'I Love Summit,' Common Council Candidate Says

Dear Editor,

I have had a great life and I owe it to a supportive family and this great place to grow up. I don’t care one bit for politics. I want to return to Council to ensure that this great city is always the best it can be. I do what I do because I love my home town Summit. 

I have knocked on virtually every door in Ward 2 eight times in the last 8 years. It has been a rewarding effort getting to know you and discussing your issues. I thank you for taking the time to chat with me.

I urge you watch the Debate on TV 36 at 8 pm Friday or Sunday. Please go to the candidates’ websites. On mikevernotico.com, you find specific proposals such as a plan to end this failed parking system and abolish the Parking Services Department and its “Parking Ambassadors” to save hundreds of thousands of dollars. I want our Police & Fire Departments adequately staffed to keep us safe and slow down speeders. I am proud to be the only elected official ever to be selected as an honorary member of the Policemen’s Benevolent Association. I have proposed  rezoning plans to deal with the loss of Merck and bring in new ratables and new revenues to avoid further cuts to city services. I want to strengthen our ordinance to keep the Helipad out. I want us to find a way to provide all day kindergarten for those that cannot afford it and at the same time close the achievement gap at SHS, my alma mater.

Partisan political bickering has failed us. Debate and disagreements are essential for good government. My core strength is to be honest and candid with you. I will never be afraid to speak up for Summit and I never have and never will put the interests of a political party’s agenda over your interests. “Putting Summit First” is not a political slogan. It is a statement from my heart that I genuinely love Summit.

Best regards,        

Mike Vernotico

Democratic Candidate, Summit Common Council, Ward 2