Candidate Sean Spiller: This Election Is Still About People

This election was before and still must be about the needs of the residents we hope to represent.

It is important to clearly spell out our priorities.

To start, I will not jeopardize the safety of the residents I hope to represent or the protection of their property.

There has been talk about the closure of our Fire Station Three on Harrison Avenue bordering the third and fourth wards. Instead, I believe we need to put saving lives, homes and memories at the top of our list.

Further, while we hear from some camps who support cut-at-any-cost policies, those I meet going door-to-door or attending events share the same desire I do: To see Montclair continue to be a place of great diversity with tremendous excitement, pride, and potential for future growth.

Having benefited from the diversity of a mixed family, I was drawn to and understand the need to preserve Montclair’s great mix of human elements. We must do more than just attract and keep this mix; we must provide the services that all Montclair residents depend on.

Certainly all candidates for the council will look for cost savings, but if we are hoping to fund even some of the services that Montclair needs and reduce taxes, we need to look at smart business development and increased business ratables.

Of course, there continue to be local issues that should remain in clear focus. Residents are demanding the township repave pothole-riddled roads and reexamine issues specific to each ward.

I look forward to easing the daily concerns of residents, like resolving a parking problem which has plagued many of us in the third ward and elsewhere for many years. Too many find it difficult to park at all, let alone near their residence. Increased street permit use or alternate side parking are options. Since wants and needs vary from street to street, a cookie-cutter approach will not do. While we must maintain safe and accessible streets, mindful of our community standard, it’s also critical that we develop a plan allowing our neighbors to park more easily.

While providing residents with solutions, we need to look for efficiencies as well. We must prioritize projects, closely analyze their cost and benefit, and make the hard choices when funding is not available.

As stated, we must look to responsibly develop and improve our business community. Through smart development, planning, and investment, we will expand and speed our business growth.

There are untapped opportunities to generate income that we must seize. For instance, through the enforcement of existing laws, we can expand our recycling program in our schools and push for greater recycling throughout our township.  This would decrease dumping costs and create substantial revenue, all while diminishing our environmental footprint.  

Additionally, while we must explore all options for cost savings, we must also be leaders in offering services such as waste management/recycling to other townships. Through such shared agreements, we will be able to maintain control and accountability while we provide for our residents, and use the revenue to offset costs. Never should our residents worry that we are the fourth or fifth town on a list for service or be burdened with excess fees because there is nowhere else to turn.

Above all, however, we must not lose sight of our obligation to the residents of Montclair and the Township of Montclair itself.

I hope that you share the same vision for a future Montclair that I do.