Candidate Statements

Running for Council is an experience like no other. I was prepared for the effort, for the late nights and hard questions, and even for wearing out a few pairs of shoes while canvassing. All of that has happened. More than I could imagine, wonderful things have happened, too.Over the course of ...

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 Welcome to the ninth installment of Claire’s Big Ideas. Summit can and should take steps to enhance gun safety in our community. Nationwide, the 2024 school year began with a mass shooting in Georgia. Summit–and all of New Jersey–has been lucky not to experience this horror. Still, there are some ...

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Welcome to the eighth installment of Claire’s Big Ideas. We should build climate resiliency by installing solar panel arrays in appropriate city parking lots.Climate change is a fact. Summit has already endured a 100-year storm in each of the last two years. We can expect more, along with other ...

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Welcome to the seventh installment of Claire’s Big Ideas. It’s time for a new citywide parking study.Summit residents often discuss parking concerns. Those conversations have focused on parking downtown. However, different neighborhoods have their own parking challenges, and those challenges differ ...

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I believe safety in our community must be our top priority. Every resident, regardless of age or ability, deserves to feel safe and secure as they navigate our neighborhoods. It’s essential that we invest in the infrastructure needed to protect pedestrians—especially our children. To achieve this, ...

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Welcome to the sixth installment of Claire’s Big Ideas. We should increase crosswalks and add other traffic calming measures. Summit calls itself a walkable city, and I’ve previously spoken about the need for more sidewalks. You can see that here. Sidewalks aren’t enough. Long swathes of roadway ...

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Welcome to the fifth installment of Claire’s Big Ideas. We need to address stormwater management holistically.  On August 18, Summit received five inches of rain in two hours–it was the storm of the century. The overflowing Salt Creek damaged residents’ properties. Last year on July 4, we had a ...

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Welcome to the fourth installment of Claire’s Big Ideas. Here’s an idea to improve pedestrian safety…One of Summit’s more dangerous intersections is where Summit Avenue, Union Place, and Franklin Place come together near the raised bridge over the railroad tracks. The steady stream of commuters can ...

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As a proud resident of Summit and a member of the Economic Development Advisory Committee, I believe in finding balanced solutions that enhance our community while addressing practical concerns. The ongoing debate about outdoor dining on Maple Street has too often felt like an “all-or-nothing” ...

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Welcome to the third installment of Claire’s Big Ideas.  Here’s one approach to coping with traffic.  We can all agree: street traffic in Summit is painful, particularly along Morris Avenue, with its cascade of unsynchronized stoplights stretching from River Road almost to Route 24.  People are ...

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Welcome to the second installment of Claire’s Big Ideas.  Here, we’re focusing on Summit’s business community.Summit’s vibrant downtown attracts residents, businesses, and visitors.  I was privileged to serve as Treasurer of Summit Downtown Inc. for seven years, including during the pandemic.  ...

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With more than 20 years of volunteer service to Summit and its nonprofit partners, I’ve seen many opportunities to make Summit even better.  Between now and Election Day, I’ll be rolling out some of these ideas–look for a new one each week.What I hear from residents first and foremost is the need ...

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Hi Summit! My name is Michelle Kalmanson. I'm a mom, volunteer, and community advocate. I'm asking for your vote to represent Ward 1 on Summit's Common Council. Let me tell you a little bit about my background and why I'm running. I’ve lived in Summit for the past six years with my husband, ...

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Committed to protecting public safety and using his background in finance to ensure responsible development and fiscal responsibility. Please give the Candidate Statement a read to learn more about how he intends to help ensure that the future of Summit is bright.Hello, fellow Hilltoppers, my name ...

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Dedicated to public safety, supporting our police and first responders, responsible development, and community engagement. Please read my Candidate Statement to find out how I'll continue to serve this great city I've served for four decades.  Hello, Summit. My name is Don Nelson, and it is my ...

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Candidate Statement Passionate about Summit and committed to progress through responsible leadership. Read on to learn why I’m running for Council and how I plan to continue serving our community. I love Summit. I’ve loved raising my family here. I’ve loved working downtown.  I’ve loved ...

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