Morristown Primary Election 2023: Robert Bell

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Morristown's primary election on June 6 has six candidates running for the open Morristown Town Council Ward seats.

In anticipation of the election, Patch sent questionnaires to each of the candidates vying for the open seats, asking them to share facts about themselves and why voters should choose them to represent the community.

Here are candidate Robert Bell's answers below:

• Name: Robert Bell
• Age: 30
• Position sought: Morristown Council - 3rd Ward
• Party affiliation: Democrat
• Education: B.A. Sociology and Political Science from Monmouth University; MA Applied Sociology from William Paterson University
• Occupation: Marketing at Merck & Co.

Why are you seeking this office?

I’m running to represent the 3rd Ward on the Morristown Council because I love this town. I’ve lived in towns across the state, but nowhere I lived is as vibrant and welcoming as Morristown. I want to continue the progress we see in Morristown with a focus on ensuring affordability for residents and the small businesses that have always been our economic engine. I’m also running for representation.

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am disturbed by the growing hostility, violence, and restrictive policies aimed at minority populations. I am further disgusted by certain groups who are using queer children as a tool to win political points. Representation is powerful, and I hope that my presence on the Morristown Council uplifts LGBTQ+ folks who are hurting right now.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

It is really difficult to pinpoint a single issue. The neighbors I speak to are concerned about affordability issues that come with a rapidly developing town. I too share these concerns, especially for the small businesses on Speedwell Ave. Our community needs to think creatively about affordability and gentrification.

We need to push developers for fair rent, and explore anti-displacement policies to protect our business community and residents. Like all communities, we also face the existential threat of climate change. Morristown needs an action plan that builds stewardship and climate resiliency into all areas of government. I will push for such a plan.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My opponent and I have similar concerns and ideas to improve Morristown. What distinguishes us is my grassroots approach to supporting my community. I am not afraid to get my hands dirty, and my neighbors know that.

For the last several years, I have organized volunteer groups and businesses on projects to improve our parks and clean our green spaces. I support organizations across Morristown, volunteer where I can, and prioritize neighborhood events. I am always striving to build a better connected community.

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

As Vice Chair of the Morristown Shade Tree Commission, I am already fulfilling a function of government. I coordinate and collaborate with the town administration, the council, Department of Public Works, town professionals, and residents. In doing so, I’ve helped to improve the tree canopy across Morristown, clean up our parks, modernize the way our tree crew receives and completes work orders, and invest in our town’s ability to manage climate change - nearly all of that was done with grant dollars.

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

My approach to governing is simple - we need to be proactive and innovative. Reacting to problems as they arise is not good for Morristown. We need to look 5-10 years into the future, consider the changes our community may face, and prepare for those changes now. Government is not always innovative, but we cannot let that deter us.

Towns across New Jersey and the rest of the country are developing new programs and strategies to manage traffic and congestion, prevent displacement from development, and prepare for the worst of climate change. I want to learn from the experiments of other towns to develop innovative policies that are best for our community here in Morristown.