Voters to Elect Two Township Committee Members
Despite the power outages and crazy weather, candidates are working to get out the vote on Tuesday.
From upper left, clockwise...Democrat Stephen Thomas, Republican incumbent Robert Tillotson, Republican Sari Greenberg, Democrat Seth Levine.
Photos (6)
Photos
This election season has been a trying one – hurricanes, tropical storms, floods and a snowstorm that plunged much of the township in to darkness 10 days before election day.
Many phones were out of service all week with residents using their cell phones to call the power company or the township, not to make candidate phone calls.
But the candidates have been meeting voters where they can – at the train stations, at civic association meetings, at coffee shops, in carpool lines and on the streets downtown.
When they came together at a candidate forum 10 days ago on a rainy evening, they attracted a full house – people really wanted to hear their opinions on issues, particularly on flooding.
Two Democrats and two Republicans are running for the two open seats on the Millburn Township Committee. Deputy Mayor Republican Robert Tillotson is seeking re-election and the other seat is open because the lone Democrat on the committee, Jim Suell, decided not to run again.
Republican Sari Greenberg is running with Tillotson and they face Democratic challengers Seth Levine and Stephen Thomas.
It has been a cordial but heated race, but one thing the candidates all agree on is that flood remediation is the top priority for Millburn-Short Hills.
Had Irene not flooded homes and businesses and caused the inadequate storm and sanitary sewer systems to back up on Aug. 28, then the other issues facing the township would loom larger, including parking, shared services, downtown redevelopment and planning and zoning issues.
But dealing with problems left in the township by Irene will be the biggest expense and issue for years to come, the candidates all agree.
“As we’re all aware, it’s a grave situation in South Mountain," said Democratic Candidate Stephen Thomas, at a recent debate hosted by the Short Hills Association. "We are going to have to spend a lot of money to improve the sewer system there. …Our budget doesn’t have a lot of wiggle room and we’re going to feel it. We need to sit back and take a long, hard look at what we’re spending money on.
Tillotson said that Township Committee is working hard on various areas to fix the flooding from working with other towns and counties to planning drainage projects in the South Mountain area that the committee can act on now.
“We are getting a lot done,” he said. "The hurricane and flood damage and sewer damage is priority No. 1, and the Township Committee has exhibited that behavior since the day of the storm."
Democrat Seth Levine, who worked on the committee that formed in the wake of Hurricane Floyd to address the same issues the town faces now, said he felt that the Township Committee had not adequately addressed flooding at the time.
“The township chose a parochial fix without engaging towns up and down the river,” Levine said. “It is probably the single largest priority now because it wasn’t done effectively earlier.”
Republican Sari Greenberg said Irene has been very polarizing and she hopes to bring residents together to work on the issue.
“It’s critical we that we implement a comprehensive program [to deal with recovery] and not do it in a vacuum. There are multiple moving parts and not all the parts are going to move in unison,” Greenberg said. “Dealing with it is an absolute priority.”
While the flooding issue – and most recently the second round of power outages in the wake of another natural disaster – are at the forefront of conversations in town, candidates have also talked about other issues such as parking, redevelopment, sharing services with other towns and traffic and zoning issues
Levine and Thomas have said downtown needs some redevelopment and that while they support the parking garage, they would like to see it planned along with some other revitalization efforts and improvements downtown.
Levine said the township needs to talk with the county about changing the one-way road configuration downtown that “basically turns Millburn Avenue into a three lane highway as it goes through downtown.”
All the candidates agree that the parking deck was needed but Levine and Thomas have said it should have happened 15 years ago, when it was first proposed, because it would be paid for by now.
Tillotson, was a key proponent of the parking garage, but not the revitalization plan that was proposed four years ago, prompting him to run the first time. He said a redevelopment plan should be something taxpayers want and approve of and is not a burden tax-wise.
Greenberg said any downtown plan should be also done in consideration of The Mall at Short Hills and should not compete with it. Additionally, she said, much of the revitalization efforts should made by the Downtown Millburn Development Alliance and by businesses.
