A Thank You From Rich
On November 5, the community of Spotswood elected me to be your next Mayor. I am humbled and honored by your support and as we move forward, I will continue to seek your support and your input. I want to be a mayor for everyone in town and I hope to be able to see and hear from you so that we can move forward...
Together For Spotswood!
Community Survey Results
Since we started our Together For Spotswood campaign, you have shared with me your concerns about our town. I’ve heard from you about the water system, and sidewalks, animal control, and pet licenses, code enforcement, and street sweeping. More than a few of you mentioned the Recreation Department, and our Police Department.
Recently, we listed the issues you’ve mentioned most frequently and asked you to prioritize them as your biggest concern and the issue the next administration should focus on most. I’m appreciative that so many of you took the time to respond. Here are the results in the order you voted:
1. Lawsuits involving the Borough
2. Relationships and culture in the Borough
3. Infrastructure
4. Traffic control
I’ll be developing a plan regarding these issues if I’m lucky enough to be elected Mayor. For now, I’ll say Spotswood deserves a more positive environment where the police focus on protecting and serving our residents, without political interference, and where all borough employees feel safe to come to the administration with their concerns before they
become the subject of lawsuits. The Mayor and Borough Council should work in collaboration, not oppose each other in courtrooms.
Candidate's Statement
Born, raised, and married in New York City, my wife Maryann and I chose New Jersey as the place to call home after a brief relocation to Texas for my career. We looked at properties from Hamilton to East Brunswick, and ultimately chose Spotswood for its small-town feel, quiet neighborhoods, and reputation as a great place to raise a family. When we outgrew our first house, we moved 400 yards to a larger home to stay in town. Spotswood became a part of us.
Over the years I’ve been blessed to be a part of many great organizations within our community, including the Recreation Department, Soccer Club, Knights of Columbus, the Spotswood Youth Baseball & Softball League, The Community Team New Jersey, and the Board of Education. What made them so special was the sense of team; a group of committed people working together in service to others. I believe in collective action and the power of collaboration.
As a volunteer, a particular focus of mine has been coaching. Whether on the ball field, in the classroom, teaching the Rutgers SAFETY course, or at the Office on Aging instructing technology classes, I valued the chance to help people of any age master new skills. If elected, I would translate these experiences in coaching to my role as mayor. Being a servant leader/coach is a style of leadership that involves empowering others, rather than controlling them or dictating to them. As General Colin Powell said, “There is no end to the good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit.” I believe I possess the servant leader traits of actively listening, caring about others, trying to be a role model, and serving a higher purpose.
If elected Mayor of Spotswood, I would seek to improve relationships with our employees, neighboring towns, the school district, and community organizations. I would listen to the residents, the Borough Council, the staff, and our vendors to make the best decisions possible. I would be transparent in my work and available for suggestions and concerns. My door would be open to all.
I believe we can do better and so I’m asking for your vote for me as Mayor of Spotswood on November 5, 2024. I thank you for your support as we work Together for Spotswood.