FRED'S POSITIONS ON IMPORTANT ISSUES REGARDING THE TOWNSHIP OF NUTLEY

Shared Services: One of the most important issues facing residents of Nutley, like all New Jerseyans, is property taxes. We need to find a way to hold the line on taxes while still providing the top quality services that Nutley residents have come to expect, and deserve. One way to do this is to focus on shared services. By working with the Board of Education in our Township, as well as with the County, the State, and other surrounding communities, we can increase efficiency and decrease cost. I was one of the first to help the town and Board of Education collaborate to get this kind of project done, securing a million dollar grant to renovate the Oval into the top notch facility it is today. Public Safety: I have spent my adult life pursuing a rewarding career in public safety, and from my start as an auxiliary firefighter to my more recent professional endeavors, I have never stopped learning. As the range of threats to our citizens have increased throughout the years, I have continued my education and training, working to stay on the forefront of public safety. From my basic fire training to advanced hazardous materials and incident management certifications, I have the experience to inform the challenging decisions we face as a community. As a legislator, I was able to use this knowledge to craft legislation that helps protect New Jersey residents from 21st century threats. Education: Investing in our schools always translates to a great investment in our community, giving our children the preparation for the bright futures they deserve, as well as helping protect our property values. By working closely with the Board of Education, the Board of Commissioners can help keep our schools strong while helping to save taxpayers money. While serving in the Assembly, I helped secure a $700,000 grant to build an autism education program, saving the school district on transportation and alternative program costs and keeping our students home in our community. We also were able to maximize the state's contribution to the funding of school renovations, receiving 37 percent of the cost, well above previous state offers, saving Nutley taxpayers millions of dollars. Open Space, Parks and Smart Planning: The high quality of life that we enjoy in Nutley is enhanced by our dedication to keeping Nutley a community with a good mix of residences, businesses to invest in our community helping to stabilize our tax base and providing services, and open space. The commission is responsible for helping to guide the future of the community; I think my experience in State government gives me a valuable perspective on the balance we must strike. I was able to help improve our parks and to preserve our history through my work in the legislature and will continue to look for ways to improve our recreation and open space while keeping taxes down. During my tenure in Trenton, I earned the support of the environmental community, and my commitment to environmental issues continues.