Town Council Candidates Debate Taxes, Municipal Spending
The candidates participate in the first of two forums.
Videos
This week, the Livingston Old Guard invited the four candidates running for town council to a meeting for a question-and-answer type forum; Al Anthony and Michael Silverman for the Democratic side; and Chuck Granata and Allan Feid Jr. for the Republicans. The four candidates are running for the two open seats being vacated by Mayor Stephen Santola and Councilman Gary Schneiderman.
The four men were given eight prepared questions before the debate focusing on numerous topics such as taxes, municipal spending, attracting new businesses and government transparency.
Before they began, the men highlighted their credentials for running in the race. Anthony and Silverman brought up their roles on various town committees and boards, as well as their backgrounds in public administration and finance. Granata, a Livingston police officer, brought up his two terms as a Board of Education member and Feid mentioned that he is a long time business owner with deep roots in the community.
The four men will meet again on October 24 at 8 p.m. in the Livingston High School chorus room for a candidates forum presented by the League of Women Voters.
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Livingston Old Guard
204 Hillside Ave, Livingston, NJ -
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Livingston High School
30 Robert H Harp Dr, Livingston, NJ
Arthur Zebofsky
11:01 pm on Friday, October 19, 2012
I have listened to the four candidates and appreciate their concerns regarding the mangement of our town. As a long time resident [35 years] and as a commercial leasing broker I have a few suggestions for all the candidates.
Livingston can help itself by increasing its revenues by remaking itself as a business friendly community. By increasing its revenues and driving down or holding in check its taxes, fees and permitting processes it can better serve its citizens. There are many obstacles that new businesses face in our town ; one of which is the permitting process and the zoning requirements. There should be an evaluation and possible overhaul of our current system.Clarification of what is needed in order to open a business would be helpful and not creating a scenario whereby an applicant will hear "VARIANCE REQUIRED" which means more dollars for the short term but certainly less revenues due to lost opportunities in our town.
We the citizens of Livingston are being shortchanged by our reputation as being a difficult place top open a business which in turn is costing the town the opportunity to compete with neighboring townships which recognize the importance of nurturing potential business owners .
I commend Chuck Granata for bringing up the issue of signage which for many business owners is difficult in a town where so many businesses can only be accessed from a rear parking lot.
Please let us know how you plan on making changes from the top down?
Marvin Slatkin
2:38 pm on Saturday, October 20, 2012
Very interesting camera placement.
Scott Egelberg
2:40 pm on Saturday, October 20, 2012
Yeah, I couldn't get a good shot. I hope to have a better one for the next debate. You could still hear everyone though.
Karen Samiec
2:03 am on Monday, October 22, 2012
Allan Feid and Chuck Granata are the real deal. They are the most genuine people you will ever meet. They both have the integrity and honesty that this town has been missing under the Democratic reign. Allan has a heart a gold and truly cares about this town and its people. Chuck has the experience of being a town employee and an advocate for our wonderful school system. You will no doubt make the best choice by voting them onto the Town Council at this election.
wetochwink
6:06 am on Thursday, October 25, 2012
Is anyone monitoring of sign usage per township ordinance for both political parties?