Editors:
I am excited to announce my candidacy for the Verona Township Council. The events of the last two years have yet again shown the need for a fresh perspective and new leadership in Verona. The movement for change in Verona started with concerns about property taxes. They have risen yet again despite a clear alternative being presented. We have found out that major issues related to Information Technology have frustrated the Police Department for years but were entirely ignored by the township administration. We have concerns about development and changes to our town’s topography due to our lack of a Steep Slope Ordinance. We have had issues with the Township’s hiring practices and the Township Council is largely kept in the dark about our staff until the annual Salary Ordinance comes up for review.
My goal is to make Verona a better town. I want us to be accountable, transparent, and welcoming. The Township Council should not have to pry information loose from the administration to be able to act on problems and provide guidance and direction to the Manager. Citizen input should be respected and taken to heart.
I believe that I can provide the experience and perspective necessary to solve our issues. I have been regularly attending council meetings since 2010. I perform in-depth review of the Township Budget every year and provide recommendations for cost savings to help keep our tax burden down. I have met with the Township Manager numerous times to discuss the operating and capital budgets. My professional experience as an Information Technology manager gives me the specific knowledge necessary to improve one of our major areas of concern. I am well-versed in all areas of management including hiring, training, and supervision of employees, preparation of operating and capital budgets, regulatory compliance, business continuity planning and disaster response, and other critical skills.
I look forward to having the opportunity to meet with my neighbors to discuss their concerns. We can work together to preserve the things we love about Verona and solve the problems that we have.
Sincerely,
Alex Roman
