Watchung is a wonderful community, but we cannot simply maintain the status quo. Our taxes are rising, our community is changing, and residents deserve a borough government that is accessible, accountable, and focused on delivering value.

We believe Watchung can do more—with a clear vision, responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and a commitment to working collaboratively with residents, our schools, community organizations, and one another.

Transparency & Accessibility

Residents deserve a government they can see, hear, and participate in.

Borough government should not feel like a rubber stamp. Residents deserve meaningful opportunities to understand what their elected officials are considering before decisions are made.

We will:

• Provide greater transparency around major proposals and projects before they get put on an agenda and reach a vote.

• Make borough information easier for residents to find and understand.

• Ensure residents have meaningful opportunities to participate in borough government.

• Explore remote participation options for public meetings.

• Provide residents with clear information about important community assets and issues—including the status of our new library.

• Encourage substantive discussion and debate on the Council rather than treating decisions as predetermined.

Open government isn’t a luxury. It is a responsibility.

Fiscal Responsibility & Accountability

Watchung residents are paying more. They deserve to know what they are getting in return.

Responsible government isn’t simply about saying “no” to spending. It is about making smart investments, controlling costs, and demanding results.

We will:

• Closely scrutinize spending and prioritize essential services.

• Look for efficiencies and shared-service opportunities before asking taxpayers for more.

• Improve transparency around the factors driving property-tax increases.

• Evaluate what borough programs and expenditures are providing the most value for its expense.

• Make long-term capital planning a priority so we are not constantly reacting to problems.

• Invest in projects that improve the quality of life and long-term value of our community.

Fiscal responsibility means getting more value—not simply doing less.

Family First

Watchung should be a community where families can live, learn, play, and grow.

We understand the needs of families with children because we live them. Strong communities require more than good schools—they require safe sidewalks, vibrant recreation, well-maintained parks and playgrounds, and opportunities for families to come together.

We will:

• Prioritize sidewalk improvements and pedestrian safety.

• Protect and strengthen recreational programming for children and families.

• Revitalize the Watchung Recreation Summer Camp.

• Maintain, improve, and expand playgrounds, parks, fields, and outdoor spaces.

• Preserve community events that bring residents together and carefully consider the impact of new fees on families.

• Work collaboratively with the Board of Education to identify continued opportunities for shared services and other efficiencies.

• Approach our schools as partners—not political adversaries.

Our schools, our recreation programs, and our public spaces are investments in Watchung’s families and in the future of our community.

Revitalize Watchung

Watchung deserves more than maintenance. It deserves investment.

The Blue Star Shopping Center is seeing new improvements. Now it is time to give the Watchung Triangle and other commercial spaces the attention it deserves.

We will pursue a thoughtful revitalization strategy that makes Watchung more attractive, vibrant, and economically sustainable while respecting the character of our community.

We will:

• Develop a clear vision for revitalizing the Watchung Triangle.

• Improve the appearance, walkability, and functionality of our commercial areas.

• Encourage businesses that complement our community and strengthen the local tax base.

• Invest in public spaces and infrastructure.

• Seek opportunities to attract private investment without sacrificing Watchung’s character.

• Make better use of existing public assets and underutilized spaces.

When our commercial properties improve, those rateables can and should provide tax relief to our residents.

Support Public Safety

Our first responders are essential to our community’s well-being. We will:

• Invest in the staffing, training, and equipment needed for our police, fire, and rescue departments

• Ensure public safety remains a top priority 

• Support long-term planning to meet future emergency needs

Smart Community Planning

We can meet our obligations without losing what makes Watchung special.

New Jersey’s affordable-housing requirements will have a significant impact on communities across the state. Watchung needs to be prepared—not caught off guard.

We will:

• Provide greater transparency about affordable-housing planning and potential development.

• Keep residents informed about proposals being considered for future housing obligations.

• Plan strategically to minimize the impact of state-mandated development on Watchung’s character.

• Identify appropriate locations for development rather than allowing growth to happen without a coherent community plan.

• Protect our neighborhoods, open spaces, infrastructure, and quality of life.

• Engage residents early in the planning process.

Smart growth means planning ahead, not scrambling after decisions have already been made.

A Consistent Vision for Watchung

Watchung needs leadership with a clear direction—not constant flip-flopping.

We have consistently advocated for the things that make a community strong: our library, sidewalks and pedestrian safety, recreational opportunities, well-maintained public spaces, strong schools, and thoughtful investment in our town.

We will bring that same consistency to Borough Hall.

Our approach is simple:

Listen. Plan. Invest. Improve.

We don’t need to choose between fiscal responsibility and investing in Watchung. We need leaders who know how to do both.

Our Commitment

We will work collaboratively—with residents, our schools, our recreation programs, local businesses, community organizations, and our neighbors—to solve problems and move Watchung forward.

Watchung deserves a government that is transparent, financially responsible, family-focused, and willing to invest in our future.

It’s time to move Watchung forward.