The township is already sharing some services with other towns and is looking into other services, and issue that Levine ran on unsuccessfully last year.
All the candidates also agree that sharing services with other towns is a way to save money, but will only get the township so far.
The election is Tuesday, Nov. 8.
Voters will also be voting for a Senator and two Assemblyman positions in the newly formed 27th District.
The Candidates at a Glance (in alphabetical order):
Sari Greenberg, a Short Hills Republican who grew up in West Caldwell, has lived in the township since 2000. She and her husband, Scott Segel, have daughters in 8th and 4th grades in Millburn schools. A lot of her work has dealt with negotiations and bringing two sides together to come up with workable solutions, a skill she thinks will serve the committee well. After 15 years as general counsel with NBC Universal, she took a buyout and is spending more time with her family and in her community. She is chairwoman of religious school board and on the board of trustees at B’nai Israel in Millburn. She’s running, she says, to give back to the community that has given so much to her and her family.
Democrat Seth Levine, a telecommunications consultant, has lived with his wife Patty in the Wyoming area for 21 years. Their children graduated from Millburn High School, and he has long been active in civic organizations, including being co-president of the Wyoming Civic Association and on the committee that looked into flood control after Hurricane Floyd, and he says the town didn’t do enough at that time. He is a regular attendee at committee meetings, often asking questions and offering suggestions. In an earlier bid for office, he campaigned on the idea of sharing services, and improving downtown by adding a parking deck. He is running again because, he said, he feels he can help the township spend its tax money more efficiently and effectively.
Democrat Stephen Thomas spent 15 years as a writer for Sports Illustrated and online media until the economy first began to turn. He changed professions and worked as a carpenter and eventually a property manager. He and his wife, Susan Brody, have lived in Millburn since 1994 and have two children at Millburn High School and Middle School. Thomas has been active in civic life, including coaching Little League and serving on the town's parking committee years ago. He decided to run for office because, as a regular meeting attendee, he does not like the “dismissive way the committee treats its constituents.” He says he also thinks there needs to be someone on the committee willing to ask tough questions.
Incumbent and Deputy Mayor Robert Tillotson, a Republican, has a finance background and worked at a hedge fund for nearly 25 years and has lived in Short Hills more than 15 years. He and his wife, Suzan, have two children who graduated from Millburn High School and he, to, has been involved in civic life, including coaching rec sports teams. When he first ran for office three years ago, he ran on a campaign against large-scale redevelopment because he felt it would be a tax burden on the residents. He is running for re-election because, he says, the committee has made progress on issues in the three years he's been there and he wants to build on that.
MarkDS
9:59 am on Monday, November 7, 2011
I am going to vote for Thomas because he seems to have an open mind.
I am not voting for Tillotson because I want to send a signal against the deck and if he is reelected he will probably be chosen as Mayor, which will be the perfect bully pulpit for him to use to psh through the deck quickly without serious examination of alternatives.
Levine seems to be too much enamored with "build and they shall come" an pushing large out of character buildings downtown. So by default my second vote will be for Greenberg.
JB
9:59 am on Monday, November 7, 2011
I'm concerned that beyond the storm-related hardships we've had the past two months, we also have an inordinate level of apathy in our town. I've been encouraging people to vote but will be very curious as to the poll turnout.
Is there any way to find out how many total registered voters we have in the the township?
DVP
10:15 am on Monday, November 7, 2011
MarkDS and JB. I too am approaching this election pragmatically. What our town needs is someone who can be effective working across parties; effective across towns; effective across the county; and effective at state level.
After watching the televised debates; and attending the democrat's library session, I believe Sari Greenberg would be the town's best alternative.
The most intriguing part of Ms Greenberg's resume; glossed over during the debates, is her many years of experience working with government agencies and regulators. That is precisely the experience and skill set the town needs as we deal with inter-town issues (TMB); state issues (flooding and charter schools); intra-town issues (parking and downtown revitalization).
From her bio, she has many years as a successful executive navigating through corporate deal making. It follows that she is able to work within budgets; and understand the long term financial impact of decisions.
