During my 12 years on the Council and working with Mayor Bivona, we were able to keep municipal property taxes at the second lowest rate in Bergen County with annual increases around 1% while increasing our surplus, vastly decreasing our debt, maintaining our triple-A rating and increasing services and investment in infrastructure. The Borough is in the best financial condition it has been in over a decade and is positioned well to meet future challenges and community needs.

A continued focus on essential spending and capital management will keep our financial condition sound for years to come as will new investments in our community adding to the $4.4 billion ratable base.

But it also means taking the suggestions of residents from recent polling into account, many of which were incorporated into our newly adopted Master Plan. This includes the creative development of our downtown area (Franklin and Colonial Roads) and the use of existing public lands for recreational and civic events. Whether it be the Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve, Parsons Pond Park, the new Pickleball courts, or our Recreation Center, there are ample opportunities to enhance the quality of life of our residents.

And significantly, this also means meeting our affordable housing obligations without compromising the values of existing residential housing. This also represents a challenge in the future, not only for Franklin Lakes, but for every town in New Jersey.