Why I'm Running
I’m not running because I want to be a politician—I’m running because I care deeply about West Orange and share the same concerns as the residents I’ve spoken with across our community.
Like many of you, I’ve watched with growing concern as our town’s direction has shifted, often influenced by large corporate interests. The controversial development proposal by billionaire developer Zygmunt Wilf has raised legitimate environmental and public safety concerns. I’ve also heard strong opposition to the proposed expansion of the Turtle Back Zoo.
Closer to home, I’ve witnessed the changes in the Valley section, where issues like homelessness and public safety have become more visible—including individuals living in parking lots near convenience stores.
What I’m Hearing From Residents
While many residents value our tight-knit neighborhoods and easy access to the South Mountain Reservation, I also hear frequent frustrations about:
- Rising property taxes
- The lack of a direct train line
- Declining school rankings and overcrowded classrooms
Let’s Talk
I want to be both a listening ear and a strong voice for the people of West Orange. If you have concerns, ideas, or simply want to share your experiences, I welcome the chance to hear from you. Please don’t hesitate to call or email me—I’ll gladly sit down with any resident who wants to talk about the future of our township.
Together, we can make West Orange a better, more affordable, and more accountable place to live—for every generation.
Reviving West Orange Main Street & Beyond
As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), I understand the real-world challenges small business owners face — especially in West Orange. I've worked closely with clients who have been discouraged or even driven away by excessive regulations, high taxes, and unnecessary red tape. If elected, I will make it a priority to change that.
Regulation & Licensing Costs
- In mid-2023, West Orange passed an ordinance requiring mercantile licenses for both business and rental property owners, with annual renewals.
- While well-intentioned, these licensing fees — combined with requirements like liability insurance and inspections — create significant financial and administrative burdens for small businesses. This has led many entrepreneurs to seek more business-friendly towns.
Property Taxes
- High property taxes are consistently ranked among the top concerns for businesses across New Jersey.
- West Orange is no exception. In fact, in recent years, our township has ranked among one of the highest in recent years regarding our effective property tax rate..
- These high costs make it harder for small businesses to survive and thrive here.
Compliance Overload
- Business owners must navigate not only local ordinances but also complex and evolving state laws — from building and fire codes to business regulations.
- Keeping up with these changes can require costly updates, additional inspections, and major operational shifts.
My Commitment
If elected, I will work tirelessly to reduce property taxes by identifying and eliminating wasteful spending within our municipal budget. This will not only ease the burden on homeowners but directly benefit local businesses as well.
I've seen firsthand the impact of these challenges — clients leaving West Orange, storefronts sitting vacant, and the loss of beloved small businesses like Pal’s Cabin, where I enjoyed meals with my family growing up.
That’s why I will also establish a Business Concierge Service at Town Hall — a one-stop support center to help new businesses get started and existing businesses grow. From permits to compliance guidance, this initiative will streamline processes and show that West Orange welcomes entrepreneurs, rather than pushing them away.
Let’s bring back the spirit of community-driven business in West Orange. When small businesses succeed, our whole town thrives.