The Journal is posting late submissions with the clarification that they were received after the publication of the original article
All the candidates have stated that they intend to seek out the input, or assistance, of the Oakland Chamber of Commerce in terms of improving downtown Oakland and the local business climate in general. What would you expect from the Chamber of Commerce in terms of their input in improving downtown Oakland?
The Chamber of Commerce is vital to Oakland, in regards to how Oakland can improve financially as a borough, provide better services to it’s residents, and how Oakland can begin to grow into an attraction for our northwest Bergen county neighbors. I believe the C.O.C. will be a vital wellspring of ideas and constructive criticism to help myself and Pasquale “Pat” Tirri help Oakland realize it’s true potential.
Pointedly to help in organizing an economic initiative with the borough, in which we can collectively tackle the problems that Oakland’s businesses face as well as endeavor to create bold yet attainable goals for the mutual success of all concerned.
As budgetary restraints will probably prohibit municipal funding for any major improvements to the downtown area, what efforts do you see the town being able to perform to improve the look?
All the residents we’ve spoken to wish the same thing. A downtown area they aren’t ashamed of. This is so simple, yet has eluded the current administration, which seems to have a disconnect with the borough’s residents.
First of all, we would certainly reach out to the local businesses through the C.O.C. and gather their input. I would like to add however, that the business owners that Pat Tirri and I have spoken to reiterate the residents wants as well, which are simple greenery (small flowering trees) and “gas light lamps” both of which are affordable even under the borough’s latest financial situation. Benches and/or small tables were also requested by business owner and resident alike, and will be explored and encouraged.
Many residents see taxes going higher and little return on their money, are you in favor of a financial analysis that would compare Oakland’s services and taxes with those of surrounding municipalities in an effort to find areas for improvement?
There is a definite need for a borough wide audit. We have many downtown businesses, industrial parks, not to mention the Reserves which have been getting raked over the coals for years. The question that continues to be intentionally unanswered by our current administration with all of these ratables, why do our MUNICIPAL taxes continue to rise? The answer to this question and many others regarding taxes and day to day issues will be revealed after this election. We have a firm belief that open government is the best way to serve the community.
What innovative ways could the candidates increase revenues to offset the cost of services?
There are many towns across America that have made a direct profit by utilizing their own talents and marketing them. Part of our economic initiative is to find ways to make the borough of Oakland itself a profitable enterprise. By doing so we can start infusing Oakland with fresh out of town revenue, which is essential to Oakland’s future.
If we continue to purchase Oakland’s open space will there be a need to reconcile the loss of ratables?
Before there can be talk about a potential loss of ratables due to open space purchases, the borough has to come to terms with the mandate from the state in regards to low income housing. Although more affluent towns can afford to pay other municipalities to relieve them of some of their burden, Oakland is not so fortunate. The Pinnacle development is not the answer. We need to find a solution for Oakland to grow. The best way is to learn from our neighbors who have had to navigate the same path we are now on. There are solutions that are available to us.
The topic of “going green” has been raised at council meetings and is a subject of national discourse. Would you support a study to determine the logistical and economic feasibility of a windmill to provide electricity for the Valley Middle School, Library, Recreation and Municipal Buildings area?
The borough has an obligation to it’s citizens as well as the future of our children and grandchildren to act responsibly concerning the environment. Before we start a plan to “get off the grid”, we need to get smarter in regards to the borough’s energy usage and how it can be curtailed. Wind power and solar have been used by towns all over the country for years now. Oradell instituted running their DPW fleet on bio diesel with help from the local restaurants.
This is a very important issue to Pat and me, and we will vigorously lead Oakland to responsible energy solutions for the borough.
The Township of Wyckoff recently instituted “single stream recycling”. This allows residents to put all recyclables to the curb at once, and one truck is dispatched to pick up the items. Is this an option that should be considered for the residents of Oakland?
Pat and I have discussed this topic with many of the residents. We have already contacted the county and the state on how to make Oakland DPW a recycling center not only for the convenience of the residents, and the elimination of a majority of the tipping fees we now pay, but also as a potential money maker for the borough and we are very excited about the prospect. We will continue to pursue this once elected.
In these tough economic times when the budget is such a big issue, many people are interested in knowing where candidates stand with regards to the estimated million dollar budget for the tennis court project. Where do you stand on this subject?
The tennis court is certainly a hot button topic recently, and the council is loathe to make a decision on it before election day. I however will make a decision on it, and the answer is no. In it’s present form before the council it costs way too much money to the taxpayer. The borough, at the moment, has a matching grant of over $100,000.00 and are hoping for another grant for about the same amount. That still puts the onus on the taxpayers of nearly $800,000.00. The tennis club is a wonderful organization, and I will definitely help the tennis club in anyway we can realize their goal