Parker, Castle and Sohn for Open and Transparent Government

I am endorsing Councilwoman Lizette Parker, and candidates Jason Castle and Alan Sohn for Teaneck Town Council.

In the past four years, Teaneck has seen a 15% rise in taxes, a lessening in recycling services, a stifling of open government discussion and decision making, and an inability for citizens to obtain answers to their questions from the Council majority.   It is very apparent that a change must occur on Teaneck’s town council in order to have a transparent and informative governing body.

 I am asking that you join me in voting to re-elect Councilwoman Lizette Parker, as well as casting your vote for candidates Jason Castle and Alan Sohn for Teaneck Town Council on this coming Tuesday, May 13, 2013.

I know each of the individual candidates and all three are dedicated people who want to improve the lives of the citizens of Teaneck.  Lizette Parker, Jason Castle and Alan Sohn each bring unique talents and perspectives on how to build consensus, how to listen to the needs of the citizens, and how to address those concerns so Teaneck moves forward in the 21st century.

In her time on council, Lizette has been a staunch advocate for the residents of Teaneck with a long list of accomplishments that have benefited and enriched our community.  Just a few of these accomplishments include: re-establishing the Youth Advisory Board, which brings together Teaneck’s diverse student body; supported the five day week for municipal services; securing more senior housing; establishing a Human Resource Department, which has successfully stemmed the escalating tide of personnel lawsuits against the township; and bringing to Teaneck Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” program”, aimed at addressing childhood obesity.

Jason Castle is an Iraq War Veteran who has established himself as a community advocate, both through his service as the 2012 NJ Community Leader- White House Common Purpose Project and as an advocate for an open and transparent township government here in Teaneck. Jason is committed to ensuring that Teaneck’s citizens can observe the process of their town Council as it reaches a consensus on how to meet the needs of the people. He has the ability to advocate the many diverse needs of the entire Teaneck Community because he understands the importance of listening to the concerns of the citizens.  Jason has proven his leadership skills by helping to successfully lobby the council for the return of the 5-day week for municipal services; he is also a strong advocate for the return of the Teaneck Council monthly workshops.

Alan Sohn has been active in community service for many years, including long term membership on the council’s Community Relations Advisory Board.  Alan has been advocating for open, responsive and transparent government for as long as I have known him.  He will work hard on Council to curb tax increases and reduce the cost of services without negatively affecting the public’s quality of life.  He has been a strong advocate to re-establishing the monthly workshop meetings where the citizens can observe their Town Council discussing township business and reaching decisions under the scrutiny of the public.  Alan also believes that there must be positive dialogue amongst the diverse constituencies that make up this township.

 I hope you will join me on May 13, 2014 by voting for Lizette Parker, Jason Castle and Alan Sohn—(lines 2, 6 & 7).