Since the last Town Council election, Verona’s municipal employment has both fallen through attrition and risen through increased police department hiring. This week, MyVeronaNJ.com wanted to talk to the six candidates vying for three seats in the May 9 election about right-sizing government.
Mayor Kevin Ryan is the lone member of the current council running for re-election. The other candidates are Donna Cannizzaro, Carrie Ford, Edward “Ted” Giblin, Jack McEvoy and Christopher Piccuirro. Clicking on each name will take you to a page where we have gathered their responses to this week’s question and links to their campaign websites and social media. You can go back through all of the previous weeks’ questions and answers on our special 2017 Election page.
MyVeronaNJ.com’s Town Council election forum will be held on Wednesday, April 26, at Congregation Beth Ahm (56 Grove Avenue), from 7:30 to 9 p.m. The event will be moderated by students from the Verona High School AP Government class and videotaped by students from the Broadcast Journalism class.
Question 6: What is the appropriate staffing level for a town like Verona and what would you do to get us there?
Dear Verona Friends,
As the former Mayor of Verona, and current Council Member, it has truly been my privilege and pleasure to have served the community I love these past 8 years. While I am not seeking reelection this year, my commitment to Verona remains strong. That is why I am encouraging all of my Verona Friends to join me in my support for Donna McNinch Cannizzaro, and Ted Giblin in the coming election. I believe we need fresh, new voices on the Verona Council, and these two fine candidates will bring a much needed sensible and unbiased perspective to the dais.
Donna is 5th generation Verona. Her father was a proud Verona Police officer, and she and her daughter Shannon are both products of our outstanding Verona schools. She is committed to maintaining transparency, stabilizing taxes, bolstering the essential services our residents enjoy and upon which they rely, and strengthening our public safety programs and policies. She will gather as much information as possible before making any decision concerning our town, and then that decision will be based solely on what is in the best interest of the entire community.
Ted Giblin comes from a family of devoted public servants. His astute financial background will insure the highest level of, and commitment to fiscal management. He is a beloved father of two young children, and devoted husband to his wife Liz. Over the years, Ted has served on numerous committees in town. As a member of my Mayor’s Ball Committee, he helped raise nearly $20,000 which went to support myriad local charities and volunteer organization. His character and integrity are above reproach, and I challenge any of his opponents to prove otherwise.
This is a pivotal time in Verona, and we need serious candidates who will work hard for our residents with no agenda other than what is best for the whole community. I strongly recommend and encourage you to join me in my support, and vote Line 1A, Ted Giblin, and Line 2A Donna Cannizzaro on Tuesday May 9.
Thank you,
Bob Manley