Verona Council Candidates: Five Questions for Tamburino and Williams

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.

GERARD TAMBURINO, running for the one, two-year term available

 Why are you throwing your hat into the ring?

 I am running for Council because I feel it is one of the best ways I can serve the public other than being an attorney.  If elected, I would not be financially compensated but would benefit from the joy of assisting a community in attaining the best quality of life for each and every resident regardless of age, race, religion, or gender.  I look forward to new ideas and innovative ways which will facilitate Verona’s advance into the future. 

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

 I have been involved with our community sine 1996 when I relocated my office from Fairfield, NJ to Bloomfield Avenue in Verona.  Being a business owner downtown for almost seven years enabled me to see first hand what improvements need to be made.  Further, as a member of the Rent Control Board, I have the ability to assist the tenants and landlords in applying the Rent Control Ordinance fairly.  My son, George, has played numerous sports and that involvement was extremely rewarding.

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

 As and attorney, I have represented and continue to represent many Verona residents and business owners.  That has assisted me in witnessing the way the Township’s policies have affected the residents both in a positive and negative way.  As legal advocate for victims of domestic violence, I have developed a compassion for those who need a representative who understands their pain whether it be a senior who is poor or a tenant who is being neglected.

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

Not to say that they are unimportant, I have not given much attention to the other candidates’ platforms.  My platform is “the residents must be heard” because one of the overwhelming concerns I have is the constant feeling from the residents that they are insignificant and the government does not listen or care.  That is sad.  I will do everything I can to keep and open forum which allows accessibility to the leadership in Town.

What will be your first priorities if you get elected?

My first priority is to address the pending issues before the Council because I would like to “hit the ground running”.  Once that work is done, I would impress upon the Council the need for a well-designed online arena which would afford full transparency of what the Township leaders are doing.  Further, I believe each department in town should have a small website for the residents as well.  Transparency is critical.

BRUCE WILLIAMS, running for the one, two-year term available

Why are you throwing your hat into the ring?

 I believe this is a critical time for our town. I have volunteered in Verona in various organizations to make this a better community to live in affecting our seniors to our youth. I have the business experience and personality that will prove invaluable to many of the town departments, citizens and governing body. I am not a politician but a concerned, credible business person that has learned this town by experiencing involvement with great citizens and organizations for 31 years.

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

Trained Leader Verona Boy Scouts Troop 2, (Troop Committee, Advancement Committee, Eagle Scout Board of Review Committee, Past Troop Committee Chairman, Cub Master Pack 1 Forest Ave) Member Camp Glen Gray Old Guard, Haunted House Fund raisers, Past Chief Indian Guides and Princess through YMCA. Earth Day Clean Up Verona Park, Public Safety Committee, Past Coach and Manager Verona Rec baseball. Past Auxiliary Police Chief West Orange, Past Deputy Director Civil Defense WO, Verona Jaycees Past President, 26 year commitment working for the Verona Unico, Labor Day Classic raising funds for charity.

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

I have a wide background in business management skills. I have experience with global and domestic business. These skills can be applied to a working relationship with the mayor and council as well as the different department heads and town management divisions.

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

My platform centers on 4 areas: (1)Economic Development. Sensible Smart Growth. (2) Fiscal Responsibility. Smart use of Tax Dollars. Ensure that all tax dollar expenditures are appropriate and necessary and effective. Responsible development in town government with financial accountability. (3)Public Safety. Make sure Police, Fire and First Aid have resources, training and support to keep Verona safe and secure. Give citizens a voice in decisions that govern their future. (4)Volunteerism. Increase awareness if Volunteer positions to save tax dollars.

What will be your first priorities if you get elected?

Fiscal Responsibility. Continue to explore Shared Services that will affect Verona positively. Determine cost savings through Green Technology to help effect our environment more positively. Partner with the Bd of Ed to see where there are common areas for savings. Continue to ensure that every tax dollar earned is one that is used effectively.