Take Five With Chester Boro Council Candidate Jennifer Cooper-Napolitano

Primary elections are coming on Tuesday, June 4, and we at Mendham-Chester Patch want you to be prepared for them. So we take five with each candidate and let them answer questions in their own words.

Name: Jennifer Cooper Napolitano  

Political/town background: I have had the privilege to serve: one term on the Chester Borough Council, two terms on the Chester Board of Education, as a community representative on the Long Range Facility Planning Committee for the Chester Schools, two years as a community representative on the Budget Advisory Committee for the Chester School District, five years as a Chester track coach, four years as the Chester Cross Country Coordinator and assorted other volunteer/coaching positions.  

Have you served on any boards/committees in Chester Borough?  Yes, I am currently serving as a Councilperson and was a member of the Planning Board last year.  Over the past three years I have served on the following Council committees: Ordinance and Policy, Personnel, Community Relations, Chester Area Pool, Facilities and the Dept. of Public Works.

How long have you lived in Chester Borough?  I have lived here for 37 years.  

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

If I have the privilege to be reelected to the Chester Borough Council, the most important issue that I believe needs to be addressed is the request for a zoning change at the Larison property. I am proud to have been one of the Councilpersons who supported the process that has been implemented. I am grateful that so many people have taken time out of their busy schedules to attend the "visioning" and subsequent meetings. Their input has been a vital part of this process. The decisions that will be made concerning this property will impact the Borough's identity, business community and residents for many years to come.

Why, personally, have you chosen to run for reelection?  

I have always tried to play an active role in the community - whether it was serving on the Chester School Board, serving as a Chester Borough Councilwoman, coaching sports or any number of other activities.  My Borough Council position allows me to be part of the solution and to truly serve the community in a tangible way, whether the topic is the budget, facilities, personnel, secondary signage, or any number of other issues.  I would welcome the opportunity to continue in this capacity, working for the citizens of the Borough, to make Chester the best community possible.

 
What do you consider your biggest accomplishments as a member of the council?  

One significant accomplishment that I am proud of is having helped craft budgets for 2012 and 2013 that fell well within the 2 percent state mandated cap and had minimal tax impact on our residents. Another is chairing the Secondary Signage Committee and working with local businesses, the Planning Board and the full Council to craft an Ordinance that maintains the historic integrity of our town while also giving local businesses more tools to help them flourish.

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

The biggest outstanding item the Council needs to address is hiring a firm to conduct a facilities needs analysis.  In order to appropriate money most effectively, the Borough needs to prioritize repairs/improvements and understand what we need to budget for capital projects.

What is your favorite part about the community of Chester?  

Chester is a wonderful community to live in.  The feeling of community and the chance to work together for the benefit of our community is what makes Chester unique and one of the reasons I love living here.  Hundreds of residents volunteer their time to the community on so many different levels, from the fire and first aid squads to the coaches, church and scout leaders, performing arts and educational programs, to list a few.