Our Vision for South Orange

South Orange thrives when neighbors feel seen, heard, and connected. Together, we bring decades of leadership across civic organizations, nonprofit management, public service, and community development. Our vision is a town that is safe, inclusive, and welcoming, a place where every resident has a voice in shaping its future.

We believe the Village thrives with deep thought followed by bold action, built around three themes: Governance, Safety, and Community.

  • We believe strong communities are built on transparency, accountability, and planning for the future.

    • Accountable & Responsible: We are committed to open government, making financial and key decisions accessible and clear for every resident.

    • Smart, Inclusive Growth: We will champion responsible development that strengthens our business districts and neighborhoods while preserving the character of South Orange, expanding housing options at every stage of life, and supporting local businesses, entrepreneurs, and artists.

  • Safety is about resilience, trust, and preparedness.

    • Community-Centered Safety: We support ongoing partnerships between residents and first responders  to ensure compassionate, equitable responses to community needs.

    • Resiliency: From severe weather to public health challenges and beyond, we will strengthen regional cooperation, while cultivating neighbor-to-neighbor relations, to ensure South Orange is ready to respond quickly and effectively in any situation.

    • Environmental Impact – Response and Regeneration: We will continue investing in flood mitigation, green infrastructure, and tree planting to protect our community from the growing impacts of climate change.

  • South Orange’s strength lies in our diversity and connections.

    • Belonging & Inclusion: We will advance belonging and inclusion for all through dialogue, education, and policy, ensuring our public spaces and institutions are accessible, welcoming, and supportive of every resident and every family.

    • Public Spaces & Culture: We will invest in spaces and programs that bring people together, including the new South Orange Public Library. We will reimagine our Village Center as a walkable hub and expand arts, cultural, and community programming that strengthen connection across South Orange.

    • Open Communication: We will keep residents informed and engaged through transparent, two-way communication, from office hours to town halls to online tools, so that government decisions reflect the community’s values.

Our slate also proudly supports the referendum on the ballot this November for the Open Space Trust Fund, providing dedicated and transparent funding for parks, historic preservation, and open space improvements in South Orange.

South Orange deserves leadership that listens, plans, and delivers. With Leadership in Action, we are committed to building a stronger, safer, and more connected community, and we look forward to working in partnership with every resident to shape our shared future.