RUMSON – Four candidates are seeking two three-year terms on the Rumson Borough Council in the Nov. 6 election.
The candidates are Democrats Marnie Doherty and Sarah Orsay, and Republicans Mark Rubin and John Conklin. Doherty and Orsay were profiled in a recent article.
Rubin, who is a current member of the Borough Council, said, “I have been a resident of Rumson since 1975 and have always loved living here. I reached a point in my life where I had the time and the desire to give back to my community.
“In 2004, when an opening on the Planning Board arose, I volunteered. By 2005, I was appointed to the council where I have served ever since. My desire is to maintain Rumson’s quality of life and its character and reputation,” he said.
If re-elected, Rubin said, “I intend to maintain the same level of listening and reasoning to accomplish a mutually agreeable resolution to any problem that may arise. I will work to maintain the quality of life in beautiful Rumson, which I consider to be the best place to live.”
Rubin has served on the Planning Board since 2004 and has been a member of the Borough Council since 2005. From 2005-10, he served as the Office of Emergency Management coordinator.
Since 1968, Rubin has been the president of a local design/manufacturing firm.
“I have brought my experience in business, investment, communications and personnel management into my performance as a Rumson councilman,” he said.
Conklin, a private investor, currently serves on the Borough Council.
Asked why he is seeking re-election, he said, “Growing up in Rumson, I remember my parents being active volunteers in the community. As a result, my parents instilled in me the importance of giving back. When I moved back to Rumson in 1995, I asked the mayor for an opportunity to volunteer. He appointed me to the zoning board.
“I served on the zoning board for 19 years, with the last 12 years serving as chairman. During my tenure, I estimate I heard about 900 applications which provided me a venue to hear our residents. For 19 years, I actively listened to the applications of residents and to those in favor and opposed to an application. My position required me to deftly balance the requests of the residents with the zoning laws.
“In January 2015, I was appointed to the council. Through our regularly scheduled meetings and informal contact, I have had the opportunity to hear our residents. The current Piping Rock Park renovation was a result of a three-year process in which there was extensive community input.
“The original Center Street/Washington Avenue curb and paving program was met with intense resident opposition. Through a meticulous plan coordinated by the borough administrator, all of the residents’ concerns were addressed. These examples show the way in which the council actively listens to our residents.
“My unique experience in the community, along with a wide-ranging professional career, has given me the skill set to help ensure Rumson provides comprehensive services at a reasonable cost to all of our residents,” he said.
Asked what he would like to accomplish if he wins a new term, Conklin said, “Rumson’s financial strength is demonstrated by receiving (Moody’s Investors Service) highest rating. However, there are many fast-moving challenges such as the demands of new residents, (ability to walk to town, smaller lots); implications of the new federal tax law regarding property tax deductions; removal of the 2 percent cap, and the need for infrastructure spending (road paving and sewers).
“Over the next three years, I anticipate there will be more clarity on the long-term implications for Rumson surrounding these issues. As finance chairman, I will be laser focused on these issues to ensure that Rumson maintains its financial strength.
“Affordable housing has been an ongoing issue for Rumson and other New Jersey communities for close to two decades. As zoning board chairman, I oversaw the application of two sites which provided affordable units in Rumson. I look forward to the settlement of the ongoing litigation so Rumson can address our affordable housing mandate,” Conklin said.
