To the Editor:
While it appears there are many choices for the two West Milford Council seats, to me and others there is only one clear choice and independent voice for the residents of our beloved township: Bob Nolan and Chris Garcia, running independently on Row E.
These two fine gentlemen are proven leaders who care deeply about West Milford for West Milford's sake. They will not be the party bosses' puppets when it comes to spending your hard-earned tax dollars.
Bob Nolan, a former two-term West Milford councilman (2005-2010), has an MBA in Finance from Fairleigh Dickenson University and a BS in Economics from St. Peters University. He is Treasurer for the Essex County Chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. Locally, he is a former Planning Board member and while on the council, helped to save the township hundreds of thousands of dollars when he worked to reinvigorate the Insurance Committee. His efforts to establish the Telecommunications Committee saved the township $30,000 annually. In addition, he helped secure hundreds of thousands of dollars in County Open Space grants.
Chris Garcia, current chair of the local Planning Board, where he's served since 2010, has a BS in Management and Psychology from Rensselaer Polytechic Institute. He is an energetic father of three, serves as treasurer of the Midget Football and Cheerleading programs, and has coached various athletic teams over the years.
Bob Nolan and Chris Garcia have the knowledge and independence to work with Mayor Bieri and the governing body to ensure West Milford's fiscal stability. Unlike the current council, they will not rely on bonding for any and everything, which is essentially like living day-to-day on a credit card. They will address the issues with prudence and responsibility through shared services, consolidation, investment in renewable energy and the recycling of organic materials. Perhaps most importantly at the moment, they support the sale of the Municipal Utilities Authority (MUA) to Suez, which will halt the very real possibility of that MUA debt from being spread among the residents of the entire township, the vast majority of whom have never been served by the GOP-led MUA. (Vote YES on that municipal ballot question.)
In terms of recreation for our young people and seniors, Chris Garcia and Bob Nolan support the idea of turning the now abandoned Hillcrest Community Center into a Y or Boys & Girls Club facility. This would provide a much needed place for young and old to gather while unburdening the Board of Education (another tax savings).
Bob Nolan and Chris Garcia have real ideas to help West Milford in the future. Ask yourself, what has the current council actually accomplished? What new ideas? It's time to break the partisan majority and vote for a real choice. Cast your vote for these independent voices for positive change. Check out their page on Facebook.com/NolanAndGarciaForCouncil and please, join me in voting Row E, Bob Nolan and Chris Garcia for Town Council. Together, we can make a difference. Thank you.
Kathleen M. Caren
Apshawa