Orphanidis Pitches ‘Affordability’ Plan As He Campaigns For West Orange Mayor

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Property taxes, real estate development and ICE. These are some of the issues that Phil Orphanidis is hoping will sway voters as Election Day nears in West Orange.

Orphanidis has been ramping up his campaign for mayor as the countdown to Election Day nears. Learn more about his platform here.

“I’ve lived in West Orange for 25 years – my wife and I are proud to be homeowners here,” Orphanidis said.

“Over that time, we have watched property taxes continue on a path that I believe is simply unsustainable for many families,” he continued. “My own parents were eventually forced to leave West Orange because the property-tax burden became too high, and I do not want more families to face that same choice.”

Orphanidis said affordability is at the center of his campaign, which includes:

TAXES AND SPENDING – “I have pledged a 0% municipal property-tax increase for four years, a 1% annual rent cap for four years, and 0% rent increases for seniors, while freezing municipal spending at 2026 levels and cutting waste. We will audit the municipal budget, confront the town’s debt, and create an independent advisory group to examine how we got here and develop a sustainable path forward.”

DEVELOPMENT – “I have also pledged no new PILOT agreements for millionaire or billionaire developers because taxpayers should not be left carrying costs that major developers avoid, and our schools should not be shortchanged in the process. We will oppose irresponsible overdevelopment that destroys tree cover, worsens flooding and traffic, overcrowds classrooms, and adds even more financial pressure on taxpayers and renters.”

ICE AND PRIDE – “Our campaign is also committed to making sure every resident knows that West Orange is their community and that their local government will represent them. I have pledged to prevent ICE from using municipal or school property without valid legal authority and to prevent local police and municipal resources from being voluntarily used for civil immigration enforcement. I have proposed making the Pride painting near Town Hall a permanent annual tradition so LGBTQ+ residents, particularly young people, know they are seen and supported.”

Orphanidis has launched a series of political ads as he ramps up his mayoral campaign, including his most-watched video, which criticizes the township’s current administration for West Orange’s sizable municipal debt.

Last year, Orphanidis was involved in an off-duty matter during his tenure as deputy chief of staff to the then-mayor of Jersey City. The initial charges included DUI, which was subsequently dismissed. The matter was eventually resolved with Orphanidis pleading guilty to a single offense, a refusal.

The mayoral candidate is hoping that voters see past the incident and focus on his campaign platform.

“We want a government that lives within its means, protects taxpayers and renters, strengthens our schools, respects every neighborhood and every resident, and makes decisions for the people who actually live here,” Orphanidis said.

“The goal is not to change what makes West Orange special – it’s to make sure the people who made it special can still afford to be here,” he added.

Orphanidis is among a crowded field of candidates who are running for mayor this year. Others who have thrown their hats into the ring include Brian Rock, Tammy Williams, Joyce Rudin, Joe Krakoviak, Susan Scarpa, and Susan McCartney.

Are you a local candidate seeking office in West Orange? Send campaign news releases and updates to eric.kiefer@patch.com

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