Mayor’s Stepson

Disclaimer: Portions of this article are based on a letter to the editor originally published on CNBNews.net on April 28, 2025, titled "Letter to the Editor: Road Collapse Incident and Political Concerns in Downe Township." The original letter can be accessed here . All credit for the initial reporting and public commentary goes to CNBNews.net and the original author. A 2024 vehicle accident involving the stepson of Downe Township Mayor Mike Rothman has ignited a storm of controversy, as residents demand answers about the use of taxpayer funds, potential conflicts of interest, and a lack of public transparency. On June 21, 2024, Nicholas (Nico) Haines was driving along Maple Avenue in Dividing Creek when the roadway allegedly collapsed beneath his truck. Haines later posted publicly about the incident, stating he suffered major financial losses — including the destruction of his vehicle and business equipment. While Cumberland County ultimately declined to offer him compe...
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Residents Furious as Downe Township Officials Mislead About Tax Hikes for Unused Sewer System

Residents of Newport and Dividing Creek are growing increasingly frustrated as they discover that their property taxes are set to rise to fund Downe Township’s $33 million sewer project—a system that they will never be able to use. Despite this, township officials continue to mislead these residents, continuing to assure them that taxes will not increase — a claim that appears to contradict the ordinance language. The controversial sewer project, which is aimed at improving infrastructure in areas like Fortescue and Gandy’s Beach, has sparked significant backlash from the communities of Newport and Dividing Creek. These residents will not be connected to the new system but are being told by township officials that they will not see any tax hikes to cover the costs of the project. However, the truth lies in the Downe Township Sewer Utility Bond Ordinance , which clearly outlines how the township plans to finance the project. According to Section 13 of the 2024-08 ordinance , the ...
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