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Slogan
New Perspective. Experienced Advocate for All.
Education
University of Notre Dame, B.A. Government and International Studies; Suffolk University Law School, J.D.
1. Development throughout the City
My legal background will be an asset to review development agreements and negotiate terms that ensure responsible development that balances developers' economic profit with community well-being and environmental impact. I will also work to ensure that development in the City utilizes our local workforce and provides for employment opportunities for our residents.
2. Affordability
I will work to stabilize property taxes by examining the city budget for opportunities to decrease spending while maintaining quality services by utilizing competitive contracting, reviewing professional-service contracts, considering shared services, and seeking grant acquisitions, as well as analyzing debt management.
3. Asbury Park’s Identity
A. Protect Our Historic Structures and History
I will prioritize the preservation of historic structures and encourage historic preservation to promote the City's history and maintain Asbury Park's unique character. Specifically as to the Boardwalk structures, I will utilize my legal experience and training to review the agreements to advocate for the fulfillment of the Developer's legal obligations. I will also work to negotiate a plan of action to resolve any contractual disputes to ensure the proper rehabilitation of these historic buildings.
B. Sustain and Grow the City’s Arts and Culture
I will work to sustain, promote, and grow the City's arts and culture through seeking local grants, utilizing open spaces, promoting local events to encourage patronage, and integrating arts into recreation programs and public workshops.
4. Civic and Economic Growth
A. Recreational Activities and Neighborhood Events
I will seek to promote the ongoing development and strengthening of our community's collective well-being through expanded recreational activities for residents of all ages and varied community events that bring people together to enjoy our diverse neighborhoods and build stronger social ties while also supporting local businesses.
B. Support and Grow Our Local Economy
I will prioritize the City's efforts to support and grow local businesses by utilizing New Jersey Urban Enterprise Zone program incentives and I will seek further state funding to assist local businesses and incentivize business development. I will champion policies that encourage a diverse, year-round economic base and work to bring new business and industry to create employment opportunities for residents.
I visited Asbury Park for the first time in 2000 and bought my home here in 2004. I have always loved Asbury Park for its uniqueness, its spirited and culturally diverse community, its wonderful local businesses, its beautiful historic structures, and its vibrant arts scene that has fostered inclusiveness and economic development.
I graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a major in Government and International Studies and then received my law degree from Suffolk University Law School. I recently retired from my 30-plus-year career practicing criminal law which included 4 years of service in the United States Navy as a member of the Judge Advocate General’s Corps where I worked as a trial defense counsel on Naval Station Treasure Island in San Francisco and as an appellate defense counsel in the Washington DC Navy Yard followed by 27 years as a court attorney in New York County Criminal Court in Lower Manhattan where I managed an expansive caseload and drafted extensive court decisions, opinions, and orders in a confidential capacity to criminal court judges.
I have always been driven to stand up for people whether during my childhood as the big brother to my siblings, or as a lawyer making sure the rights of vulnerable parties were protected during the legal process. I am running because I feel it is my duty to utilize whatever talents and expertise I possess to support people, protect their interests, and make a positive impact in my community.
My recent retirement has now given me the opportunity to apply my passion, commitment, and work ethic, along with my advocacy and negotiation skills, to champion the interests of the residents of Asbury Park and achieve positive results for the community.
I will bring a fresh outlook and approach along with a new skill set to City leadership to tackle the current issues facing our City, including affordability, development, neighborhood safety and quality of life, Asbury Park’s identity, and economic and civic growth. I have always enjoyed working collaboratively and will bring people together to preserve the uniqueness of our City and protect its diverse and vibrant community.
In addition to supporting the important work of the Environmental Shade Tree Commission and the Green Team Committee, I will seek to promote further sustainable urban development through innovative environmental policies to include supporting infrastructure upgrades such as permeable pavement and green roofs, and the continued upgrading of the Asbury Park Wastewater Treatment Plant, along with the adoption of a coastal resiliency plan, expanded tree canopies, and park upgrades.
My legal background will be an asset to review development agreements and negotiate terms that benefit both the City and the developers, and positively impact the community. I will use my legal skills to monitor developers' compliance and promptly seek to enter into discussions to resolve disputes and keep projects moving forward in accordance with the agreed upon terms.
I will advocate for future development that aligns with the varied and balanced land uses and housing options envisioned in the City's Master Plan to ensure that all development - including the waterfront, the commercial business district, Springwood Avenue, and throughout the City - is properly guided to provide housing and community spaces throughout the City that complement the unique character of the City, welcome and support our diverse community, and preserve and celebrate the City's varied history. I will also work to ensure that development in the City utilizes our local workforce and provides for employment opportunities for our residents.
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