Why We Need a New Mayor

What has the move cost?

Under Mayor Parisi, then Councilwomen Susan McCartney and Tammy Williams voted to sell our downtown library without an appraisal or a bid to a favored developer. In return, West Orange would get a “free” library in an old 1970’s building hidden behind Essex Green.

That move cost taxpayers more than $8 million and the costs keep rising. To add insult to injury on the large expenses, I found a $25,000 charge for the library sign, displaying the wrong address, that was supposed to have been paid through a redevelopment deal. Residents deserve to know whether the settlement money was collected.

Were taxpayers offered a fair deal?

In August 2026, I opposed transferring Township-owned property at 18 Central Avenue to a developer without a new appraisal or an open bid. The developer was also receiving a 30-year tax agreement. Before we transfer public property, residents should know its value, whether other offers were considered and what the township receives in return.

Who checks the details?

I found a $20,000 charge for eight signs around Crystal Lake that all identified the same type of tree. I have also questioned legal bills and other expenses that deserve closer review. Every dollar spent on an avoidable mistake is a dollar that cannot be used to maintain our streets, parks and infrastructure.

Where does the money go?

Residents were told that higher sewer fees would help fund the system. Yet the township has also proposed additional borrowing for sewer work. We need a clear public accounting of fees collected, repairs completed, remaining needs and any borrowing proposed to pay for them.

Who pays for the lawsuits?

Mayor Susan McCartney filed a frivolous and costly lawsuit because the Town Council refused to renew the contract of former municipal attorney Richard Trenk. At the same time, she spends $50,000 per month of your money on a part-time municipal attorney.

Legal fights and hourly attorney bills cost taxpayers money that could otherwise support the services our neighborhoods rely on.

Why are we paying for a missed deadline?

Mayor Susan McCartney missed a State-mandated affordable-housing deadline, resulting in six builder’s-remedy lawsuits against West Orange. These avoidable lawsuits could cost West Orange taxpayers millions.

Affordable housing needs smarter planning. When the township misses affordable housing deadlines, it risks losing control over where and how new housing is built. Developers can sue to pursue projects the town might otherwise reject.