Council Candidate Sontz: I Will Be a 'Zealous Advocate' for Ward 3

I'm Matt Sontz and I am running for Town Council in Westfield's Third Ward.  It has been a pleasure meeting so many of my neighbors and fellow residents.  Thank you to all who have considered me for local office.  I ask for your support on Election Day, which is November 5.

For those of you that don't know me, please let me tell you a little bit about myself.  I am a husband and father of three.  I  live on Vernon Terrace, which is just south of Jefferson School.  My sons both attend Jefferson.  You can often see me picking up my sons just outside of the first grade pick up for Mrs. Arkin.  I have been an assistant coach for both of my sons' baseball teams throughout the past few years.  This fall you may have seen me rooting on my older son's PAL football team at Tamaques Park and Kehler Stadium.  You may have also seen me rooting for my younger son's soccer team at Memorial Park.

I have a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Rutgers University.  I was a mechanical engineer for the Department of Defense for four years.  I have a Juris Doctorate from Rutgers University.  I have been in the private practice of law for about 10 years and have my own law practice in town.  I have also been a volunteer on the Union County Construction Board of Appeals for the past 6 years.  There I have been able to utilize my engineering and legal backgrounds for the benefit of all residents in Union County including Westfield.

I previously ran for town council in 2007 and 2011.  Both were rewarding experiences.  I am running again because I still feel that there is so much more our town council can be doing to improve our town.  I previously circulated and submitted to the town council a petition to replace the crossing guards on Central Avenue that were removed due to budget cuts.  The crossing guard at Sycamore and Central was replaced and the Central Avenue Pedestrian Crossing Guard was saved from being cut.  I continue to thank all of the residents who supported the cause and helped us achieve this great result.  

I  have also spoken at town council meetings and written newspaper letters on topics such as restoring the use of our Fire Department's ladder truck, fully staffing our Fire Department, increased police presence when our part of town was the victim of multiple home burglaries, stopping speeding on our residential streets, and many others.  

I will be a zealous advocate for third ward residents and Westfield as a whole.  I will work tirelessly to ensure that our town government is as efficient and responsive as it can possibly be.  Thank you to all who have considered me for the honor of being our next town councilperson from Westfield's Third Ward.  Again, I ask for your vote and support on November 5.