First Ward Democratic Nominee Janice Siegel

Age: 60

Address: 1021 Minisink Way, Westfield, NJ

Years Lived in Westfield: 14 years

Family Life: husband Lloyd Marks, pediatric cardiologist (with office in Westfield) and inventor of medical devices

son Matt Marks, attends Rutgers University School of Social Work, graduate of Westfield HS and Institute of Audio Research, drummer, plays league roller hockey

son Michael Marks, attends University of Maryland (psychology major), graduate of Westfield HS, guitarist, plays club lacrosse at University of Maryland

Educational and Professional Background

Janice Siegel is a graduate of Hunter College and the University of Michigan Law School.  She is a member of the Bars of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, District of Columbia, California, and Michigan.

Janice Siegel is an attorney who litigated for over twenty years, including as a trial attorney for the US Department of Justice and as an Assistant US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.  In private practice, she litigated class actions involving environmental and toxic substances issues.  More recently, her legal work has been limited to pro bono work.  She manages the business aspects of her husband's medical practice.

Ms. Siegel has held leadership positions in professional organizations, including Chair of the Philadelphia Bar Association's Environmental Law Committee, member of the Board of Directors and Chair of the Credit Committee of the Women's Legal Defense Fund, and member of the Board of Directors of Lawyers with Children Network.

Political and Community Background

Janice Siegel has been a Westfield Democratic Committeewoman since 2003.  She campaigned for local candidates, including Dave Haas and Dave Owens, and helped people register to vote.  She worked on presidential campaigns in 2004 and 2008.

While raising her children, she volunteered in many ways, including work to establish the town-wide children's art fair, and co-chairing the Westfield High School PTSO's Community Service Fair. As a Franklin Elementary School and Roosevelt Middle School parent, she worked in the library and on the Pumpkin Fair, made snow closing calls, and chaperoned class trips.

She chaired a citizen committee to establish a Westfield Environmental Commission. 

She served as a member of the Board of Trustees and Co-Chair of the Religious School Committee of Temple Emanu-El.

Janice Siegel may be reached at her home address, by email at janiceforcouncil@gmail.com, and by phoning (908) 317-8484

3 biggest issues facing Westfield/Where I stand

1. People in Westfield want tax relief while preserving and enhancing the qualities that make Westfield the special town it is.

Open Finance and Public Works committee meetings, with opportunity for public comment, would provide tax relief while enhancing Westfield. Sunshine on proceedings sharpens vision.  It also allows the highly intelligent, creative and experienced  people of Westfield to weigh in on possible solutions. From experience in their own work, residents know that synergy and cost savings emerge when decision makers have multiple sources for information and thoughts.

2. There is a deep concern about pedestrian safety and a call to combat unsafe driving.

No discussion raises more passion than the deaths, accidents, and near misses from unsafe driving.  Improved safety law enforcement is sought.  Beyond this, measurable progress is imperative.  A citizens' task force to give voice to residents' experiences would better inform the police and the community.  The Town would be asked to supply accident data by location to help decipher patterns. The goal would be to formulate measures to increase safety and means to determine progress.   

3.  Change is needed in parking rules, signage, and enforcement to maintain and enhance the vitality of Downtown Westfield.

Managing parking availability is crucial to the vital downtown we all want.  To consider parking rule revisions, we need to gather regularly information about where, when, and how many cars are parked.  Drivers need to know....easily...where and when they can park, what their choices are not only in a single lot, but Town wide.  The policies and number of people devoted to parking must be consistent with our goals.

Issues Particular to Ward 1, in addition to the ones that are Town wide

A. Measures to increase home security are needed.

Ward 1 has experienced several actual burglaries and attempted burglaries in the last several months.  Ward 1 residents seek more police attention.  Use of technology should be considered in thwarting and apprehending the burglars.  In addition to reports about the calls to the police, the public wants information released when people are charged with the crimes committed, and when the charges are resolved.

B.  Ward 1 wants improvement in communication with the Department of Public Works.        

Residents want to know when to expect Town action to remedy problems.  Whether they cite potholes, water drainage or tree problems, they point to frustration over lack of information from the Town.  Use of the Town web site offers promise in this regard. People understand that emergencies and other issues may change priorities.  But they want a simple way to know what's going on and what to expect.

C.  Ward 1 residents want to see progress in energy savings and on the Town's environmental agenda.

Grants are available to do an energy audit and to conduct a natural resources inventory.  The Town should take advantage of these.  We should accomplish demonstrable energy savings.   The Board of Education received an award for demonstrated energy savings worth over $ 600,000.  The Town can do it too.  Westfield should also take stock of its natural resources.  This would be a first step in knowing if changes occur that need our attention.

The skills I would bring to the Town Council

      I am able to listen, ask good questions, learn, advocate, negotiate, and solve problems efficiently and economically. These skills have been tested in my roles as a parent, lawyer, follower and leader in organizations, member of boards and committees that oversaw organizations, and business manager. The skills, knowledge and experience I have, when coupled with my love for the Town of Westfield, makes me well qualified to serve as a Westfield Councilwoman for Ward 1.

Why I am running/ Balancing the responsibilities of elected office with personal and professional  obligations

I have been going door to door for local and presidential candidates for several years now.  With my sons in college, the time came for me to do this as the candidate! Meeting people this way makes me closer to our community and convinces me there are improvements that can be made.  I hear what people are saying and want to help.  I know I have relevant experience.  So I have stepped up to the plate.

Is Westfield better off than it was 3 to 4 years ago?

In 2005-2006, Westfielders were secure in the rising values of their homes.  While always concerned with taxes, there was less pressure to make hard spending decisions. Now we can't avoid them.  We had an enviable surplus, which we are spending down rapidly. 

Over the past 3 to 4 years, we have had pedestrian fatalities, injuries, way too many near misses, and property damage due to unsafe driving.  For these and many other reasons, people are more concerned about safety.

Presented with these increased challenges, we know we have strive even harder to protect and nourish this wonderful place to live.