Joyce’s Record

I do the homework.
I follow through.

I joined the West Orange Township Council to ask tough questions, listen to residents and get things done. Here is some of the work I’ve taken on.

Joyce Rudin taking the oath of office at the West Orange Township Council swearing-in ceremony, January 6, 2025

Questioned spending

During my first year on Council, I identified $3.4 million in spending reductions without cutting staffing or essential programs. That included questioning $5,000 a month for unused cellphones and $20,000 for a non-municipal employee to make social media posts for Mayor Susan McCartney. Every reduction, big and small, helped produce a $200 per household reduction in taxes in the 2025 budget.

I also uncovered a $20,000 charge for eight signs around Crystal Lake that all identified the same type of tree. When taxpayer money is spent, I want to know what we are paying for and whether we are getting our money’s worth.

Budget coverage ↗

Stood up for residents in development decisions

I opposed the August 2026 transfer of Township-owned property at 18 Central Avenue because the town moved ahead without a new appraisal or an open bid, while the developer was also receiving a 30-year tax agreement. When public property is transferred, residents deserve to know what it is worth, whether the town considered other offers and how the deal benefits taxpayers.

I also voted against the settlement that would allow the proposed 410 Main Street project to move forward after residents raised concerns and the Planning Board rejected the proposal. Decisions that affect a neighborhood for decades deserve careful review and meaningful public input.

Helped residents get answers

In just two years, I’ve become the go-to Council member for getting things done. I’ve worked with residents on long-standing downtown parking problems, gas leaks, fire safety, noise concerns and traffic dangers.

When I learned that Pillot Place residents had been asking for permit parking for 17 years, I began advocating for them. In July 2026, the Council unanimously approved permanent permit parking for Pillot Place on first reading. Residents should never have to wait that long for Town Hall to respond.

Strengthened environmental protections

I helped strengthen West Orange’s stormwater and tree ordinances. In a town built on mountains, decisions about drainage and trees can affect entire neighborhoods. Those protections are part of planning responsibly for the places where people live.

My commitment to this work began before I joined Council. I co-founded Our Green West Orange and chaired the Coalition to Save South Mountain Reservation, which successfully opposed an amphitheater expansion into adjacent wetlands.

Made everyday life safer

Traffic safety is a priority for me. As the Council liaison to West Orange’s Pedestrian Safety Advisory Board, I examine pedestrian safety issues so that residents can walk, cross streets and travel through their neighborhoods safely.

I also authored a fire pit ordinance to make it safer for residents to enjoy outdoor fire pits.

Made Town Hall easier to reach

I launched monthly Council Connection meetings so residents could bring concerns directly to Council members. I also created the Rudin Report to share information about Town Hall decisions and how they affect West Orange residents.

Read the Rudin Report → See News & Coverage →

As Mayor, I will continue to ask the tough questions, listen to residents and get things done. Check out an overview of my plan, or dive deeper into the plan details.

I do the homework. I follow through.