Ms Greenberg also demonstrated a maturity and calmness during the debate that one of the candidates did not. In a nut shell; Sari came off as an effective communicator.
Stephen V. Thomas
7:15 pm on Monday, November 7, 2011
DVP--I can only infer that you are referring to me when you say 'one of the candidates did not' display maturity or calmness. If I'm mistaken, so be it, however, if I am correct in my assumption, I invite you to provide me with examples of my supposed immaturity and lack of calm. Quite honestly, I couldn't disagree more with either characterization.
Perhaps we simply disagree about my conduct. Still, I really would welcome some examples.
mollyb
8:06 pm on Monday, November 7, 2011
If I didn't know better, I'd say DVP is actually Sari Greenberg herself! Ms. Greenberg seemed to love the phrase "skill set" in all her printed press and during the debate, and like DVP, liked to talk of all she can "navigate". I am not doubting her skills as a lawyer, but if she will simply "effectively communicate" with all the other Republicans on the TC by nodding her head and smiling, then she will serve very little purpose over that our town lawyer can provide. And her comment about not wanting to "trash talk" or that she doesn't believe in "looking back" just seems naive and Pollyanna. This TC needs to be woken up--the town has been speaking loudly that they are not satisfied and it's time to vote in new blood--not Yes-men (or Yes-women).
AEN
10:41 am on Monday, November 7, 2011
Does Steve really have an "open mind"?
Millburn needs someone who unites the town in a common purpose. We don't need a divider. First, we unfortunately see the South Mountain Civic association acting as a front for one of the candidates. The supposedly non-partisan association would not let the Mayor address the meeting. It's not a question about supporting or not supporting the mayor. Rather, it's about common sense, Steve "I don't care who I offend, I'll ask questions" Thomas lambasted the mayor and town commitee during the debate and on patch postings about not communicating during Irene and the recent storm. Yet, she is denied an opportunity to speak. Where is the logic?
Second, Steve needs to understand it's not about Millburn versus Short Hills. Yet, an email circulating through the town certainly made it sound that way. Is that what this town needs?
The reality is a solution to flooding, to parking, downtown revitalization, etc. will cost a lot over many, many years. It will require someone who can work as a team; across party lines; across town lines; across county lines. We need to work together as a single town. We don't need divisiveness. We need maturity and not Steve and his fiery personality. Contrast Steve to Seth who is more professional in his demeanor. Yet, Seth repeatedly agreed with Mr Tillotson during the debate ... asserting that they were Seth's ideas from years ago. Seth, the past is for remembering not reliving
Stephen V. Thomas
7:29 pm on Monday, November 7, 2011
AEN--I'm sorry you view my criticism of the Committee and the mayor as being divisive and somehow inimical to a unified community. Additionally, I am uncertain how my criticism of said indicates I don't have an open mind. On the contrary, I might argue precisely the opposite and suggest that by being willing to look critically, I am attempting to view a problem or situation from different perspectives.
I am also curious how it is the Mayor is denied an opportunity to speak. By whom? I have posted repeatedly on Patch under my own name; I would have been happy to read her comments in the same forum.
Where, precisely, have I positioned Millburn vs. Short Hills? Was this email to which you refer from me?
Finally, it seems pretty clear to me what the talking points of the day are: 'Steve' is a wildcard, too fiery, quick to go off half-cocked, etc., etc., etc. Frankly, I think that line of argument is somewhat weak. Admittedly, my personality doesn't suit everyone. But, please, to slam me for immaturity seems silly minus concrete examples, especially in anonymous postings.
mollyb
8:15 pm on Monday, November 7, 2011
I received an email that was sent by someone named Ed Rummel, who was forwarding it from Mary McNett, who said that the Democratic candidates were trying to divide the town and politicize the storm. HOGWASH!! That email is the only divisive thing I've seen. How is it dividing the town to say that the residents in town have not been having their needs met? It's nice that the Mayor finally seems to have heard the outcry from various pockets of residents and has been a bit more present after the snowstorm. But dare I ask--where are the other TC members? I have never heard Ted Bourke or McDermott or Tillotson or even lame-duck Suell utter a word. Does it all fall on the Mayor? Do the rest just sit back and let her take all the blame? Why don't they walk the town and make the calls to residents? If someone is called fiery in this town, I think that's a huge compliment! What's the alternative--tepid and ineffectual? Well, we have plenty of that. By golly, if someone has a heartbeat they are deemed unfit to serve and divisive? I think not. But clearly, that's why we have elections. I will vote for Stephen Thomas and Seth Levine.
