Summit Mayoral Candidates Face-Off In Debate

The Summit High School Media Center was standing room only this morning as concerned members of the community filled the library to maximum capacity, eager to support their chosen candidate and hear what they had to say on crucial issues. Below is a detailed account of .

, the Republican candidate for Mayor was the first to deliver her statement, emphasizing the progress Summit has made since she joined the city Council six years ago.

“I think that we have been excellent stewards for the city over the last six years. We have brought the tax rate down every year and we are look towards getting to a flat rate next year… Our new police chief is doing an excellent job patrolling the streets downtown. We have recently been named one of the 16 best towns to live in in New Jersey so all and all I think we are in very good shape despite a difficult financial environment.”

, the Democratic Candidate for Mayor used her opening statement as an opportunity to express her desire to serve as a catalyst for a new beginning in Summit.

“I am running for Mayor because I feel that Summit needs a fresh start.  The reason we haven’t had enough progress is due to the Council’s lack of mutual respect for each other and an inability to collaborate effectively. I have over 20 years of professional experience working in communication and business so I know how to help people reach consensus and act on decisions without wasting time.”

, the Independent candidate for Mayor clearly communicated his passion for Summit and his commitment to its residents.

“If elected I will make every effort to get more citizens involved in discussing and deciding the future of our city. I am running for Mayor because I love this city. Cutting budgets may be the easiest way out but it is often the wrong way. If we more shifts at the fire department to keep us safe, or more teachers to keep class sizes where they should be, than we have to find way to do that. I will do whatever we need to do in smart, cost effective ways to keep our cities safe and our schools strong.”

The first question posed to the candidates addressed the clear “lack of stability” on council and asked candidates how they would improve the ways in which Council members work together.

Dickson admitted that “the last two years have not been fun” but that she “promises a better environment in the future” while remaining true to her statement that she feels the Council has in fact been effective.

Ludden responded by highlighting her skills to “model good behavior and speak respectively.” Responding to the Council’s spotty communication history, Ludden noted that she feels that “the past is the best indicator of the future” and that “both of [her] opponents have a bad track record” of communicating poorly.

Vernotico stated that the cause of contentiousness on the Council has to do more with the way business is conducted rather than the personalities present. He took this opportunity to explain his plan for a “Mayor’s Kitchen Cabinet” to bring experts and their networks into discussions of specific city issues noting that he feels this process will encourage the expression of public opinion.

The debate went on to discuss the Sunshine Law, asking candidates to explain whether or not they think the and how they will comply with the law in the future.

Vernotico stated that there was “no doubt in [his] mind that it was violated

 “If you have to discuss the nuances of the law, you have missed the point of the law.  I can find no reason to conduct business outside the public venue,” Vernotico stated.

Ludden said that she does believe that there was an ethical violation and that if she had received said email, she would have immediately contacted an attorney.

“This speaks to a lack of transparency in our local government,” Ludden stated.

Dickson, who was included as a recipient in the email that landed Council in hot water with the City Solicitor this week was on the defensive, stating that she received the email but didn’t respond to it and that she disagrees with the City Solicitor’s decision.  

“What about texts or email? The ethics doesn’t cover this technology,” Dickson said. The candidate went on to state that the Council should look into a lawyer who understands the Sunshine Law who can give a class on paperless communication.

Moderator, Marlene Sincaglia went on to ask the candidates about individual plans to increase commercial real-estate rateables and facilitate opportunities for development and growth downtown.

Vernotico mentioned moving the focus to other areas of Summit such as Broad Street. Dickson championed the downtown noting the 95.6% occupancy while Ludden dissented stating the need for better parking solutions and less “duplicative businesses.”

The question that seemed to surprise the candidates had to do with whether or not Summit has a drug problem. Candidates came to a consensus, noting that every town has this problem to a certain degree. Dickson emphasized the progress made by the Police Chief while Vernotico reiterated his belief that police and fire are essential and should be for the most part exempt from cuts affirming that “we need to hire back police officers and reinstate the Union County task force.”

Patch spoke with each of the candidates after the debate. Ludden was pleased with her performance during the debate noting that she wished “all our Council meetings were as civil as this debate.” Ludden went on to express her concern regarding Vernotico’s proposed Mayor’s Kitchen Cabinet.

“If it is not open to the public you could wind up having the same problem you had with the [Sunshine Law] email,” Ludden said.

Dickson stated that she felt that all the important issues were addressed in the questions posed.

“You have three very potent candidates who did a good job. I still think that I am the one that should be elected because I have the experience. I promise that if elected I will make it a much more collegial environment,” Dickson stated.

Vernotico responded to Patch, reflecting on the current climate.

“There has been so much negativity surrounding Council and its actions. I wanted to bring a very positive spirit because that is what a Mayor needs to do. People need to admit their mistakes and move on. There are more important issues at hand.”