Verona Council Candidates: Five Questions for Caruso and McGinley

The following are responses to our five, bottom line questions, from two of the eight candidates running for Township Council. We will continue to post responses, two at a time, in the coming days. Our intention is to keep it concise, focusing on the factual points a voter might want answered before walking into the voting booth, without dealing with hypothetical situations or speculations. In an effort to be fair and equal to all candidates, we have asked the same questions to all and limited the maximum number of words per response. We also will be listing the candidates alphabetically.

 ROBERT CARUSO, running for one of two, four-year terms available.

 Why are you throwing your hat into the ring?

 Having placed roots in Verona, I have a vested interest in seeing this community prosper and continue to be a welcoming place for new families, long time residents, and seniors on fixed incomes struggling to pay their taxes. I will ensure that Verona resident's tax dollars are used wisely.

 How have you been involved in this or other communities in the past?

 I grew up in Connecticut and won an elected position in 1995 to the Zoning Board of Appeals. From 1992 to 1997, I was a volunteer firefighter. In 1997, I became a police officer and in 1999, started my career in federal law enforcement, bringing me to this area. Shortly after moving to Verona in 2003, I was appointed to the Public Safety Committee where I continue to serve. I have also previously served on the Verona Board of Education Budget Review Committee and I am the founder of the Verona Heroes website, (www.veronaheroes.com) This past year, I brought the historical significance of the Erie freight station shed on Depot Street to the attention of the Verona Landmarks Preservation Commission, which resulted in the structure being designated as Verona's first historic landmark by the Verona Town Council.

 Is there anything from your occupation or skills that you can use in your role on the council?

 I, like most Verona residents, have been affected by this current economic downturn. According to the Federal Reserve, the current economic recession wiped out $14 trillion in American household wealth--an amount equal to more than $120,000 per household nationwide. New Jersey has been hit even harder due to high taxes at all levels of government. I bring a commitment to public service and a straight-talking and honest approach to government.

 What is your campaign platform and how does it differ from the others?

 Property taxes are too high and people can't afford to pay them anymore. They have reached their limit and are looking for their government not just to hear, but to listen. They want lower taxes and spending reduced. As a Verona Councilman, I will work for a zero percent increase in spending and will encourage the Verona Board of Education and Essex County to do the same.

 What will be your first priorities if you get elected?

 A recent idea gaining momentum that I have been studying is the Government Efficiency Movement (GEM). GEM was founded in New Jersey by Roxbury Councilman Tim Smith, and is being considered by municipalities in Morris, Bergen, Monmouth, Ocean, and Middlesex counties. GEM's mission is to: Identify and implement new approaches to municipal cost-cutting, by rethinking the nature of local government structures. The groups are conducting multiple meetings to brainstorm, discuss and evaluate current methodologies and new ways to better conduct government business and reduce costs to communities. I am exploring the Local Unit Alignment, Reorganization and Consolidation Commission which studies the structure and functions of municipal government in order to recommend legislative changes that would encourage the more efficient operation of local government.

 As a Councilman, I will lead the way in bringing other West Essex municipalities and Essex County together to implement greater government efficiency and sharing of services. All cost savings will result in property tax relief.

 DANIEL MCGINLEY, running for one of two, four-year terms available.

 Why are you throwing your hat into the ring?

 I want to serve this wonderful town by using my expertise, interest, and availability to provide direction at the highest level of Verona municipal governance.  My education and professional experience are very closely aligned with the duties of the Council and I can call on the experience I’ve acquired over 30 years of service and volunteering.

 Have you been involved in this or other communities in the past?

 I have been an active member of the Verona community for more than 30 years, initially serving on Citizens’ Advisory Committees for water and wastewater projects, participating in a multitude of Jaycees’ service projects and, more recently, the Budget Review Committee.  I have worked on education-related committees reviewing curriculum, setting technology goals and establishing the Verona Foundation for Educational Excellence.  I have coached a dozen girls and boys’ basketball teams for the Recreation Department and have been a member of the Baptismal Ministry at Our Lady of the Lake Church for more than 15 years.

 I have served as the President or Co-President, Chairman or Co-chair of the following Verona boards, committees and organizations: the Jaycees, Conference of SCA’s, SCA’s at the High School, Whitehorne Middle School, and Laning Elementary School, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Fair in the Square, Labor Day Picnic and 5K Run.

 Is there anything from your occupation or skills that you can use in your role on the council?

 I have a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and over thirty years of experience directing professional and non-profit organizations operating locally and internationally.  I was responsible for programs in engineering education, government services, field operations, membership development, customer service and ethics.  Currently I am an independent contractor, serving multiple clients that operate Business Improvement Districts and Property Owner Associations.  In this capacity, I am responsible for providing administrative leadership in the areas of government relations, audit and insurance operations and serving as their chief financial officer.

 What is your campaign platform and how does it differ from the others?

 My campaign platform addresses the essential elements of municipal management – Experienced Leadership and Fiscal Integrity.  I believe this can best be accomplished through three main thrusts: Control Finances, Keep Government Open and Cultivate Our Unique Community

 What sets me apart is that I truly believe a grassroots campaign is not only possible but can be successful.  These are tough economic times and I will not ask my family, friends or local businesses to contribute their hard-earned money for lawn signs, bulk mailings and advertisements.  I am confident I can rely on everyone I have met during my 34 years in Verona to generate support for Experienced Leadership and Fiscal Integrity.

 What will be your first priorities if you get elected?

 I am already familiar with many of the Council’s current issues (e.g. the municipal budget, the overhaul of the Zoning Ordinance, potential changes for wastewater treatment, etc).  My first priority will be to forge working relationships with the other Council Members, Township employees and key volunteers.  Then I will stress communications with citizens, not only to inform and educate, but also to seek input.  After that, I will focus on making every decision only after considering what is in the best interest of the entire community.