Council Candidates: Ward 2

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8. In Morristown, there are four spots open on the Town Council, one for each ward. In Ward 2, incumbent Democrat Raline Smith-Reid is being challenged by Republican Naveen Nadipuram.

Patch asked each candidate to fill out the questionaire below.

Name: Raline Smith-Reid (Democrat)
Age: 46
Occupation: Sr. Programmer Analyst (IT)
 Previous elected or appointed positions (including previous terms in sought position, if applicable): 2nd Ward – Councilmember since 2000 
Any other current elected or appointed positions: Council Vice President (2009), Planning Board Member (2000, 2001 and 2010), Morristown Housing Authority Liaison (2000 thru 2007), Council Committees (Affordable Housing, Animal Welfare, Budget and Finance, Corporate Challenge, eGoverment, Rent Control and Transportation) 
Other community associations: Carettes Inc., TeenPride Inc. 
How long have you lived in town?All my life 

What do you see as the most pressing issues in a coming term, and what would you do about them? 

I will continue to evaluate the town’s budget to be assured every cent that is appropriated in the budget is thoroughly explained and justified. My 10 years of budgetary experience on the council has given me insight on what to look out for.

I would like to see the town generate revenue though housing redevelopment and new businesses, which will lessen the tax burden on our residents. The lack of affordable housing in Morristown is causing our young residents to either move in with their parents, or find housing outside of Morristown. It is also forcing many of our seniors to other states.

Our economic diversity is what makes Morristown a unique town and I cannot envision our town without it. I will continue to advocate and educate the public on affordable housing for working families. 

What's one fact about you that most voters probably don't know? 

I enjoy volunteering my time and helping those in need privately.

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Name: Naveen Nadipuram (Republican)
Age: 28
Occupation: Attorney
Previous/current elected/appointed positions: None
Other Community Associations: Member, Morris County Bar Association; Member, Young Lawyers Division, Morris County; Member, NJ State Bar Association
How long have you lived in Town? Approximately one year

Most Pressing Issue in The Coming Term: The most pressing issues in the coming term in the Second Ward are redevelopment and crime. 

The development () that has been proposed is a good thing, and will serve to improve the Second Ward and the Town as a whole. However, it is critical that the changes being made will benefit the citizenry and not just the developers.  

Public safety is also going to loom large in the next term. We have heard of the rash of burglaries and the shootings in recent months. In order to ensure that the development truly does good, the Town Council must be actively engaged with the Police Department, and request that the police work closely with the people so that crime can be prevented and suppressed.  

Community policing is the best way to achieve a low crime rate. While patrols are very important, even more effective is a concerted police effort to reach out to people and community leaders so that citizens are comfortable reporting crimes and potentially illegal activities.  

One Fact about me that voters don't know:  

I am a serious student of American history, particularly the Civil War era. It is shameful that so many of our countrymen are ignorant of basic facts about our country's experience. When elected, I intend to do more to highlight Morristown's role in the War for Independence.