Chester Primary: Take Five with Elizabeth Gugliemini

Primary elections are coming on Tuesday, June 5 and we here at Mendham-Chester Patch want you to be prepared for them. So we take five with each candidate and let them answer in their own words.  Canidates were told if they did not feel a question applied to them, or if they were uncomfortable answering then they should be left blank.

Name: Elizabeth Gugliemini

Political/town background:

Elizabeth Gugliemini has been speaking out at the local Council meetings since 2008.  She opposed the $140,000 sidewalk project from Main Street to the Bragg/Dickerson driveway.  She opposed the Flea Market at the Lucent property.  Most recently, she fought to keep the free leaf pick-up service for the Borough residents.  Elizabeth has been quite an advocate in our town for both large and small issues.

Have you served on any boards/committees in Chester Borough?

Elizabeth has been an active volunteer at the Chester Food Pantry for over three years.  She is currently serving on the Superintendents Health and Wellness Committee.  She has served as Trustee for the Friends of Grove Street Park (the Grove Street Park restoration project) and served as Chairperson for multiple PTO fundraising and educational events.

How long have you lived in Chester Borough?

Elizabeth has been a resident of Chester borough for ten years.

1. If elected, what is the first issue currently facing  Chester Borough that you would like to take action on?

If elected to the Council, I would like to hold an immediate planning session prior to the 2013 budget meeting.  Proper planning allows our local government to define both short and long term needs and goals for the Borough.  This would allow everyone to work together with efficiency in addressing and achieving the needs of our community.

 2. How do you plan to keep the municipal budget under the 2% cap while keeping the health and safety of the community in tact?

 N/A

 3. What shared services, if any, can Chester Borough send out or receive in the coming years?

Chester Borough and Township partner very well in terms of shared services.   The school system, library, fire department, and emergency services are all great examples.

4. What items do you see the borough needing to add to their "to do" list?

Creating a more transparent government is an essential component in establishing and building trust with our residents and business community. Creating fiscally sound budgets based on fundamental needs eliminates frivolous spending.  Promoting Chester as a "destination place" by utilizing a targeted marketing strategy will bring more foot traffic to Chester.

5. What is your favorite part about the community of Chester?

 The people of Chester Borough and Chester Township are truly a community of one.  We share in each others joy and support each other during times of sorrow.  The people of our community (Chester Borough and Chester Township) are our best asset.  We are an amazing network of talent, support, and communal spirit!