| Candidate
Information
Professional
Background: Jim
is a member of a successful law practice working on a broad spectrum of
legal issues including civil and criminal matters. Jim also serves as
the Mountainside Public Defender representing financially-challenged
defendants.
Education:
Jim
graduated from Seton Hall University concentrating his studies in
government and law. He received his law degree with honors from Seton
Hall Law School.
Family
Life: Jim
is married to Cara H. Foerst, whom he met while attending
law school. Cara is also an attorney admitted to practice
in both New York and New Jersey, and is the Dean of
Students at Seton Hall Law. Cara and Jim welcomed their
first child, James Michael, Jr., this April.
Government
Experience: Jim Foerst was
elected as Councilman for the 4th Ward of Westfield in 2003. He was
appointed Chairman of the Code Review and Town Property Committee in
2005. In this role, Jim is presently championing Westfield’s
“controlled growth policy.” This program is the Town’s effort to
limit residential over-development and control the quality of life
issues which surround construction. With Jim’s leadership, the Council
has strengthened local zoning laws and building codes to better protect
our neighborhoods. Jim also serves as a member of the Westfield Planning
Board and as a member of Mayor Skibitsky’s Land Use Task Force.
Jim
serves as a current member of the Public Safety,
Transportation and Parking Committee. The Committee
currently is improving the safety of the roads and
intersections around our schools, where our children need
to be protected during their travels. His work on this
committee has yielded traffic and safety improvements
around both McKinley and Jefferson Schools. This year,
with the assistance of the Citizens Traffic Safety
Advisory Committee, Jim will be reviewing and improving
the neighborhoods around Memorial Park, as well as the
traffic intersection near Houlihan/Sid Fey Fields.
Clubs
and Organizations: Jim
is a member of the Westfield Jaycees, a group dedicated to community
service focusing on Westfield youth. In conjunction with the ARC of New
Jersey, Jim also serves on the NJ Camp Jaycee Board of Directors. Camp
Jaycee is a summer camp catering to the needs of members of families
with disabilities. Jim works with the New Jersey Superior Court to
assist indigent and infirm seniors and the disabled in procuring
appropriate medical care and financial protection. Major
Campaign Issues:
Taxes
- A commitment and continuing focus on doing more with
less to keep our taxes in check.
Overdevelopment
- Jim has championed Westfield’s “controlled growth
policy” to limit the impact of new construction on our
neighborhoods while preserving our citizens’ rights to
grow in their present homes.
Public
Safety - Improving traffic and pedestrian safety
around or schools and recreation facilities.
Fields and
Parks -
Preserving our green spaces and keeping our fields and
parks in top shape.
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