To The Editor:
I am writing in support of Jack McEvoy for Verona Town Council in the upcoming municipal election on May 9, 2017. I met Jack and his wife Jessica through mutual friends a number of years ago at a social event. Over time I have come to admire Jack’s Altruism, Business sense, and Character. As a public school teacher, I’ll say that I can strongly relate to the ABC’s of Jack McEvoy!
Jack McEvoy was becoming a household name as he fought to preserve the integrity of our town by opposing the blasting and overdevelopment of the land near Everett Field. Having three boys who used that field, and being someone who commutes down Bloomfield Avenue every day, I applaud his altruistic efforts. He has spent countless hours fighting for the rights of others in the community. Not only was Jack concerned for his property, but more so for the elderly folks that have been living closer to that blasting area for many years, knowing their houses could be destroyed, leaving them with no options. As of today, that property remains undeveloped.
Jack strongly supports small business in Verona and feels the need for change in our zoning ordinances. This change is essential to pave the way for new businesses to move into Verona and keep our storefronts occupied. I myself have faced challenges trying to move a business in the township of Verona and agree that change is needed, specifically abolishing the “Change of Use” ordinance as Jack has proposed. His business sense will help remove the roadblocks that prevent Verona from being a thriving small business community. I believe the abundance of “For Rent” signs will be a thing of the past under Jack’s tenure as a councilman.
My conversations with Jack over these past few years, and more specifically these past couple of months, have shown me Jack’s true character. Without children of his own, he remains an advocate of supporting Verona’s schools and promises strict oversight of the town’s PILOT projects to ensure our schools get the funding they need. If you attended the Candidates Forum or had the opportunity to attend one of Jack’s Meet and Greets you would know that he is informed, well spoken, and has a strategic plan for Verona’s future. He is open to ideas and engaging conversations on how to make Verona even better. After growing up in town, Jack decided to make Verona his lifelong home. He is invested and dedicated to our community.
While the residents of Verona face many challenges today, I believe that Jack McEvoy is a man of the people and will do what it takes to serve this community well. Please consider voting line 4A at the polls on May 9th.
Warmest Regards,
Michele Bernardino
Verona Resident for 14 years
