VOTE411 Voter Guide

My highest priority for the Council will be to immediately establish a way of working that is rooted in transparency and trust. This includes clear, open processes, as well as ethical communication strategies, rooted in honesty and respect. This will be my highest initial priority because the Council cannot operate effectively in an atmosphere of mistrust. One of the Council’s most critical responsibilities is the responsible allocation of limited resources, including our tax dollars. There are always difficult decisions and compromises to be made. The Council should strive to engage the public, whenever possible, so that that the community remains informed and there is collective understanding of why decisions are being made.

Without knowing full details of all legal issues, it is difficult to suggest definitive actions, but I think it is apparent there are steps Montclair can take to reduce lawsuits. For example, unlike many towns, Montclair does not use the NJ Civil Service Commission for hires and promotions. The CSC has criteria for promotions that are public and predictable, and there are clear procedures that shield towns from lawsuits. Montclair should ensure that fair employment policies are in place, such as an anti-nepotism policy. Employees should know their concerns can be fairly addressed, without resorting to lawsuits. Transparency and trust are critical going forward, as well as ensuring that all Council actions are consistent with the law.

I am committed to restoring trust in local leadership, prioritizing residents’ needs and values in the decision-making process, and reimagining government capabilities by advocating for critically needed upgrades to township digital infrastructure, including cybersecurity, e-governance tools, and online public services systems. According to Acting Manager, our digital framework “is from 1986” so I will advocate for digitizing government to advance civic affairs, enhance efficiency and effectiveness of municipal administration, and upgrade Montclair’s technology capabilities with best-in-class tools, including advanced data protection instruments safeguarding against cyberattacks, such as occurred in 2023 and resulted in $450K ransom payout.

Based on available, accessible, public domain evidence, it is abundantly clear that the vast majority of township legal issues arose as a result of inadequate communications, errors in judgment, or procedural lapses. Fortunately, the responsible parties on the current council have removed themselves from running for re-election. Worryingly, several complicit actors remain employed in municipal government, so personnel changes will be a first-line remedy, followed by negotiation and mediation with other parties to achieve settlement and closure with the objective of avoiding Montclair residents any further payout of unjustified legal expenditures.