Suzanne Glatt:

As I reflect on my husband Jordan Glatt’s service as Mayor of Summit for the past eight years, there are many memories, emotions and thoughts that arise.  This experience has had an incredible impact on our family - Jordan, our two sons, and me.  While I must admit there were a few times when it felt “too much,” the truth is, the last eight years have been wonderfully rewarding forJordan and for all of us. We have made lasting friendships and worked together with our neighbors on issues and projects that we truly believed in. 

Jordan has put his heart and soul into this community and worked tirelessly to serve the people of Summit in the best way he could. The dangerous snowstorm that hit Summit this weekend, and the enormous job involved in helping the city find ways to best serve the needs of thousands of residents in need of power and other assistance is the most recent example of how he views the job of mayor. I know that Jordan's years spent as Mayor will always be one of the most important accomplishments of his life.  As this chapter comes to a close for Jordan, and for us, a new chapter begins for the next Mayor, and forSummit.   

Eileen Forman Ludden, the Democratic candidate for mayor, reminds me a lot of Jordan, and also of our friend, former neighbor and Jordan’s mentor, Mayor Walter Long. Like Jordan, Eileen’s passion for public service has been evident since she moved to Summit, and soon after began developing TryCan, a unique peer recreation program for special needs children. In Jordan’s case, shortly after we arrived, it was Project Laptop in the 90s’, a project that he founded and sponsored with generous community donors, and which was a great success.  Project Laptop made it possible to provide laptop computers toSummit High School teachers for the first time.

Like Walter, who never served on Common Council, or any city board for that matter, Eileen sees  the need for a fresh start for Summit, and entered the race regardless of the fact that she is running against two Council incumbents.  By the way, Eileen has distinguished herself with her two terms of service on the Advisory Board of the Department of Community Services. 

To me, this election is about Summit’s future, but it is also a legacy of a sort, reminding us of how fortunate Summit has been to have good and wise public servants leading our community.  I hope that  tradition can continue with the election of Eileen Forman Ludden as Summit’s next mayor. Please remember to vote on November 8th.  I honestly believe that this is one local election where every vote counts. 

Thank you. 

Suzanne Glatt