“I have been in this town a long time,” says Williamson, a resident since 1991 who has sent two children through Verona public schools. “It’s a great town and I think I can bring a fresh approach to how things are done.”
Williamson has been involved with the Verona Baseball & Softball League (VBSL) since 2006, and currently serves on its board. The company he works for, Ench Roofing Supply of West Orange, has donated roofing work for several sports-related buildings in Verona, from the storage shed and dugouts on the lower field at Verona High School to the snack bar at Everett. Williamson has participated in the planning for the two proposed fields at the Hilltop, which he sees as a plus for Verona. “Improving the facilities is always a positive for the entire town,” he says. “I am a big fan of the new Hilltop project, but if it is right it will be done,” he adds.
But Williamson stresses that he “is not just a sports guy.” He has served on the Verona Environmental Commission, and was also on the budget review committee that was convened in 2011. He was a member of the Verona Music Parents Association, the group that helps fundraise for the high school instrumental and vocal music program, and has been an elder and trustee of the First Presbyterian Church of Verona since 1993.
“I have been in the construction business over 30 years,” Williamson adds. “I know how public works should work. I have good idea how manpower should should work. My father was a cop, and I know how manpower in a police department should work.”
Williamson, who is in the process of setting up a Facebook page for his campaign, joins challengers Alex Roman and Al DeOld on the Town Council ballot. There are three spots up for a vote this May. Council members Jay Sniatkowski and Bob Manley are completing full four-year terms, and Councilman Kevin Ryan is completing the unexpired term to which he was elected in 2011. Other potential contenders, including the incumbents, have until 4 p.m. on Monday, March 11, to turn in the signed petitions that will qualify them to run.
