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Political Forum

Claire Lazarowitz Begins Fall Reelection Campaign

WESTFIELD — Claire Lazarowitz, who has been a member of theWestfieldTown Council the past six months since her appointment, has launched her reelection campaign.

By going door to door Ms. Lazarowitz said she is continuing her mission to understand and to fight for the interests of Third Ward residents.

“I continue to be excited and energized bymy discussionswiththepeople who I represent on the council. It’s extremely important to listen and then to act in an effective manner to help solve those problems,” said Ms. Lazarowitz.

“Over the last few months I have beenwalkingtheThird Wardtobeable to discuss the comprehensive parking plan and the then proposed parking deckontheSouth AvenueLot.Ineeded to hear from these residents what they felt the impact of the plan would be; how they viewed the location, size and traffic on the neighborhood streets.”

“I found an overwhelming number of people against starting anywhere butthe centralbusinessdistrict,”Councilwoman Lazarowitz continued. “Most of these people were very passionate about their views and, as I listened, I realized how important it was to be an advocate for my constituents.”

She informed Town Council members that she would not support the large south side deck plan. Recently, MayorThomasC. Jardimandthecouncil decided to move forward on the recommendation of the town’s parking consultant, Rich and Associates, for a comprehensive parking plan, which includes a deck located behind The Leader Store and next to the old Taylor Hardware store.

“Thisisan historicandexcitingtime for Westfield, a time for starting the new century with action in the implementation of this parking plan, which includes a deck that will supply spaces for our shoppers, commuters and employees,” theCouncilwomanindicated.

“Aftersome80 yearsofdebatingthe problem,” she said she was “proud to be a part of the leadership team” which had the “perseverance and determination to drive this issue forward to finally solve it.”

Ms. Lazarowitz has been a member of the Board of Trustees of The

Westfield Neighborhood Council (WNC) for the past four years. She is alsothe ChairwomanofWNC’sSchool Committeeand oftheirHelpingNeighbor Fund.

As one of the Westfield High School’s representatives to the B. R. A. K. E. S. GroupofWestfield(Bikers,

Runners and Kids are Entitled to Safety),Ms. Lazarowitzhasbeenworking to find ways to increase pedestrian safety. She was also a member of the committee to “Save the Rialto Theater.”

Inaddition, Ms.Lazarowitzhasbeen a member of the Parent Teacher Organizations of Tamaques Elementary, Edison Intermediate and Westfield High Schools. A fiveyear Cub Scout leader, she helped develop scouting opportunities for children whose families were unable to afford the program.

By profession, Ms. Lazarowitz is a fitness instructorandpersonalexercise trainer and has developed programs for many residents of the Westfield community including specialized chases for senior citizens.

She is also a member of Temple EmanuEl choir and is active in the local Democratic Party.

A Tice Place resident, Ms. Lazarowitz lives with her husband, Barry, and 15yearold son Jake. The Councilwoman can be contacted at homeat(908)2329439orbyemailat lazarowitz@ mciworld. com.

Cleaner Environment, Tax Cut Tops Agenda for County Slate

Claire S. Lazarowitz Marks and Coronato Launch

S. Plains Neighborhood Walks

SCOTCH PLAINS — Scotch Plains Mayor Martin L. Marks and Township Council Candidate Paulette Coronato have begun their neighborhood walk programs in the next several weeks leading up to Election Day, November 7.

Mayor Marks is running for Mayor in the first ever elected mayor race in Scotch Plains’history. Mrs. Coronato previously ran for council in 1998.

The two Republican candidates are well into their door to door visits with citizensandintend tovisiteveryScotch Plains neighborhood over the next seven weeks.

“There is no better way to find out what is on the minds of our residents than to visit with them directly,” stated Mayor Marks.

“Many citizens have taken advantage of the more open and friendly government this year by participating

in Township Council meetings and visiting me via the new ‘Meet the Mayor’ program.

“However, there are still residents who are unable, or hesitant to come forward to voice their concerns and questions. Meetings with them in their own homes all through the year, and now during campaign season are great waysto findoutwhatis onthemindsof Scotch Plains citizens,” Mayor Marks stated.

“So far, the response has been positive,” said Mrs. Coronato. “Even though it is still early September, people are starting to focus on the upcoming elections. We expected to

findaheightened interestinthisyear’s elections because of the Presidential and U. S. Senate races.

“We are pleased to see that our residents are taking a keen interest in our local government also. They are quite aware of the 2000 property tax freeze instituted by the Republican led Township Council.Iremind themthatthistax freeze was accomplished through good fiscal management that has allowed us to continue to provide the quality of services our residents expect and deserve.

“Our citizens are looking for assurances that their local government will be sensitive to the property tax issue,” continued Mrs. Coronato.

MayorMarks added,“Yearafteryear the property tax issue is the number one concern of our residents, and it’s mine too.Even thoughtheTownshipCouncil cannot control the (Union) County and BoardofEducation portionsoftheproperty tax bill, we can do everything possible to propose reasonable and fair municipal budgets.

“The contrast between 1999 and 2000 is very clear in my eyes. Apparently, from what we are hearing in our door to door visits, it is also clear in the eyes of Scotch Plains taxpayers.”

Paulette Coronato Martin L. Marks

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

WESTFIELD — Republican Union County Freeholder Candidates, Wally Shackell, Esther GuzmanMalcolm and Al Dill this week pledged to work for lower county taxes, more opportunities in higher education for students and a cleaner, safer environment for families during their fall campaign.

The candidates said their aim is to providetheleadership tocutthewaste from county government to provide moreefficient servicestocountyresidents at lower cost.

Mr. Shackell served as Cranford Deputy Mayor in 1997 and Mayor in 1998. He is past president of the Cranford Jaycees and Cranford UNICO and member of the Knights of Columbus. One of his main objectives is to eliminate waste and inefficiency in county government while lowering taxes.

“In the past three years under the allDemocratic Freeholder board, spending has increased year to year. The incumbents claim that they have been able to do this while keeping county taxes stable is simply untrue,” said Mr. Shackell.

“In fact, 12 communities in the western part of the county will see

significant tax hikes this year,” said Mr. Shackell. “Taxes go up, but they (the freeholders) take a pay raise every year. They are now one of the highest paid Freeholder boards in the state. We could better serve the public by taking less money from the taxpayers and by spending it more efficiently.”

A Roselle resident, Ms. GuzmanMalcolm has 25 years experience as a Union County Sheriff’s Officer.

She advocates a closing working relationship between working closer police agencies at the municipal and county levels to police Union County’s streets. She said the county needs to ensure police departments of adequately staffed and have sufficient equipment.

Mr. Dill, a former Summit councilman and Union County Utilities Authority Commissioner and current Chairman of the Public Relations Committee of the Joint Meeting of Union and Essex Counties, said that education and the environment are two of the key issues facing the county this year.

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