Five Questions WIth Verona Candidate Rich Williamson

Rich Williamson has lived in Verona for 27 years and both children, Betsy and Richie are both graduates of the Verona school system.

Williamson has been involved in many difference aspects of the community including the Verona Environmental Commission, budget review committee, Verona Centennial Celebration and a board member and coach of the Verona Baseball League (VBSL).

“I will work to keep the downtown growing, to ensure Verona continues to be the strong and vibrant community we all enjoy calling home,” he said.

What issues are important to you as a resident?
The most important issues of the day are stabilizing taxes while maintaining a high level of services. Municipalities throughout New Jersey are under financial stress, and Verona is no different. We need to work hard to remedy the age old conflict of quality of life services versus costs. There is also a disconnect that exists between government and the residents on information exchange.

What other organizations or bodies have you been on/been a part of?
I have been a member of the Verona Environmental Commission, the budget review committee and the Verona Centennial Celebration. I have been an elder and trustee at the First Presbyterian Church for 20 years. I have been active with the Verona Band Parents Association for the last eight years. I have been a board member and coach with the VBSL for the past 10 years. I have been a Rutgers Safety Course instructor for the past four years, and have trained hundreds of Verona youth coaches.

Why do you want to be on the council?
I want to bring my enthusiasm and a fresh perspective to the council. Working with numerous organizations in Verona over the past 20 years, has given me an understanding of what the residents of Verona value most. I want to get to work for them to maintain those values.

What makes you qualified for this position?
I have been the general manager of a small business in the construction industry for the past 30 years. It has afforded me an understanding of budgeting, manpower needs, purchasing, estimating and property management. I also have developed an understanding of the effects of rising healthcare costs on both employers and employees.

What issues do you plan to tackle if elected?
When elected to the Verona Town Council, I will work hard to make sure the disconnect in information sharing is corrected. I will think outside the box to seek out new sources of revenue and shared services that make sense. I will continue to maintain an open dialog with the residents and town employees. I will work to keep the downtown growing, to ensure Verona continues to be the strong and vibrant community we all enjoy calling home.