Why I Support Storch, Dameron

Below is the Letter to the Editor that appeared in yesterday's Courier News. If you'd like to see it online, click here: In Plainfield, vote for Storch, Dameron

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Plainfield is a wonderful community that is full of potential. If we are to put this city on the right track, we must elect dedicated community members whose votes will reflect the diversity of viewpoints that make this city so great.

We need council members who are able to balance the urgent need to enforce financial oversight and foster economic development with the ongoing responsibility of protecting those who are most vulnerable through public safety, job creation and youth development. That's why I support Councilman Cory Storch and candidate DeLois “Dee” Dameron for the Plainfield City Council.

I'm proud to support Storch for the second ward council seat. Councilman Storch has been a powerful advocate for the residents of the second ward. A vital member of the council's Finance and Administration Committee, he helped to create the Financial Accountability, Integrity & Responsibility (FAIR) legislation package—a set of ordinances and resolutions designed to strengthen financial controls and council oversight. The FAIR package was adopted last year with the help of Councilman Storch, despite veto attempts by the mayor.

Cory has continuously been the lead advocate for most major economic development initiatives in Plainfield. He knows that Plainfield must become a place where people can live, earn and spend. He is the sponsor of the Transit Village Visioning Study, which brought in experts and development leaders to work with residents in designing the Plainfield of tomorrow. He is also the lead advocate and co-sponsor of the Rutgers Economic Development Study which is currently underway. These studies will provide the blueprint for residential development, commercial development and job creation.

As we all know, the economy's collapse halted most major development across the country. Instead of sitting idly by, Councilman Storch devised a plan of action, ensuring that when the market turns around, the Queen City will be prepared to take advantage of new opportunities.

Councilman Storch has many other accomplishments that I could focus on but the most important qualities he has are independence and a servant's heart. You don’t have to guess whether Cory will vote with integrity—he's not beholden to anyone and always has the needs of residents in mind. He's the type of elected official that we need more of on our City Council.

I am also proud to support DeLois “Dee” Dameron for First and Fourth Wards Councilor. Dee understands that residents in the first and fourth wards are concerned about their taxes, safety and quality of life. An active volunteer on the Citizen Budget Advisory Committee, Dee knows the budgetary concerns cities are dealing with and she never lets the council or mayor forget the financial squeeze that residents are feeling. She will fight for the rights of every resident to live in a home they can afford without being suffocated by taxes.

Dedicated to the senior citizens and youth of this city, Dee will be an advocate for those who need a strong voice on the council. She will listen to the needs of her constituents and speak up for all.

Local elections can be difficult because we have to select just one candidate among several friends and neighbors who are on the ballot. We must remember, however, that each seat is held for four years. We can't just elect people we like, but also people who are independent and who are strong enough to vote for what's right.

Vote wisely this June. Vote for Councilman Cory Storch, candidate for Second Ward Councilor, and Dee Dameron, candidate for First and Fourth Wards Councilor.