Dear Editor:
I’m writing in support of Michael Nochimson for election to the Verona Town Council.
Michael is not a newcomer to this role, having previously served two terms on the Council. I remember him running on a platform of challenging the status quo, fiscal responsibility and improving transparency. Over his tenure he unequivocally delivered on these promises. There were impactful changes in the leadership of our Town management, an overhaul to the budgeting process, and Michael was instrumental in helping to deliver some of the lowest annual tax increases that I can remember in my 20 years of living in Verona…not by cutting services, but by looking for creative solutions and greater efficiency! This didn’t happen by chance, Mike worked tirelessly to achieve these goals.
I think I bring a unique perspective to Michael’s accomplishments and would like to share this. As a four term Verona Board of Education member, my time with the BOE overlapped with Mike’s tenure as Councilman. We had many opportunities to speak over the years and without fail, the first thing he would ask was, “what more can the Town do to support the schools”.
These weren’t just empty words, he was constantly looking for areas where the BOE and Township could share services…field upkeep, building maintenance, everything was worth exploring. Perhaps most importantly, Mike was, and continues to be, a vocal supporter of an equitable distribution of PILOT revenue between the Township and School District. It almost goes without saying that this received significant pushback from Township Management as well as Council members.
I don’t make these points to suggest that the people of Verona should vote for Michael because of past accomplishments. I make them to illustrate his track record of delivering results. This ability, combined with his governing experience, will be critical to the future of Verona as we move into a post-pandemic world.
So as you go in to the voting booth on May 11th, ask yourself if these are important issues:
· Re-building a strong relationship with Verona Schools, including sharing of PILOT revenue.
· A re-developed and vibrant downtown.
· Sensible development and zoning.
· Holding ground on tax increases through greater efficiency.
If you think this just makes sense, then please consider a vote for Michael Nochimson.
Glenn Elliott
Verona, NJ
