Meet Jonathan Nelson: Parsippany Mayoral Candidate

Parsippany Patch has reached out to local candidates to find out more about them. Check out Parsippany Patch's Election Hub for information on all candidates. Here is information from Jonathan Nelson.

• Nelson has lived in Powder Mill for 18 years.
  
• Party Line: Democrat
• Age and family: 45, divorced
• What is your education background? University of Maryland class of 1991. Attended graduate school Peking University 1992
• Why do you think you're qualified for this position and why are you running for this elected office? I am a lifelong resident and have seen a lot of changes in the Township, many which are not in the best interest to the residents. I am dedicated to doing what is right for the residents, most recently evidenced by not being beholden to, or pressured by any special interest group or developer by voting against the Waterview development. The mission statement of my administration will be “we are public servants and we are here to serve the public.” I will open the doors of town hall to our residents and welcome them back and be available evenings to meet with residents after their commute home from work. My administration will not be a 9-5 administration. My administration will be a transparent administration. You will know how your tax dollars are being spent, where they are being spent, and why they are being spent. I believe in a informed constituency and will use both modern and traditional means of communication to keep our residents informed of all aspects of government. I will work constructively with the Township Council regardless of party affiliation.
• What are the three issues that most concern you and explain your approach to managing these issues: 

• Three of the most important issues facing the Township are rising crime, taxes, and the quality of municipal services. We must make Parsippany safe again! We must stop the crime spree. I promise I will keep our homes safe from burglaries and get the drugs out of our parks, our schools, and our neighborhoods. I will work to make our police force viable again and reestablish a “Neighborhood Watch” program in our communities. 
• I will strictly enforce the property maintenance code for garden apartment complexes, mandate that all repairs be made in a timely fashion, and keep the exterior of those properties in good repair while protecting tenants rights. 
• I will work with our volunteer ambulance squads and fire departments and help keep them viable by returning to the policy of hiring qualified emergency personnel when there are job openings in the township.
• I will work to bring back viable businesses to Parsippany and shift the burden of taxation to big business and away from our residents. I will protect what little open space that exists and encourage redevelopment of blighted and aging commercial areas.
• I will return to the decades old practice of encouraging shared services with our Board of Education. This will save tax money and help improve athletic field maintenance for safer play and fewer injuries to our children. Also, I will lower sewer fees immediately. I will change the fee structure for minimum water and sewer usage for our residents. This will reduce the heavy burden our seniors bear as they rarely come close to using the minimum amount billed.