Experience Too Much To Lose, Chester Council Incumbent Says of Re-Election Bid

Serving a population of slightly more than 1,800 residents, the Chester Borough Council has become a hot spot of political activity, as two incumbents are faced by two newcomers in this year’s June Primary Election.

One of those incumbents, Tim Iversen, who is seeking his fourth three-year term on the governing body, is a former council president and active member in the community.

Iversen has lived in town for 21 years and raised his four children there. He and incumbent Gary Marshuetz are both running opposed by residents Laura Schurter and Melinda Scotti. The top two vote-getters will be placed on the November General Election ballot, seeking three-year terms.

See Scotti’s profile here, and Schurter’s profile here. Marshuetz's Profile can be found here. Former councilwoman Janet Hoven is running unopposed for Chester Borough mayor. See her profile here. 

The self-employed business consultant has spent four years as the Chester Borough Recreation Commission’s commissioner; is founder of the Friends of Grove Street Park; was named volunteer of the year for Chester Borough in 2006; and is a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 5410.

Mendham-Chester Patch caught up with Iversen to ask a few questions. The following are his answers, unedited.

Mendham-Chester Patch: Why have you decided to run for re-election?
Tim Iversen: Chester has invested in me and I have given my all to Chester.  I have knowledge and experience that is too valuable to lose. I have been involved in influencing the outcome for Larison’s Turkey Farm for the past 8 years - a pace which has been mostly set by the property owner. This redevelopment could go on for another two or more years.  This is unfinished business.  Bringing on more inexperienced Council members is not in Chester’s interests at this important time.  I want to influence an outcome that protects our historic and rural heritage, an outcome we can be proud of for years to come.

MCP: How do you plan to keep the town’s services intact while abiding by the state’s 2-percent tax levy cap each year?
TI:

• Continue to provide for employee skill development to perform more tasks in-house with current staffing rather than pay contractors.
• Keep capital projects to bare bones - need based specs.
• Explore shared employment opportunities as well as tighten employment costs when turnover or retirements occur. 
• Seek revenue opportunities through lot sales and rental possibilities on the Lucent tract.
• Budget adequately and spend as tightly as possible to maintain our reserves for as long as we can.
• Apply for as many grants as possible for all projects in town. 

MCP: What is the biggest issue in town that needs to be addressed by the governing body? How will you propose to fix it?
TI: The sewage treatment plant is beyond capacity, which prevents existing homes and businesses from getting affordable relief from failing septic systems.  Additionally, opportunities for development on the Larison site, which could bring much needed revenue, will be stifled unless additional treatment capacity is realized.  Working with our town Planner, Engineer, the Highlands Council, and the NJDEP in the context of our Redevelopment Planning for the Larison site, I will use my experience and knowledge to push for negotiating with the regulatory entities, which, under this Administration, are demonstrating more flexibility for solutions to conditions restraining economic activity. Although there is talk of alternative wastewater treatment concepts, I will also work with surrounding communities for suitable land to increase our treatment capacity.  Finally resolving this problem will open up opportunity for Chester.

MCP: What service, product or business would you like to see more of in town?
TI: We need to create better upscale housing opportunities down town to attract creative and empty nesters to support a thriving downtown.  This will require good planning and redevelopment projects, which should always keep our rural and historic identities in mind.  I want successful business models and a diverse mix of retail - best in class nationals and independents to allow for a prosperous downtown. I’d like to see an upscale banquet center and hotel or B&B on the Larison site.  I would like to retain the Turkey Farm Restaurant, including agri-tourist opportunities on the tract.  Check out my blog for ideas I proposed for Larison’s tract: timiversen.wordpress.com

MCP: Where can the town cut costs to save in the budget?
TI:

• We run a tight ship with minimal staff. We can cost share employees with other towns when transitions occur.
• We can form an auxiliary police force of volunteers to augment coverage for appropriate overtime situations for the Police Department.
• We can further reduce court costs by contracting with yet another town to share court services.
• We can share large equipment with surrounding municipalities.

MCP: Considering this is currently being handled by government officials, what is your stance on the proposed feasibility study being pursued by four of the five towns that send students to the West Morris Regional High School district?
TI: I am one of the government officials processing those proposals for the feasibility study.  I believe we will choose one of the two firms that provided proposals within weeks.  I want the study to provide detail to separate myth from fact where disputes have arisen.  I want the K-8 Boards of Ed in Chester and the Mendhams to review the study findings.  If there are no adverse educational impacts and significant financial benefits with either of the options being studied, I want the Boards to align with the four Governing Bodies to bring this to the voters.  It is our goal to settle this matter once and for all.

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3.