Why I am running for West Orange Township Council
On May 11th, West Orange will have an opportunity to select two Council candidates who can help lead us forward through these difficult fiscal times. Like you, my wife and I are invested in West Orange and proud to call it our home. Our Township is at a crossroads, on the border of becoming unaffordable for many families and our senior residents. We have reached a point where we must carefully guard the character of the town, while demanding that our property tax dollars are stretched to its fullest extent. I am running for Township Council because I believe that I possess the experience and knowledge to assure that West Orange successfully navigates through tough economic times while maintaining its quality of life and our property values.
I have been involved in volunteer activities for over a decade. I am a Trustee and former Chairman of the Public Library Board. Currently, I am the Chairman of the Valley Neighborhood Preservation Program where, through grant funding and partnerships, we are working to rehabilitate the most historic part of our Town at no cost to the taxpayer. We first implemented this program in the Watchung Heights and Tory Corner section where we were successful in rehabilitating Byrne Park, open a new police substation, and engage residents to get involved in their communities again at no cost to the taxpayers. This past October, I was honored as the Salvadoran American of the Year and was chosen as a Grand Marshall of the New Jersey Hispanic Day Parade. As an individual who arrived in this country at the age of 9 speaking no English, it was a great honor.
I possess a Master Degree in Public Administration and have over 12 years of professional experience as a manager and administrator. Municipal government is increasingly complicated and these difficult financial times demand a strong understanding of the issues facing our Township. I am committed to exploring every shared service opportunity and searching for valuable commercial tax rateables. My working knowledge of civil service law and procedures will be a meaningful asset to the Township. I will fight to preserve open space, nourish the diverse character of our community, and advocate for fiscal prudence in the redevelopment of Main Street.
I hope that you cast one of your two votes for me. My name will be under the heading “Get Involved” and I hope that we all continue to get involved in shaping a bright future for West Orange.
