Vernotico to Focus On Taxes, Parking if Elected to Council

Editor's Note: During the month of August, Summit Patch will be publishing a Q&A with each candidate for Summit Common Council. Here is our first Q&A with Michael Vernotico, who is seeking a third term on council. 

GENERAL INFORMATION

Name: Michael Vernotico

Address: 30 Blackburn Rd., Summit, NJ

Years Lived in Town: 33 years

Family: Wife Joanne, married 42 years; Adopted son Ryan, 25-years-old

Education: 

Summit High School, 1964

Princeton University, BSE, 1968

Military service: US Navy, 1968 – 1971

Community background: 

• Youth Coach, 18 years
• Trustee, Briant Park Conservancy
• Two Term Summit Councilman, 2006 -2011
• Chairman Public Safety Committee
• Former Board Member, First Occupational Center for the Handicapped    
• American Legion
• Elks
• Vietnam Veterans of America

Political Background: Former Councilman, Deputy Mayor and Mayor of Millburn-Short Hills

Website: www.mikevernotico.com

CAMPAIGN PLATFORM

What do you think are the three biggest issues facing Summit right now and where do you stand on each issue?

The three biggest issues facing Summit are taxes, public safety and parking.

These are difficult economic times. Many families are suffering. Property taxes have always been a major source of concern here in NJ and in order to effect real change it must be addressed at the State Level. One significant area would be to restructure County Government to remove the top ten or so urban cities from their respective Counties and put them under the State umbrella similar to the concept of the State’s takeover of Schools.   This would dramatically reduce taxes here in Summit.

Public Safety: In the past month or so we have seen a car hijacking at gunpoint in Chatham, a vicious home invasion in Millburn and an arrest here in Summit for illegal possession of weapons. Cuts to Police and Fire budgets made by Council must be restored.

Parking: The current paid parking plan is a terrible mistake. It is an $800,000 error funded by the taxpayers. The system must be scrapped. Promulgating mistakes only compounds the errors. This plan is hurting the downtown and thus negatively impacting property taxes.

Why are you running for council?

I am running for Council because I love this City. My family moved here from Newark in 1958 and it changed my life. I want to work to preserve and enhance this great town so future generations can enjoy this city the way I have. I speak with people all the time and there are lots of concerns. One party rule never works. It only leads to arrogance and abuse of power. This is a huge difference between me and my opponent, who is obligated to the party structure. I am and always have been a voice that searches and questions and am not afraid to bring forth issues that may offend the political party hierarchy. There is nothing more important than the truth.   The future of Summit is far more important than the future of any political party or leader.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

Two things set me apart from my opponent. Firstly, I am constantly in touch with the residents. I have coached more than 1,000 young men in my career. By the end of this campaign, I will have rung every doorbell in Ward 2 six times and every door bell in town twice in last 8 years. Secondly, I have a good relationship with town employees. I respect them and remain in constant contact, listening and learning on how to improve Summit. I believe the respect is mutual.

If elected, what will be your top priorities and why?

If elected, I will work to restore cuts to our Police and Fire Departments, re-establish good relations with city employees, scrutinize spending to ensure Summit maintains its premier position in the most cost effective manner, and fix the $800,000 taxpayer funded parking error.

What issues are critical for Summit for the next three years?

The battle on Property Taxes has two fronts. It is more than just about controlling spending; it is also about increasing revenue, particularly through increased retables. I believe the Broad Street corridor is a prime area for redevelopment to bring in substantial retables. As an experienced developer, I believe can do that.

What do you see as the biggest accomplishments and shortcomings of the existing council in the past three years?

The biggest item that needs to be corrected is the seemingly lack of concern for public opinion. The Public Comment portion of Council meetings has been moved to the end of the meeting. When I became Mayor of Millburn – Short Hills, my first act was to move the Public Comment to the beginning of the meetings. The public should speak first. Also, public comment on Resolutions has been eliminated. Public Comment must be restored. The business of the Council is the business of the people. There is an obligation not only to encourage public input, but go out of your way to solicit it. If you approach governing with the “I am the smartest person in the room,” you have failed the people. No one ever knows where the next best idea will come from. Council meetings should be inviting, participatory arenas. Although we are a “Representative Democracy,” we have the opportunity to approach a pure democracy at the local level and that should be Council’s number one priority.