Verona Council Candidates: Five Questions for Nochimson and Sapienza

The following are responses to our five, bottom line questions, from two of the eight candidates running for Township Council. These are the last of the responses. 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. Frank Sapienza, being the only incumbent, has a slight variation on his questions.

 MICHAEL NOCHIMSON, running for one of two, four-year terms available.

(Editor’s Note: Michael Nochimson did not respond to repeated requests for his answers to our questions.)

 FRANK SAPIENZA, running for one of two, four-year terms available.

 As an incumbent, what will be your campaign strategy?

I pride myself on my accessibility and will continue to be so throughout my campaign. I’ll reach out to our residents and respectfully ask that they elect me to another term. I plan on walking the streets and getting my message of experience, sound fiscal management and excellent services to our residents. Despite what some of my opponents may say, our town debt is low and our finances are in very good shape. Pensions and health benefits are huge cost drivers and the governor and legislature must change the current system, it can’t be done on the municipal level.

Do you expect a tough campaign from your opponents?

I think it would be a mistake to take this election lightly. I need to earn the support of our residents and I’m hopeful that when they see what I have helped accomplish over the past four years that they will vote for me. These are tough times all over the state but once again our budget is well under the “Governors 2% Cap”. This year under the cap we have a zero increase, which isn’t an easy accomplishment! Outside the cap, pensions and benefits are always an issue. I remain dedicated to our residents and don’t take anything for granted.

As an incumbent, do you see this as an advantage because of the experience or a possible disadvantage because of associations with the baggage of the past years?

It’s an advantage because people have had 4 years to see that I’m accessible, work hard and dedicated to this town. Residents are smart and they realize that I’m simply serving them during this economic downturn and it wasn’t caused by me.  Hopefully, they will see me as a person that continues to represent them with dedication and honor throughout these tough times. One that in his time has worked to reduce our work force, maintained services and helped maintain the integrity of this great town during this economic down turn. Residents want someone with experience in these difficult times.

If you get re-elected, is there anything different you might try?

A thriving business district and filled store fronts eases the tax burden on our residents. Under our form of government it is illegal for council members to reach out and contact prospective business. I will be more proactive in making sure out town manager encourages new business.  I’m not so sure our residents are made aware of all our town has to offer and our accomplishments. Our residents often don’t have the time to research an issue and at times are given misinformation through the ‘grapevine’. I will try to make sure our residents are better informed.

What will be your first priorities?

The council is responsible for 26 cents out of every one of your tax dollars and we need to make sure that money is budgeted responsibly. Reckless cuts and gimmicks will only pass the burden onto the next budget year. We have a difficult enough time dealing with situations that are out of our control like unfunded state mandates, escalating pensions and benefits, so we need to watch closely what is under our control. Working to make sure our road and infrastructure projects are completed in time with as little interruption to the lives of our residents as possible.