Council Democratic Candidates Lay Out Their Goals To Moorestown Business Association

Moorestown, NJ -- Moorestown Councilwoman Lisa Petriello and her Democratic running mates Kati Angelini and Amy Leis appeared at a recent Moorestown Business Association luncheon to clarify some of their positions ahead of the Nov. 8 general elections.

Petriello, Angelini and Leis are running against Mayor Phil Garwood, Deputy Mayor Victoria Napolitano and their Republican running mate Mike Locatell for three open seats.

About 50 people came out for the luncheon at the First Baptist Church on Main Street as the Democratic candidates laid out their goals for council if they are elected.

According to a release from the candidates, the goals they laid out are as follows:

OPEN AND TRANSPARENT GOVERNMENT
All residents should have easy access to council proceedings and township documentation

• Televised/streamed council meetings
• Council and township documents made available online and easily accessible
• Council packets available to residents – residents should have access to the same information council has
• Consistent and clear communication

PROACTIVE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

• Fiscally responsible government
• Long term, cost effective and proactive planning
• Hiring the right professionals for the job
• Properly reviewed, negotiated, and administered contracts to avoid wasteful spending.

SUPPORTING AND RE-ENERGIZING BUSINESS DISTRICTS

• Explore the feasibility of a Business District Manager to recruit new businesses and facilitate working relationships with all business district stakeholders
• Market and brand our business districts as a “destination”
• Data collection and analysis to identify target demographic
• Red Tape Commission to eliminate unnecessary barriers to business development

INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING AND MAINTENANCE

• Prioritize the maintenance of our infrastructure and natural resources
• Strategic investment in our infrastructure
• Rebuild our water utility based on sound analysis and professional recommendations and in partnership with regulatory guidance.

TRUSTWORTHY AND ACCOUNTABLE LEADERSHIP

• Moorestown residents deserve a town council that represents them with integrity and respect.
• Moorestown residents deserve leadership that is accountable, trustworthy, and respectful in all transactions.

OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT
Open space provides a benefit to our personal well-being and can generate economic value to the community, our homeowners, and businesses.

• Protect and expand our open spaces
• Explore ways to connect open spaces with other natural areas and residential communities and implement where possible
• Develop an Open Space maintenance plan

Petriello said council needs to hold itself “to a higher standard of accountability, increase the transparency of its actions, and work more collaboratively with the community.”

She said she envisions a more inclusive and collaborative public process that leverages the vast talent in the Moorestown community.

Angelini focused on the township’s drinking water quality.

“The township knew about these contaminants three years ago,” Angelini said. “It’s time we make the health and safety of residents our top priority.”

Leis expressed her concerns with the business districts.

“They need greater support and it’s time we think out of the box about ways to enhance their potential,” Leis said.

She and her running mates are ready to explore options which include rezoning, a business district manager, and a Red Tape Commission. She recognized the Red Tape Commission for its potential value to Moorestown after attending a similar event at the state level earlier this year.

The attached image was provided by the Democratic candidates for Moorestown Council

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