Take Five With Summit Council Candidate Greg Vartan

SUMMIT, NJ - Patch asked Summit Council Candidate Greg Vartan to take five with us and share some thoughts on the city, the campaign and beyond. His answers are below, with minor courtesy edits for style.

1. Why are you running for office?

Three main reasons:

• Boundless love for this City
• Deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities we will likely face in the near future
• Broad experience bringing people together to listen, lead, and produce results

I’m both a beneficiary and product of Summit’s excellent culture of volunteerism. I was raised in Summit to believe that if you have the opportunity to help others, you probably should.

2. What is the biggest challenge you see facing your community and how will you address it?

Making and keeping Summit more affordable. I believe Summit’s approach to this challenge should be two-fold. First, protect our property values. We should continue to focus on responsible and transparent budgeting. This year, Council delivered a 0 percent increase in the municipal tax rate and a 22% decrease in capital spending. If elected, I would continue to prioritize spending only on essentials. I believe we should also explore the budgetary impact of Senior Property Tax Relief.

And second, we should work to grow the commercial tax-base by re-developing on Broad St. During my time on the Planning Board, it has become very clear to me that the Broad St West redevelopment project is as complex as it is essential. The Fire Department needs a new station, part of the area is owned by private businesses, and part of the area is owned by the City. Even with all these "moving pieces" it seems from my conversations with people that providing more options for entertainment, adding residences, and maintaining parking should be the focus.

What I believe is of paramount importance for the project are the following three things. First, we must maintain the character of the city. Second, we must leverage the opportunity to grow the commercial tax-base. And third, we must use this development project as a road-map for incorporating environmentally sustainable practices such as solar capability, green roofs, and EV charging stations added to parking areas.

3. What makes you the right person to vote for as opposed to the other candidate(s)? What do you bring to the table that others don't?

I have only met Lou DeSocio a couple of times. I reached out to him with the intention of sitting down to get to know him a bit better, but he did not respond.

I am the better choice to represent Ward 2 on Council because I have an understanding of the way the government currently operates, what is required to keep moving Summit forward, and as a first responder I bring a unique perspective.

Additionally, I have attended every Council meeting since April and I have knocked on more than 3,000 doors. Connecting with people in this way has allowed so many of our neighbors to feel comfortable entrusting me with their concerns and hopes for our community. I have also been creating a blog and short video with my three thoughts after every Council meeting. Beyond the platitudes found on Lou’s literature, I don’t really know what he stands for.

Finally, Lou’s campaign literature reads “Vote to bring back Summit’s tradition of excellence.” I wonder what specifically it is that Lou believes our city has lost. From my perspective, Summit is greater than it has ever been. We have challenges like any community, but I believe without a shadow of a doubt that Summit’s best days lie ahead, and that with the right leadership we will continue to work together to keep Summit a truly wonderful destination to live and work.

4. What will you do to facilitate communication with the community?

As mentioned in the previous answer, I have knocked on more than 3,000 doors and by Election Day will have knocked on every door in Ward 2 at least once. I make sure everyone with whom I speak knows how to get in touch with me if there’s anything they believe I should be focusing on.

I believe generally, that our government works best when more people are involved in the process. I will be proactive in seeking out public input.

I will continue to knock on doors to find out what is important to people, and whether I’m walking down Springfield Avenue, buying a cup of coffee, or out with friends, I am always willing to chat about our wonderful City.

5. What inspires you?

I’m inspired by the members of my family, teachers, coaches, and fellow first responders who give of their time, talent, and money to make Summit a better place for everyone.

(Photo courtesy of Greg Vartan)

Editor's Note: Patch has reached out to every candidate that has filed to run for office and is publishing all responses received. If a candidate does not have a story on the site it is because they did not respond. Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact russ.crespolini@patch.com.