Dear Editor
Michael Nochimson and I were both elected to the Verona Township Council in 2011. We didn’t know each other and since we are a non-partisan Government we both ran independent campaigns. It became apparent to me early on was that we both shared similar concerns about problems that existed and things that needed to be done to make the Municipal government more responsive to residents needs. There was a lack of oversight on how budgeting and spending were determined. There was a lack of transparency and individual’s concerns were often dismissed by the then Town Manager at council meetings.l
Michael and I were in a minority position until after the election in 2015. Since then we have been able to hire a new manager and work with him and the new council members that followed to produce more responsible budgets by controlling spending, cutting overtime costs, reducing staffing levels without layoffs and negotiating fair labor contracts. All of this was accomplished without any loss of services and what I consider to be very modest municipal tax increases.
Our recreational facilities and our newly renovated library are a source of great pride and second to none in my opinion. Michael has played a significant role in all of the positive changes outlined. Have we always agreed? Of course not, but I have never doubted his unwavering commitment to doing what is right for Verona.
We have significant challenges ahead and I believe that Michael’s experience in contributing to dealing with the issues I outlined will be a tremendous asset in dealing with the problems we will be facing. The right experience does matter. I believe he has it, and that is why I will be voting for his re-election on next Tuesday, May 14th.
Kevin Ryan
Verona
Kevin Ryan currently serves as the mayor of Verona