Andrew Fingerman
10:12 pm on Monday, November 7, 2011
AEN,
Your statement above is grossly misinformed. The South Mountain Civic Association has actively chosen not to endorse candidates for the upcoming election and we've done nothing as an organization to support any of the candidates. Our first meeting as an organization was last Tuesday, and we had a lively debate about the future of the organization and how to best engage with our local government to improve the quality of life and property values in our community.
There was never a request by the mayor to address the meeting, and we'd love to invite her and other elected officials to speak at a future meeting.
I know these *facts* because I ran the meeting and helped reorganize the association, and I won't allow you to denigrate this group or the community members who stuck their necks out to get it organized. Our organization is based on inclusiveness and creating positive ways to address the issues facing our neighborhood.
Whether we agree or disagree with our elected officials and candidates, we'll engage in open dialogue and we'll be transparent about our vested interests and who we support, rather than posting baseless accusations anonymously on internet message boards.
Andrew Fingerman
Interim President, South Mountain Civic Association
Ed Rummel
12:39 pm on Monday, November 7, 2011
The Democratic Township Committee candidates are attempting to divide the community by politicizing the storm-related power outages. During and after Irene and the snow storm, the Township Committee and our police, fire and public works people worked tirelessly under very difficult circumstances. Neighbors with and without power reached out to help one another. Those who work to divide us so they can win an election are not concerned about our community.
Let's not have any more needless speed bumps, failed downtown redevelopment plans or more hand wringing over what to do about the deer in order to not offend the few Bambi lovers here and from West Orange.
Please join me in supporting Deputy Mayor Robert Tillotson and Sari Greenberg on November 8th. They are committed to work for our entire community. The polls are open from 6:00a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Ed Rummel
MarkDS
12:56 pm on Monday, November 7, 2011
Sounds like the only one trying to "politicize" things is you.
Hedley
2:01 pm on Monday, November 7, 2011
I must have missed all those communications from the Deputy Mayor during the past week. I guess I was too busy reading the emails from the Mayor. While the police, fire and public works departments no doubt worked "tirelessly," the Township Committee did nothing.
So please join me in voting out the Township Committee, one by one, starting with the Deputy Mayor on November 8.
bluemartha80
4:53 pm on Monday, November 7, 2011
Did he really say "Bambi lovers".
Stephen V. Thomas
7:33 pm on Monday, November 7, 2011
Mr. Rummel--The following is the first paragraph of an email that found its way into my inbox today (that email was not from you, by the by):
The Democratic Township Committee candidates are attempting to divide the community by politicizing the storm related power outages. During and after the storm, the Township Committee and our police, fire and public works people worked tirelessly under very difficult circumstances. Neighbors with and without power reached out to help one another. Those who work to divide us so they can win an election are not concerned about our community.
frustrated resident
1:15 pm on Monday, November 7, 2011
Second that MarkDS
millresident
1:18 pm on Monday, November 7, 2011
Third that MarkDS
J S Beckerman
2:01 pm on Monday, November 7, 2011
That seals the deal. If Ed Rummel is endorsing Tillotson and Greenberg, I will vote for the others.
jane
2:54 pm on Monday, November 7, 2011
I too must have missed the emails and updates from the Mayor and the Deputy during Irene and the snow storm. But to her credit, the Mayor did approve a contract with the same engineering firm that worked on the flood control plan after Floyd after receiving it 45 minutes before the Township Committee meeting and leaving no time for community input or review by anyone at Town Hall. If that is not playing politics, than I don’t know what is.
