To the editor:
The best leaders, whether at work or in life, show little distinction between their values, principles. and leadership skills; they lead in the way they live their lives. It’s a reflection of learned and acquired wisdom defined by the quality, scope and blend of their experiences.
Some running for office have reasoned that their lack of experience is an asset because they’ll bring “energy and originality.” Unfortunately, mistakes are often the bridge between that inexperience and wisdom, which means challenges may be misinterpreted, ignored or overlooked at the expense of taxpayers. Consider risk assessment: it’s a responsibility in elected office, a skill not normally associated with inexperience.
Personal life, career work, civic involvement—an observation of a collective past can provide insight to the future viability of one’s campaign rhetoric having substance. Being attractive or nice aren’t skills, they’re assets. Planning, communicating, decision making, problem solving— these are management skills.
Westwood’s taxes have risen beyond inflation. Infrastructure has clearly seen aspects outright ignored. Westvale Park is looking at $800,000 in new costs due to a failure to consider the dependent variables between projects. And quality of life issues by those who are subject to flooding have seen little in physical changes that will offset their worries. The list of challenges ahead will need real managerial experience, if we’re to get balanced cost effective decisions.
Westwood will survive, whoever is elected. We go to the polls only to put our stamp on Westwood’s future. For me personally, my vote is for Ray Arroyo as mayor and Beth Ann Dell and Robert Bicocchi for council; their experience collectively are best suited for the tasks ahead.
Likewise for school board, Michelle Sembler and Michael Pontillo both bring real management job experience to a responsibility that affects the transparency and value of education to the community’s children.
Moreover, this single board affects 60% of Westwood’s tax bill. We need management awareness if taxpayers are going to be able to afford living here as a family community.
This isn’t a vote against the other candidates but rather one for those best positioned by experience and skills essential to meet the challenges ahead, both in the municipality and our school system. Vote Tuesday, Nov. 5.