Morristown Town Council Election 2021: David Silva

MORRISTOWN, NJ — It won't be long until Morristown elects members to its Town Council. Patch has asked local candidates to share their thoughts before the Nov. 2 General Election.

Patch sent out emails to all candidates to the email addresses listed for their campaign provided to the office of the clerk. The responses received will get published between now and Election Day.

Here is the response from Town Council candidate David Silva.

Name: David Silva
Age (as of Election Day): 57
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Family: Wife Patricia, 2 Daughters who graduated Morristown High, and 5 Grandchildren ages 7, 6, 3, 3, 2. Two of my grandchildren were born in Morristown.
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? Yes, my daughter has worked for the community for 8 years in Morristown.
Education: I studied Business Administration in Colombia, and Theological studies here in USA.
Occupation: Senior Pastor of Centro Biblico of NJ, Inc.
Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: I am currently a councilman at large for the Town of Morristown and am running for my second term.
Campaign website: https://www.facebook.com/Morri...

Why are you seeking elective office?

I have been a community leader as well as a Morristown resident for over 19 years and have enhanced my service to the community with a four-year term as a councilman.

My vision of service as a councilman is working for the quality of life in all our communities in Morristown. My track record as councilman speaks for itself:

• I have worked with the administration on balancing the budget that has led to a healthy surplus,
• I support more affordable housing, which is at the highest number in the history of our town, have added to special needs housing,
• I helped to attract new businesses
• I support any initiative that will protect our environment (trees, water, parks)
• I have worked with and support our Public Safety Department in different fronts
• My tenure as councilman has led to an all-time low in crime, and great responses from the public during storms and emergencies

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Public Information and Education: Each community in Morristown has different needs, and we must provide a steady flow of information and education through different means and technologies. This is paramount to continue advancing towards the desired change as issues and needs are being fulfilled. I believe we can encourage and inspire more residents to help us in the advancement of our town.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have been a Morristown community leader for 19 years as a Pastor as well as a resident; my experience in my field, working and serving different fronts allows me to have a closer dynamic serving my constituents throughout Morristown. My experience as a councilman is proven with my track record.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Current challenges: More Affordable housing and Education and information to certain communities in town. I would like to see an increase from 15 to 20% in Affordable housing

My role as council-at-large is not only to relay each specific case to the Town to address but to follow up and make sure that there are resolutions and adequate resources given to our residents.

Traffic is another major concern. My job is to make sure the traffic studies, engineers and professionals are creating improvements. Although I am running for council, I am a community leader as well and a resident for 19 years and every issue affects me as well.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My track record includes advocating and voting for projects that create opportunities for affordable housing, the improvement of parks, and streets such as Martin Luther King Avenue and Washington Street. I have contributed during my term to assure that taxes are not raised for the residents of Morristown. During the pandemic, I made sure that the right measures were implemented in town hall and town wide to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and played a key role providing hundreds of families with thousands of food/ boxes, addressing financial needs by making sure the resources or where to go to seek help was readily available. From the very beginning I sought to share the resources and contacts available for mental health, testing, and medical attention for people. I partnered with the Mayor to help small businesses by visiting small business owners town wide during the COVID-19 pandemic last winter. I take my work as council member very seriously and dedicate the effort to do my best to fulfill my vision of working for the quality of life in all our communities in Morristown.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

“You are far happier and more blessed giving than getting”

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am honored to have served as councilman of our beautiful Morristown for the past four years and hope to continue serving in all the ways that I can. My work in Morristown as a community leader is not one done alone, but rather a team effort with those interested in bringing positive change to the residents and their families. I associate and surround myself with those who are willing to go above and beyond to maintain the best interest of the community which has enhanced this work for the betterment of our town.

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