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I am running to ensure that respect, integrity, accountability, persistence, and bravery are upheld in Montgomery Township Committee decisions. My 25+ years of professional experience in the pharmaceutical industry includes conducting forecasts, performing analytics, managing data, managing teams, selecting vendors, and establishing and executing on multi-million budgets. My Bachelor's and Graduate work in History gives me a broad, rich perspective on where we are, how we got here, and the best path forward. My upbringing in Vermont on a 200-acre former sheep farm gives me a strong grounding in the value of clean air, clean water, and ample green space. My modest upbringing as the son of two teachers gives me a commitment to responsibly use of local tax dollars and limit their growth. My role as Ambassador with the Muscular Dystrophy Association gives me understanding and empathy for the disabled and a commitment to help those who can't help themselves.
My priorities are to: 1) manage growth in a way that is fiscally and environmentally responsible, 2) preserve Montgomery Township's unique character, including maintaining green space, preventing over-development, and expanding Open Space, 3) increase walkability, accessibility, and public transportation, 4) leverage programs for property tax relief, especially for seniors, 5) ensure efficiency in township budgets while delivering needed public services, 6) celebrate inclusion and diversity and foster a welcoming spirit, 7) support local businesses, 8) satisfy affordable housing mandates in a way that values lower and moderate income residents, and 9) maintain public safety. I will bring forward initiatives, resolutions, and other solutions to achieve these goals, as well as vote in a way that supports them.
My work and commitments have led to endorsements by the League of Conservation Voters, our district's representatives in the New Jersey Assembly, our district's New Jersey Senator, the Mayor, and the entire Montgomery Township Committee.
Disagreements are normal and expected. A full explanation of facts and options often helps. Listening helps. It is important for people to be heard and understood. The public are welcome to and encouraged to come forward with concerns. Often, as with recent affordable housing mandates, a full hearing of those concerns helps lead to better options. Public advocacy and activism have impact. We need to keep talking and listening until better solutions emerge. As long as both sides are willing and able to do this, more mutually agreeable solutions are possible.
Thinking about our role at the township level, the issues handled by county, state, and federal governments remain in the jurisdiction of those other levels of government. This includes federal U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which like the FBI is a federal law enforcement agency.
Climate change has brought more flooding and destruction in recent years, and we can expect more in the future. Equipping town workers and residents with what they need should be a priority.
Our outstanding school system and local government have traditionally remained separate; there could be opportunities to work more closely together with shared services and common purposes.
We have a shocking dearth of public transportation. Residents and businesses see the need, and we are beginning to engage state and county organizations to help bring more public transportation to Montgomery.
Planning for meeting and addressing affordable housing mandates could have a longer runway, given the high complexity, multiple options, and many stakeholders involved.
Good decision-making is a combination of rigorous investigation into options, thoughtful intent aligned to the right values, and practical application. Benchmarking with other towns is usually very helpful. Understanding how other towns dealt successfully with issues is a good starting point, of course keeping in mind that every town is different.
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