Meet Nuris Portuondo: Republican, Ward I

Today we meet Nuris Portuondo, republican candidate for Ward I. Nuris is running unopposed as Democrat Deb Befatto withdrew from the race several weeks ago due to time constraints. This week we've met: Laura Graff Coburn, democratic candidate for Ward II, Steve Murphy, democratic candidate for at-large, and Rich Madden, republican candidate for Ward II. Tomorrow we'll meet our final candidate: Republican Andy Lark running for at-large. Don't forget to check out the video at the right to hear from Nuris herself!

Name: Nuris Portuondo

Age: 42

Address: 43 Sheffield Road, Summit, NJ 07901

             Phone: 908-608-0420Cell: 908-403-7583

Email: nuriselena@comcast.net or portuondoforcouncil@gmail.com

Years lived in town: 12

Family info: Spouse: Carlos Molina, Professor Molecular Biology, Montclair State University; Daughter: Adelle Molina age 19, Sophomore at Brown University; Son: Anise Molina age 17, Senior at Summit High School

Educational background: B.A. Purdue University 1990; J.D. Hofstra University School of Law 1997

Occupation: Attorney, Partner at Schwartz Simon Edelstein Celso & Zitomer LLC, 44 Whippany Road, Suite 210, Morristown, NJ 07960, phone: 973-301-0001 ext. 207, Email: nportuondo@ssecz.com

Community/political background: Zoning Board City of Summit; Board of Trustees local United Way; Board of Trustees The Connection for Women and Children (formerly YWCA)

Web site: Facebook site: Nuris Portuondo Campaign Council

Contact Info (in order of preference): Email: nportuondo@ssecz.com; Cell: 908-403-7583; Email: nuriselena@comcast.net; portuondoforcouncil@gmail.com; Tel.: 973-301-0001 ext. 207

What do you think are the three biggest issues facing Summit this election?

• Fiscal responsibility: Economic policy and budgets have to reflect current fiscal realities.
• Maintain high standards of excellence in public schools: Continue to support efforts of the Board of Education.
• Feature city assets to revitalize downtown: Create long-term planning and marketing strategy for downtown to attract businesses to that sector.

Please explain where you stand on each issue:

• Fiscal responsibility: Economic policy and budgets have to reflect current fiscal realities.  We need to reduce operational costs and spending by concentrating our efforts in sharing services with other municipalities.  We need to investigate income sources, with no taxation, to increase revenues.  These could include the lease or sale of municipal properties. In addition, Council should continue to assist and oversee efforts to bring smart growth and development to the gateway areas near downtown.

• Maintain high standards of excellence in public schools: Continue to support efforts of the Board of Education.  Assist programs that fill funding gaps.  Continue to provide oversight over School Board budgets. 
• Feature city assets to revitalize downtown: Council should initiate a program to develop a long-term planning and marketing strategy for downtown to attract businesses.

What do you think are the 3 biggest issues facing your ward? Explain where you stand on each one.

Same as issues for entire City.  Some site-specific issues include:

1. Drainage issues
2. pedestrian safety/sidewalk issues
3. maintain suburban character of the area

 What skills would you bring to this position?

In my legal practice I oversee the Construction Litigation Group.  I bring experience in the areas of planning, zoning, and development which will prove useful as Council deals with development in the gateway areas of the city.  I also have experience with organizational budgets having chaired the Fund Distribution Committee for the local Chapter of the United Way.  As a working professional, I also bring the perspective of someone that faces the same personal and financial challenges as others in my community.

Why are you running?

Running for office is an opportunity to give back to a community that has given me and my family a home.  As a volunteer, I am grateful for the opportunity to utilize my expertise to assist the City in its administrative and legislative efforts.  I bring an open mind and a willingness to listen to the community so decisions are made in the best interest of all of Summit.

How do you intend on balancing the responsibilities of elected office with your personal and professional obligations?

My position allows me the flexibility to serve my community. My employer is supportive and also internally devoted to community service efforts.  My family life also provides me with flexibility and support.  I will be an empty-nester next year and have the time, the ability and willingness to serve my community in this endeavor.

Is Summit better off than where it was 3 or 4 years ago?

In some ways Summit is not better off that it was several years ago.  Summit faces economic hardships that stem from national, regional, state and county policies and conditions.  For example, the national collapse of the banking and mortgage industries has contributed to a decline in property values, reduced ability to obtain credit and some foreclosures. At the regional and State levels, Summit has been affected by economic strains in Wall Street with many residents facing unemployment, changes to employment conditions and uncertainty about continued employment.  At the State and County levels, Summit continues to experience increased taxation coupled with reductions in aid and grants. Locally, it is impossible to overlook the empty store-fronts in our downtown.

On the other hand, Summit has seen many positive developments during this same period.  For example, municipal government has begun efforts to share services to reduce operating costs.  Council has continued to fund capital projects, albeit reduced, to maintain and improve the City’s infrastructure. Local services, such as police, fire and public works have continued without interruption.  Despite national trends, Summit has maintained its excellent AAA bond rating.  Economic hardships have also stimulated discussion of energy conservation and green initiatives that hold great promise.  In these hard times, our City has seen an outpouring of local support for those in need, including continued philanthropic efforts and a massive volunteer force.  For all of these reasons, we are better off than before.

Overall, much can and should be done to reduce spending, avoid tax increases and continue to serve our community. I will work very hard to do that because together, we can “Renew and Make Summit Stronger.”