Election Profile: Elizabeth Koch For Fair Haven Council

FAIR HAVEN, NJ — Two seats are open on the Fair Haven Borough Council and four candidates are running in the upcoming Nov. 2 election.

Republicans Tracy Cole and Elizabeth "Betsy" Koch (incumbent) are running against Democrats Robert Gasperini and Sonja Trombino for borough council.

Koch, 70, is a retired educator who taught math and science at Knollwood School in Fair Haven for 23 years.

She has a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from the State University of New York at New Paltz and an M.Ed in science education from Rutgers University.

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Why are you seeking reelection?

I am seeking reelection because I am very much vested in the two capital projects our town is preparing to build: DPW and Police Department. As liaison to the Planning and Zoning Boards, we are initiating a review of municipal land use ordinances and their effect on residential development, and I would like to be part of the process. As liaison to Parks and Recreation, we have recently completed our list of priorities for the next five years and I would like to continue to work with our committee as we continue to maintain and upgrade our recreational facilities. My daughter and her family recently moved to Fair Haven. As a result, I would be honored to continue my work with these committees and strive to improve the quality of life in our town for my four grandchildren.

Why should you be elected over other candidates?

I believe I have the skills and experience necessary to lead Fair Haven for the next three years. I am very cost-conscious. With all the pending projects and associated bonding, it is important to watch our municipal expenses and maintain a stable tax rate. I voted no for the last budget because I felt there were line items in the budget that could have been eliminated or reduced and still maintained the quality of life we expect.

What is the most important issue facing the Fair Haven community and what are you planning to do about it?

The most important issue facing Fair Haven today is the two largest capital projects (DPW/PD) we have ever undertaken as a borough, the costs associated with these projects and the bonding to pay for these projects.

What accomplishments in your past term would you cite as evidence you should be reelected?

Working with Joe Perotto to create the Wall of Honor at Knollwood School to honor our graduates who are currently serving in the military is one of my proudest accomplishments. Within the borough we recently adopted ordinances to meet our affordable housing obligations, our Brush Committee worked with residents to effect positive changes in their neighborhood with respect to the collection and distribution of brush, our Land Use Committee is currently reviewing Municipal Land Use ordinances and their effect on residential development, we succeeded on October 18 to move the forward on the Hance Road – Cooney Terrace road project and I continue to work with DJ Breckenridge and the Parks and Recreation Committee to maintain and upgrade our Recreational Facilities.

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

I am extremely cost-conscious and very much aware that our town is about to embark on two of the largest capital projects in our borough’s history. I am committed to approaching these projects with close oversight of the projected costs. Being fiscally responsible to our taxpayers and maintaining a steady tax base is of paramount importance to me.