AEN, were you at the South Mountain Meeting? If you were you would know that it was an organizational meeting and it was not the time or place for the Mayor to speak. The South Mountain community is rightly angry about being devastated, yet again, by Irene. The civic association was re-activated to help find solutions to protect our homes from future flood events and sanitary sewer overflows. It is not a front for any one candidate. The people playing politics with this is the Mayor, you and Ed.
Personally, I have not been impressed with the current administration; I feel a lot more could have been to help prevent the devastation from both storms. The response to both was lackluster and a more forward thinking administration could have responded more effectively
There is no forward thinking or pre- planning in this administration and no accountability of where our tax dollars go. I agree, vote them out.
Stephen V. Thomas
2:59 pm on Monday, November 7, 2011
I typed the preceding on my phone...
Stephen V. Thomas
7:17 pm on Monday, November 7, 2011
Somehow, an earlier post of mine was deleted or did not appear here. Were it included in this thread, the above would make sense....
bluemartha80
3:35 pm on Monday, November 7, 2011
I echo Mark.Good government is good politics and I guess vice a versa.
Steven reminds me of a older version of Alex Torpey the Mayor in South Orange.Take a gander on how he has handled the aftermath of the floods there.I could defiantly see Steven doing the same here.
P_R_PC
5:29 pm on Monday, November 7, 2011
What time to the polls open/close?
Stephen V. Thomas
7:35 pm on Monday, November 7, 2011
6AM until 8PM
town voter
10:34 pm on Monday, November 7, 2011
I attended the debates and got to witness first hand how Steve Thomas is completely unqualified to hold office. If raising questions is a qualification then he is qualified. However, when it comes to providing answers on how to solve actual problems in the township, Steve spent more time discussing how he was treated poorly one time when he spoke before the committee, rather than actually answering any question that was posed to him. If he had just said it once, I might have given him a pass but he reiterated the point at least 3 more times. What he failed to do was present a coherent and effectual answer as to how he would do anything different. Your elected officials should be competent and have relevant experience. I have yet to see either demonstrated by Steve Thomas and I shall not vote for him. Posting comments on the patch isn't governing and so far all I see from Steve is an ability to post comments, however inaccurate they may be.
If you want a loose cannon, who lacks a basic understanding of the principles of governance, and has no clue on the importance of maintaining confidentiality regarding litigation, then by all means vote for Steve.
bluemartha80
1:20 am on Tuesday, November 8, 2011
The item obviously disagrees with the above assessment as they endorsed Mr Thomas based partially I am sure on his debate performance.
town voter
12:20 pm on Tuesday, November 8, 2011
bluemartha80, the Item liked his dissenting voice. My point stands that dissent is not governance. The Item did not, in my view, address Steve's utter lack of qualifications for the position he seeks. The other three candidates have a great deal of more relevant experience and displayed the requisite level of maturity required in a public official. The Item adid not address his reckless disregard for the concepts of conifidentiality and privileged communications in litigation. Airing leaked deposition testimony as part of a campaign exposes the town to greater liability risks not less. If Steve is concerned about litigation costs perhaps he should think before he speaks. As a lawyer, I have seen this type of recklessness before in clients who will not listen and it always ends badly. Why should our town take the risk and allow an inexperienced, irresponsible, and downright dangerous individual to represent our town?
Stephen V. Thomas
1:15 pm on Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Townvoter--I'm inclined to disregard your generally baseless assaults on me personally, but I cannot let your assertion that I am 'dangerous' pass unremarked. If you're game, I'd be more than happy to share my cell phone number and I invite you to call me.
Short of that, I am eager to read your next anonymous attack on me.
MillerTime
6:20 pm on Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Welcome to politics, Steve.
John Fonseca
7:01 pm on Tuesday, November 8, 2011
In reality, exactly how much influence on practical matters does the town council actually have? Seems to me that circumstance and inertia are what really run this burg, along with the inverted ziggurat of local/county/state/federal bureaucracies.
As ineffectual as the whole thing may be, I have to say I'm not a fan of the "committee elects the mayor" system, whatever the technical name is for that. It's like Congress electing the president.