Take Five: Chatham Borough Mayoral Candidate Bob Weber

CHATHAM, NJ - There is a contested election for Chatham Borough Mayor and Patch caught up with the candidates ahead of the general election this November.

Questionnaires were sent out out to all candidates registered with the County Clerk's Office in the 2019 general election using the email addresses they went on file with. The responses will be posted on the site by those who submitted in the order in which they were received. They will also be included in an election preview wrap.

This Take Five features Bob Weber. His responses to the questions are below and unedited.

1. Why are you running for office?

I am running for mayor to better serve the residents of Chatham Borough. The government should serve the people’s interests, not the other way around. I want to use my time and talents to guide the municipal government in its efforts to appropriately and efficiently tackle the problems facing the Borough, such as maintaining a stable tax rate, traffic congestion, redevelopment, and empty storefronts on Main Street.

2. What is the biggest challenge you see facing your community and how will you address it?

The biggest challenge is trying to maintain municipal services while holding the line on tax increases. The redevelopment process is one way to increase the town’s commercial ratables instead of further burdening the residential taxpayer. Presumably the Borough will receive more tax money from the developers of Post Office Plaza and River Road than the owners are currently paying. With that being said, it is important the these redevelopment projects be scrutinized to make sure they are in the best interest of the Borough and its residents and are in keeping with the charm and character of the town. Hopefully these new development projects will spur other landowners in town to improve and/or sell their properties, resulting in more tax revenue to the Borough.

3. What makes you the right person to vote for as opposed to the other candidate(s)?

Based upon my training as an attorney and experience as an Assistant County Prosecutor, I consider myself to be an independent thinker with an analytical mindset who is willing to ask tough questions of the “experts.” I have no problem taking people to task when they need to be. I am highly organized individual and thoroughly research all of the issues that come before the Mayor and Council. I try to educate my fellow Council Members as well. I am a good negotiator who tries to build consensus in order to solve everyday problems. Once all of the relevant facts are gathered from the relevant stakeholders, I am not afraid to make a decision and stand by it. I believe some other Council Members rely too heavily on resident surveys and new advisory commissions to guide their decision-making.

4. What will you do to facilitate communication with the community?

I fully support the Borough’s effort to rework its website, since I think most people go there first for information. I would also like to create a “Mayor’s Newsletter” that would inform residents of important information more than once a year. I will also make myself available to meet with any resident who wishes to voice a concern.

5. What inspires you?

I am motivated by a desire to help others as a way to give back to my community. As I go campaigning door-to-door it is a pleasure to hear that many residents do not have any complaints. That is the way it should be and what I want to help deliver for all residents. Also, as a long-time Boy Scout leader, I am inspired by the goal of preparing young men (and now young women) to be “prepared for life.” The youth of our community are our most precious asset and they need to be nurtured into adults who will be well-positioned to succeed in life.

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