Candidate Q&A: Mountainside Councilman Glenn Mortimer

Editor's Note: During the month of August, New Providence-Berkeley Heights Patch will be publishing a Q&A with each candidate for the Berkeley Heights Township Council, New Providence Borough Council, and the Mountainside Borough Council. Here is our Q&A with Councilman Glenn Mortimer, who is seeking another term with Mountainside Borough Council.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Name: Glenn Mortimer

Age: 50

Address: 1152 Corrinne Terrace, Mountainside

Years Lived in Town: Married, Joanne Mortimer

Family: BA (Economics) Drew University

Education: Constituent Services Representative - Congressman Leonard Lance/ Realtor – Prominent Properties Sotheby’s Realty-Westfield

Military service: No military service

Community/political background:

Mountainside Borough Councilman 1999-present

Children’s Specialized Hospital Board of Trustees 1999-present

Mountainside Library Board of Trustees 1999-present

Mountainside Historical Preservation Committee 1999-10

Mountainside Planning Board 2011-present

PREVIOUS ELECTION AND APPOINTED OFFICES

Elected: Elected Councilman Borough of Mountainside 1999-

Unsuccessful campaigns for public office: Defeated for Union County Freeholder, 2006

Appointed: Chairman of the Administrative and Executive Committee and the Media Committee, Serve on the Public Works, Police, and Fire Committees

CAMPAIGN PLATFORM

What do you think are the three biggest issues facing Mountainside right now and where do you stand on each issue?

1.     I favor keeping taxes low through very careful government spending

2.     I favor increasing recreational opportunities in a cost effective manner

3.     I favor continuing to improve Mountainside’s infrastructure, including improvements to the HVAC at the Mountainside Library.

Why are you running for council?

I am running for Council because I believe I can continue to contribute to the efficient governing of Mountainside.  I grew up here and would like future generations to have the same opportunities that I have had.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I believe my experience as a Councilman is the perfect balance to that of my running mate, Rene Dierkes who will bring a new perspective to the governing body.

If elected, what will be your top priorities and why?

My top three issues and priorities are the same as my answers to question number 1.

What issues are critical for Mountainside for the next three years?

During the past three years, we were able to continue to provide all the necessary services to the borough of Mountainside during tough economic times. We were able to keep our budgets within the State mandated spending CAPS. We have also added recreation programs and continued to improve the infrastructure of Mountainside.

What do you see as the biggest accomplishments and shortcomings of the existing council in the past three years?

Mountainside has been a great place to live and our goal is to keep it that way.  We are very proud of our low effective tax rate; however that is only part of the story.  Mountainside has numerous recreational opportunities, a low crime rate, and an excellent library.