Ghebremicael Runs For West Orange Council: Taxes, Roads, Parks

WEST ORANGE, NJ — “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” This quote from Mahatma Ghandi is one of the driving forces in Asmeret Ghebremicael’s campaign for a seat on the West Orange Town Council in 2022.

Ghebremicael is one of six people have picked up petitions to run for West Orange Town Council, according to the town clerk’s office. Others include William Barbee, Ron Charles, Monica Perkowski, Susan Scarpa and Maria Vera. Read More: West Orange Mayor, Council, BOE Races Shaping Up For 2022 Election

As of Tuesday, Ghebremicael is the only one to return their petition, getting more than 500 signatures in support of her run for office. The general election will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Ghebremicael, a longtime West Orange resident and product of the local public school system, offers a succinct summary about her political platform at her campaign website:

“My platform is quite simple – I care about West Orange. As a resident, a mother, and a concerned citizen, I am raising my hand to be part of the team that you entrust to care for our seniors, keep our parks beautiful, our roads smooth and our taxes manageable.”

According to a statement from her campaign team, Asmeret’s platform includes:

• “Invest in West Orange parks”
• “Improve the West Orange infrastructure and invest in safer streets and walkability”
• “Enhance the West Orange community services and provide more diversified events”
• “Ensure fiscal responsibility”

Her career achievements and education include:

• Assistant to Essex County Chief of Staff
• Essex County Pandemic Response Leadership Team, Managed the COVID call center
• Ran the 2020 Essex County Census Initiative
• West Orange Human Relations Commissioner and Rent Leveling Board Member
• Master's Degree in Public Administration from Rutgers University

“As a public servant and a humanitarian, my goal is to continue promoting human welfare within my community while advocating for equity, access to funding, health care and housing in our community,” Ghebremicael said.

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