Question 2: Name one Verona ordinance or regulation that should be eliminated and why.
Edward “Ted” Giblin: A few months back, I met with a long-time Verona business owner who had been asked to remove interior window lighting because it violated current statute. Other members of the business community have expressed concerns as to the efficiency of receiving approvals from the various departments within our municipal government entrusted with granting them.
A central theme of my candidacy is the establishment of Verona’s downtown as a pedestrian-friendly shopping and eating destination. As such, it is important for us as a community to consider how to both attract and to retain quality establishments. I feel that the section of the municipal code related to existing zoning laws needs to be re-examined to eliminate conflicts and ambiguities that many business owners feel are trivial. Where appropriate, existing zoning laws should be amended to become more business-friendly so Verona can attract the right types of businesses for a vibrant downtown.
On another note, I feel that Township officials need to consider the policy around open field time at our new facilities. Residents of all ages have been frustrated with the lack of “informal” field time that these facilities have been available for pick-up games and casual recreation. Recently, our Recreation has instituted open field time on a limited basis. As Councilman, I will fight for increased field time and better communication as to when the fields are available while balancing the need to safeguard these facilities from overuse and vandalism.
