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We need action and we need a plan. Such a plan requires us to take three dimensions into account – our economy, our environment, and community.

There is no question that we are heading into some very challenging economic times – in my view, the most difficult we have seen in a generation. We find ourselves in a situation where both past and present decisions made on the County, State and National levels are coming home to roost.

Fiscally speaking, we are faced with a perfect storm:

•  rising pension and medical costs,
• A declining real estate market that is having an effect on local properties,
• And a new school funding formula that offers virtually no relief to Summit.

The dominant issue for the citizens of Summit is and will continue to be our property taxes. We simply cannot accept the rate of tax increase that has prevailed in recent years. And, with all due respect, we cannot wait for reform on the County and State level.

We have only one choice we must - find new ways to manage our finances. With a real sense of urgency, I’d like to take this opportunity to lay out some ideas for dealing with this challenge, for Council and the community to consider.

As a businessman, I have  tried to bring these skills to my Mayorship, using public/private partnerships for everything from recreation to public art to athletic training facilities at the Summit High School. These are just some examples of not relying on taxpayers for every solution. Nevertheless, public/private partnerships alone are not going to do the job of reducing our property taxes.

To make a real difference, we need to make deep fundamental changes in the way we operate. Specifically we need a strong commitment to shared services, and we need a strong commitment to smart growth and redevelopment. The more immediate answer to our budget management, in my view, is more shared services. 

I believe that City governments across the State will have a very different look by the end of my term. With 566 municipalities and skyrocketing property taxes, communities are going to have to band together to provide services to their residents. 

Summit has the chance to become a model for this creative collaboration. Before we hire, purchase, or contract, we should systematically ask: 

• Can this be done in conjunction with another town, government agency or a public or private organization?
• If so, how; and if not, why not? 
• Creating such a system is doable and, in my view, imperative. So let’s take the lead.
• Clearly, part of the solution is using technology to do the work of the City more efficiently -- serving residents better with a leaner work force.   

I stand ready to work with Common Council to make shared services a fundamental part of Summit’s municipal budget and community culture. This is a positive achievable goal for 2008. 

Second, I want to discuss smart growth -- development and re-development.

It has been 13 years since Summit properties were reassessed. Given the composition of our property base and the significant rise in residential property values, a new reassessment would shift a disproportionate amount of the tax burden from commercial property owners to our resident citizen-taxpayers. 

While some people say a City-wide reassessment is overdue, my strong conviction is that first we need to spur reinvestment in our downtown, and in business and commercial zones. The Summit Medical Group project is a good beginning, and there are several opportunities to do even more. 

I would like the community to consider the sale of what is known as the
“K-Lot” on Maple Street behind CVS, and use those proceeds to build an appropriately sized and attractively designed parking structure on Deforest Avenue behind a section of the stores that exist today.

Aside from being an obvious plus for our business district, more parking will help alleviate some of the traffic, safety, and air quality issues that we currently have, many of which are due to vehicles circling for spots or idling in no parking zones.

I would also like to use some of the proceeds to start a jitney service. The jitney would be a terrific service for seniors, for students getting to after-school activities, and of course for residents or anyone working or doing business downtown. With some creative management, the jitney could become self-sustaining through grants, a nominal fee and, who knows, maybe even merchant advertising.

This proposal would achieve several goals: 

First, we will turn the “K-Lot” into a ratable – a revenue-generating property for the City that will benefit residents and business owners;  and secondly, a deforest garage will spur reinvestment in our downtown by creating more conveniently located spaces closer to the central retail district businesses.

Which brings me to smart development:

Along the perimeter or, as the master plan calls them, the gateways of the downtown, we have several properties ripe for redevelopment: specifically and most immediately, the Salerno Duane property on Broad Street, east of Summit Avenue. This property is currently under consideration for mixed- use condo units and townhouses, including more affordable housing.

I believe in the planning concept that places this gateway zone close to rail and bus transportation and close to the downtown. I also think that it is exactly what we need to breathe new life into the commercial district - without undue traffic congestion – and with increasing ratables.

I am confident that the planning board can propose a Gateway 2 Zone that will strike a reasonable balance between the developer’s desire for greater density and the City’s desire to limit scale. I am also confident that the project will integrate affordable housing in an optimal way, and include green and open space that will make Summit’s newest gateway an attractive and livable addition to our community. Making this project a reality is an important piece of business for the City.  

Sustainability should be a key consideration in these and all decisions we make for Summit. We should insist on green design features as we await the recommendations of the sustainability task force. Let’s recognize that the environment belongs on the top of our priority list. Our children and grandchildren will thank us.

On the subject of redevelopment, I want to emphasize this:  if we get it right, every dollar invested in the downtown, and in commercial and business properties, will translate into property tax relief for residents, and with little additional demand for City services. 

I have focused on shared services, property taxes, and economic growth, because this is the only way to achieve the kind of fiscal platform that will enable us to keep meeting our basic needs and improving our community. While stopping the tax trajectory we are on.

One thing that we need to work on is ensuring that our senior residents have access to the best that Summit has to offer. The jitney I am proposing is just one small example of what we can do. It’s a creative solution that helps non-drivers get out and enjoy Summit.

There are so many opportunities for seniors to participate in our thriving arts scene, in our volunteer organizations, and in our economic life. I am looking forward to working with you on more programs for seniors, and on finally establishing a space they can call their own. It is not just good for seniors, it is something that will benefit all of Summit.

Without a doubt, we have challenges before us. However, I am confident in our ability to work together and to come up with concrete and creative solutions is unwavering. I am eager to work with Council President Lark and the Members of Common Council, City Administrator Chris Cotter, Police Chief Lucid and Fire Chief Connelly (who is actually retiring this spring after 34 years of dedicated service – all the best to  you, Chief!).

I still believe that Summit’s best days lie ahead. Thank you for entrusting me with the great honor of leading this wonderful City toward its bright future..

- Mayor Jordan Glatt