First Ward Republican Nominee Sam Della Fera

1.  Name: Sam Della Fera, Jr.

2.  Age: 42

3.  Address: 540 Coleman Place

4.  Years lived in town: 13

5.  Family info: Wife Sheryl, son Stephen (age 13, 8th grade Roosevelt Intermediate School), daughter Samantha (age 10, 5th grade Franklin Elementary School)

6.  Educational background: Bachelor of Science, Pennsylvania State University, 1989 (Phi Beta Kappa); Juris Doctor, with honors, Rutgers University School of Law -- Newark, 1992

7.  Occupation: Attorney; partner with the law firm of Trenk, DiPasquale, Webster, Della Fera & Sodono, P.C. in West Orange, with an emphasis on financial restructuring and debtor's/creditor's rights; New Jersey Super Lawyer 2006, 2008, 2009

8.  Community/political background:  Current member of the Westfield Historic Preservation Commission; member of the Westfield Board of Education's 2006 Citizen's Advisory Committee on Enrollment; Westfield Soccer Association coach 2004-2008; Westfield Baseball Association assistant coach 2007, 2009

9.  Web site: www.samforcouncil.com

10.  Contact info: (908) 317-0730 home

•  

        (201) 407-4725 cell

•  

        Samforcouncil2009@gmail.com 
  

1. What do you think are the three biggest issues facing Westfield this election?

1. Property taxes – This is a statewide problem, but wherever the town can ease this financial burden on its residents it must strive to do so.  The town controls less than 20% of the spending of our property taxes, but it nonetheless is critical that we continue to scrutinize every dollar we spend and make every effort to control municipal costs, including through reducing personnel, finding alternative revenue sources including user fees, and taking advantage of shared services opportunities.

2. Traffic and pedestrian safety – The town has a high number of pedestrians, including many children walking to our neighborhood schools and residents and visitors who work, shop and dine in our vibrant downtown.  Through education, engineering and enforcement we can keep cars within speed limits and pedestrians safe in crosswalks and on sidewalks.  Given our financial constraints, cost effective measures, such as radar speed feedback signs, road narrowing (through medians, e.g.), and resident watchdog efforts, should be considered.

3. Road conditions – The town’s capital improvement budget has been strained by state cutbacks and other factors, but the town must continue aggressively to pursue grants and all other funding options to pave problem roads.  Better road conditions promote safer driving for operators of both motor vehicles and bicycles, and enhance both pedestrian safety and the quality of life in town.

B. Please explain where you stand on each issue.

      See above

C. What do you think are the 3 biggest issues facing your ward and explain where you stand on each one?

1. Property taxes – In addition to my comments above, high taxes are forcing many of our more senior residents in the First Ward to leave town.  These residents place a much lesser burden on our infrastructure, including schools and fields, and at the same time have much to offer the town through volunteer efforts and other local involvement based upon their life experiences and the free time often at their disposal.  Retaining these valuable Westfield assets is imperative.

2. Speeding – The First Ward’s proximity to Route 22 and the limited routes to and from that highway can cause dangerously high speeds and “cut-throughs” in our neighborhoods.  Prohibiting through traffic on certain streets during certain hours should be considered, together with four-way stop signs and wider use of radar speed feedback signs.

3. Crime – Our proximity to a state highway also makes the Ward a target for criminal activity by outsiders.  I would organize and attend meetings among residents, town officials and police to discuss identifying potential threats and encourage residents to call police about suspicious activity.  I also would encourage the formation of neighborhood watch groups.  Finally, I would encourage residents to enroll in the new electronic alert system to stay abreast of criminal activity in their neighborhood.

D. What skills would you bring to this position?

      I have 17 years’ experience working with individuals and organizations facing financial challenges.  I have helped them to reduce costs, eliminate waste and find creative solutions to their problems.  I have participated in countless negotiations between parties with opposing interests, and have helped them to amicably resolve their disputes.  Having represented municipal entities, am familiar with their operations and am sensitive to their needs.  I will use that experience and those skills to achieve consensus and produce results.

E. Why are you running?

      I feel blessed to live here, and feel compelled to take a more active role in keeping Westfield a great place to live.  Westfield is a great community because of the active involvement of its residents, in its neighborhoods (BRAKES, e.g.), schools (PTOs, e.g.) and athletic programs (volunteer coaches, e.g.).  In addition to coaching and participating in community groups, I have the opportunity and skills to contribute to the town in a different capacity, as a councilmember.

F. How do you intend on balancing the responsibilities of elected office with your personal and professional obligations? 

      Since moving to town, my focus has been on spending time with my young family.  At their current ages, my children have attained a degree of independence, which allows me to commit the time required of our councilpersons.  As a co-owner of my firm, I can control my workload and working hours.  I also have the full support of my partners, who themselves have been actively involved in local politics and who highly value public service. 

G. Is Westfield better off than where it was 4 years ago?  

      Absolutely.  Our budget process and debt management plan has resulted in a AAA bond rating, which allows the town to borrow funds for necessary improvements at low interest rates.  Town government is more accessible than ever, including through TV-36 and the Mayor’s Saturday office hours.  Downtown parking has been expanded through redesigned lots and other additional spaces, and more free parking options are available, including through reduced parking enforcement hours and ten free minutes at on-street meters.  Streets are safer and more attractive, including due to more and better traffic signals, the restriping of crosswalks with thermoplastic paint, and streetscape improvements.