Protect taxpayer dollars
I will deliver detailed budgets on time so the Council and the public have a fair opportunity to review spending and recommend changes. I will conduct a forensic audit to look for waste and inefficiency, and require fair, competitive bidding for township contracts.
I will establish a full-time, in-house law department so West Orange has legal counsel focused on one client: the township. I will also change the McCartney/Williams bedroom-based sewer fee structure to a usage formula that recognizes when your family size shrinks, so too should your sewer fees.
Plan for the whole town
West Orange needs a coordinated plan for the whole town. I will hire an in-house municipal planner to encourage smart, well-planned development rather than the haphazard construction Susan McCartney has ushered into our town. I will establish design standards through form-based zoning that fit the surrounding neighborhoods.
New development should be evaluated for its effects on traffic, stormwater, sewer capacity, flooding, trees, open space, energy use and nearby homes. I understand that removing trees causes flooding.
Revitalize downtown
West Orange deserves a downtown where people want to shop, eat and spend time together. I will work with an in-house municipal planner to create a vibrant, cohesive downtown that attracts businesses and supports local merchants. I will build a parking structure because without it, businesses cannot survive. I will also bring back the downtown Farmer’s Market.
I will work with the planner to recognize historical architecture and create a unified look so that potential developers know beforehand what we’re looking for, not only what they want to place in West Orange.
Protect open space and plan sustainably
I will pursue every available Green Acres funding opportunity to help protect open space and reduce the burden on taxpayers (Susan McCartney left $6 million on the table for failing to apply). Development should account for stormwater and flooding, preserve trees and green space, and use energy-saving design and materials that support LEED certification. Protecting our environment is part of protecting our neighborhoods.
Make streets safer and travel easier
Traffic safety is very personal for me. I lost my sister a few years ago when she was walking in Los Angeles and killed by a distracted driver. As Mayor, I will make streets safer with brightly colored, highly visible crosswalks and other practical improvements. These changes will advance West Orange’s Vision Zero commitment to preventing traffic deaths and serious injuries.
I will also improve the Jitney service and schedule so it better connects residents to where they need to go.
Lead with integrity
I am the only candidate who has signed an Ethical Pledge to adhere to a Campaign Code of Ethics. I will not accept campaign contributions from anyone doing business with or seeking a contract with the township. Clean money means clean elections. You deserve a leader that does not compromise the integrity of their public mandates.
