McKeon: West Orange Ready for Change

Former West Orange Mayor John McKeon said he chose not to run for another term of office. "It's time for change," he said. Mayor Robert Parisi took charge July 1, but McKeon said he will continue to help the 12-year veteran councilman transition into his seat. Patch talked with McKeon about his years in office and the challenges the new administration face in the township.

Q. Where was West Orange when you began office 12 years ago and how has it progressed during the years through economic woes?

A. Thirteen years ago, the town was at a major low point. Sadly, the local government was ridden with scandal. The police chief, who was the son of the mayor, was indicted and convicted. The town attorney was indicted and disbarred. The same for one of the public defenders. There was a recall effort to remove the mayor from office. And, at that time ... it was when the real estate market was booming, so, taxes were skyrocketing, property values were going down ... so, the place was at a critical crossroads with crime at an all-time high. It was a difficult situation to step in to. And, so, the biggest accomplishment I can point to is, if one can reference 12 years ago where we were as a community and what the prediction was for in the future ... urban decay and having challenges like cities of Orange or East Orange ... not that those are good places, but things were changing. Crime was cut 50 percent in 12 years. Auto theft went from 600-plus vehicles stolen 12 years ago to 48 this past year. Another major focus was facilities. So, parks went from the some of the worst to the best — preserving 70 acres. Preserving the arts from the Valley (Arts District) to the state incubator. I brought in several ratables such as the JCC (Jewish Community Center) ... We have an aggressive redevelopment plan for downtown with a private investor that's sunk $40 million in ... and six out of 12 years to have delivered a zero municipal budget increase ... I'll match cards with any mayor that has a community this size. I personally enjoy this job and I'm satisfied by it. If I can, I'd keep this job for life.

Q. Now that you're retiring as mayor, what do you plan to do with the free time?

A. I'm a senior partner at a law firm, so there's always something to do. For eight years, I've been a member of the state legislature and I'm deputy speaker and chair of the committee on the environment, so I'll keep plenty busy in the public life. I can only be one person and couldn't be all over the state, such as in Burlington County to speak to the Sierra Club because you just can't do it all, but now I can. The free time I'll have that won't be devoted to the position of mayor will allow me to do even more — especially getting to other parts of New Jersey.

Q. What would you like to see the new administration continue in the next four years?

A. From an integrity perspective ... I know Mayor Parisi and the council and they have great moral compasses, so that will be a standard. I know they're sensitive and should be to the people and the challenges of property taxes. I'm also very hopeful they'll continue to, as we did, celebrate the good that we are. Not everyone focuses on the greatness this place (West Orange) possesses. I'm proud to have celebrated the diversity and embrace it for the better. All our experiences were enhanced by that. I know the new administration will continue to celebrate the diversity and continue to work on the bumps that come with that.

Q. What do you think the toughest challenges the new administration faces?

A. The budget. When you have costs that are constant and challenges that are still going to be there in an economic climate where people are not earning what they did ... they are now even more focused on property taxes. If you earned $100,000 and you can pay them (taxes), but now if you're earning $80,000, you're more focused. Dealing with people's need in relief for that regard is the biggest challenge. And, in part, the mayor's hands have rules and regulations on how you have to deal with the municipal staff and employees ... there's a reason why taxes move the way they do. There's systemic systems that drive it and it handcuffs most, but I know that will be (Parisi's) main focus — feeling what it's like having gone through a rough campaign in town with the community. I think we need to get a handle around this (property taxes) in order to allow the community to thrive.