Dr. Robert Rubino Runs For Re-Election In Summit

I am Dr. Robert Rubino, your Ward 1 councilman and President of the Common Council, and I am running for re-election on November 4th.

I have lived and worked in Summit for 19 years, yet many of you have come to know me particularly well over the past three years through my efforts to resolve focused problems in your neighborhoods or addressing city-wide concerns such as renovating the community center.

When asked for assistance by a Summit citizen, my mindset as a public servant is: “I am not going to have a good day until I can help you and create a path towards resolution”. My ability to define a problem, conjure solutions and establish trust in my leadership relates to my background as a physician and surgeon. Prudent problem solving skills are critical to finding successful resolutions while encouraging thoughtful consideration of diverse perspectives. Any organization works better with strong leadership and a collegial atmosphere. During my time on council, I strived to foster that environment which my colleagues recognized by unanimously electing me as Council President this year.

One of my first initiatives was to institute a “T-file” system, which triggers a council review of past votes to evaluate whether they have produced their intended effects. This effort is to ensure we are not an inflexible body that passes laws without evaluating whether our measures were helpful to the community we serve.

Since I represent all citizens equally, regardless of party affiliation, I have worked to strengthen the council’s relationship with the all-Democratic Union County Freeholders by attending meetings in Elizabeth and personally hosting five of the nine freeholders at Summit meetings. At City Hall, I convened the first joint meeting of Union County and Summit’s finance teams-evidence that collaboration with the county has never been better. This bipartisan support is further evidenced in letters to the editor and placement of lawn signs calling for my re-election. I am proud to say that my supporters run the political spectrum, Republican, Democrat and Independent, knowing me as fair minded, guided by integrity, and diligently working solely for the best interests of Summit.

Of the numerous competing interests for council’s attention in 2014, I prioritized the legislative agenda to focus on practical, pressing issues, such as cutting municipal taxes by .4%, the first cut in a generation; securing $17 MM to improve school safety and renovations; approving $4.5MM to expand the community recreation center for seniors and youth; improving infrastructure such as the Glenside parking lot addition; spearheading rapid repair of the Hobart Bridge; scheduling the Morris Avenue bridge repair for 2015; directly petitioning the CEO of JCP&L to contract with local repair crews to guarantee faster response times in the wake of “Sandy”; facilitating the Salt Brook de-snagging environmental project that received federal funding; piloting the use of compressed natural gas in a public works vehicle; developing our downtown and most importantly, safeguarding our citizens.

In addition to my focus on day-to-day issues, I see my role as developing a vision for Summit’s future. An exciting opportunity lies in the realization of the Summit High Line initiative. My proposal converts the abandoned railway land into a public space extending from downtown to Briant Park. With a Manhattan view, the Summit High Line will fulfill a pedestrian/bike park concept that will enhance the quality of life for all residents who want to enjoy nature, create a destination for tourists to visit and utilize our downtown and increase property values for all of Summit.

I believe that anyone who stands for election to Common Council should prove his or her worthiness by being able to show a broad and sustained history of service to the city before asking to be considered for a seat on the governing body. Over the past 19 years, I have volunteered my time as a Summit Red Cross Board member, mentor of students by establishing “Tomorrow’s M.D.s” medical research program at the high school, Board of Health president, head coach for Summit junior baseball, and as a councilman and President of Common Council. Achievements over my past term on council demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the issues that affect our town.

I see service to Summit as a happy obligation, given my tremendous good fortune to live and raise my family in this thriving city. I hope I have earned your confidence and trust for another term as councilman for the City of Summit.

www.RobertRubino.com