Election 2022: Karen Koronkiewicz For Chatham Borough Council

CHATHAM, NJ — Four candidates are running for two open seats on the Chatham Borough Council this November.

Democratic incumbents Irene Treloar and Karen Koronkiewicz will face Republican challengers Bob Weber and Freddie Bicknese for their seats on the governing body in November.

Patch sent out emails to all candidates to the email addresses listed for their campaign provided to the office of the clerk. (All of the candidates were given the same questions).

The responses received will get published between now and Election Day.

Here are candidate Karen Koronkiewicz's answers below:

• Name: Karen Koronkiewicz
• Age: 55
• Town of residence: Chatham Borough
• Position sought: Chatham Borough Council
• Party affiliation: Democrat
• Family: 2 older brothers, niece and nephews with a grand-niece or nephew on the way!
• Education: MBA, Economics, Fairleigh Dickinson University; MS, Pharmacology, St. John’s University; B.S., Biology, University of Scranton
• Occupation: Senior Director, Business Development & Licensing, Nestle Health Science
• Previous or current elected appointed office: Currently serving on the Chatham Borough Council

Why are you seeking elective office?

I believe that our current council has accomplished a lot in the last 3 years including overcoming the unexpected challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. As always, there is still more to do, including overseeing the ongoing development projects at River Road and Post Office Plaza, ensuring we plan for future capital investments, such as fire equipment, and increasing the biodiversity of the tree canopy.

If elected, what do you hope to accomplish while serving on the council?

I will be ensuring we are planning ahead for not only our financial security, but also preparing for the next round of Fair Share affordable housing requirements. I will work to develop a 5-year financial plan for Chatham Borough and to ensure we are looking for creative ways to increase public and traffic safety.

What do you think is the most pressing issue facing residents right now and what do you intend to do about it?

In the past 3 years, I have spoken to many residents about their issues and concerns. There is not one answer to this question. However, I think the top three are taxes, traffic and development. None of these issues have easy fixes. On taxes, I plan to continue to review each department’s budget and capital investments line by line pushing back and helping to find ways to lower our expenses. On traffic, I am exploring ways to deter cars from exiting early off of Route 24 and passing through Chatham in addition to reviewing heavily used intersections for traffic safety. On development, we cannot stop all development from happening, but I believe that you can manage the process to ensure that it is limited and fits the aesthetic of the Borough while maintaining its charm. In my first term, I was part of a negotiating team with a major developer in town and the results were a better building and more revenue to our community. If elected, I will continue to be firm with developers to get the best outcomes for the Borough.

Chatham has seen an increase in car thefts over the past year or so. Do you think the town is doing enough to combat this issue? If not, what needs to be done to better prevent these crimes?

We have supported our excellent Chatham Borough Police who have worked tirelessly to substantially reduce car thefts in 2022. We supported the use of license plate readers to quickly alert our patrol of stolen vehicles that come into town that are used to transport primarily juveniles who seek out unlocked vehicles with keys in them. Our police department has also implemented a comprehensive communication to plan to educate residents to not leave their key fobs in their cars and to lock them. This has included not only continual messaging through social media and press coverage, but also the use of Alert Chatham Borough that alerts residents of a potential threat and serves as a reminder. These efforts have dramatically reduced the number of cars stolen with only one incident since August, 2022. Finally, we have supported state and county wide efforts to further increase the penalties for car thefts.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence that you can handle this job?

I believe that my career and volunteer activities have prepared me with the right combination of negotiating, analytical, and leadership skills to work out the best possible solutions for Chatham residents. Through managing budgets, analyzing data and negotiating, I understand the complex decision-making that goes into making hard choices and stay within the budget. My experience in the last 3 years as a Councilperson for Chatham borough leaned heavily on my experience and skillset whether that be reviewing budgets, negotiating development agreements, or analyzing options to come to decision.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have a very non-emotional and pragmatic approach to decision-making. In facing difficult decision like the development at Post Office Plaza, I considered many areas including not only impacts on traffic, density, finances parking, but also aesthetics. I listened to many residents and business owners, not just the loudest and weighed their concerns in my decision. Even though this decision did not go my way, I continued to work with our attorney and provided my experienced advice on negotiations what I thought would put us in the best position to be ultimately successful to prevail in the subsequent challenges. Chatham Borough will face many challenges in the next 3 years, some known and some unexpected. I believe that I along with Irene Treloar are the best candidates to face these challenges.