Elections 2011: Victor DeLuca, Democratic Candidate for Maplewood Township Committee

Patch has asked all political candidates running for public office in the general election on November 8, 2011, to supply statements of up to 500 words giving their qualifications and platform.

I’ve had the honor and privilege of serving on the Township Committee for 12 years, six of them as Mayor.  I’ve tried to make Maplewood the best it can be to live and raise a family. I hope you agree and will give me your vote on November 8th.

I believe in government – good, honest and transparent government - and reject the Tea Party position that government is the problem. I think the excellent response from our police, fire and public works departments during and after Hurricane Irene demonstrates how government can work and how it protects our lives and properties.

But these are challenging times. Most everyone, even the Township, is suffering from an economic downturn that does not seem to go away. As Mayor, I lead the Township Committee through very difficult budget decisions. In 2009 we reduced the number of Township employees by 10 percent or 27 people, to bring our spending in line with our revenue. And we have held the line on non-personnel and capital expenditures. Our actions worked and in 2011, we passed a budget with a ZERO tax increase for the average homeowner. Next year we will keep any increase as low as possible but certainly within the two percent allowed by law.

I have taken the lead on economic development. The streetscape work along Springfield Avenue is completed, creating a welcoming and safer Avenue. Walgreens is scheduled to open on November 4th and the 7Eleven is under construction. The Planning Board is reviewing a proposal to build a mixed retail and residential building across from the police station. New coffee shops, bakeries, and dance studios have opened up.

The vitality of Maplewood Village must be preserved. The new residential development on the site of the former police station will bring additional shoppers to our downtown. The next big project is the post office site which will be available in 2013. I am excited about the prospect of moving Kings across the street to a new and larger building.

I have been involved in crafting shared service agreements. The shared court with South Orange is a more efficient operation and brings in new revenue to Maplewood. We now provide S.O. with Code Enforcement services. And we have a shared service agreement with Springfield, the first time with a Union County town.

So much that is good is happening and I am excited about our future. I think our local government is on the right track and I ask for your vote for me and India Larrier. Thank you.