Election Profile: Sonja Trombino 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.

Trombino, 53, is a senior director for a biotechnology company in South Plainfield in the IT Project Management Office. She has over 20 years of professional experience in operations, management, strategy in the financial services, publishing and healthcare industries.

She is also a member of the Fair Haven Facilities Committee and the Green Team.

Trombino has a bachelor of science in journalism (with a minor in marketing) from Southern Illinois University.

Why are you seeking elective office?

A few years ago, I started to look for more information about improvements in town. For instance, I wanted to know when we would be making improvements to McCarter Pond, when the sidewalks on Fair Haven Road would be fixed, and how the town will be improving the brush grinding operation. I started attending the Council meetings and I realized that for a small town there is a lot going on.

One of the first things I noticed is that the borough communications could be improved. I started helping the borough write the mayoral newsletter and other communications to ensure that the most important happenings were getting out to our residents each week. I want to see how we now improve community engagement so that residents can provide meaningful input and timely feedback on matters of public concern.

I joined the Fair Haven Green Team to help maintain our Sustainability New Jersey Certification as well as to support environmental initiatives in town. We need to find a better way to keep our parks, ponds, streets, and river clean, and I am proud to be part of a very creative and active group of dedicated individuals.

I am also a member of the Facilities Committee and was instrumental in providing resident feedback on the new Police Department and Department of Public Works building plans. Both projects will need oversight as they get built. In addition, we are finalizing the restoration plans for Bi-Centennial Hall. It is my goal that we find the right balance between the practical upgrades to make the hall suitable for borough and community meeting use and thoughtful restoration that preserves its historical value.

Another focus of mine if elected is improving the zoning ordinance. We all share the common goal of keeping Fair Haven's character as charming as ever.

Why should you be elected over other candidates?

The Council needs a skilled candidate who will actively work for the betterment of the borough. I will utilize my professional experience to improve how the borough is run and how we engage with residents. I am the only candidate that is certified in Lean Six Sigma which is the gold standard in how to make strategic operational improvements and listen to the Voice of the Customer (in this case, resident). Over the years, I have worked on many large-scale technology initiatives. I am the only candidate that is well versed in technology trends that can be used to modernize operations at the borough. In addition, I am passionate about local history, and I will work to ensure the character and charm of Fair Haven remains.

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

My highest priority will be to build a portfolio of all the upcoming borough projects, detailing any dependencies, such as grants, that are impacting deadlines. Besides providing more transparency, this will also allow our residents the opportunity to help prioritize where we spend our tax dollars and efforts.

What are other important issues you are running on?

Over the past several months I have been knocking on doors and asking our residents what they would like the Council to focus on.

• Engaging Residents: Encourage community participation in strategic planning; prioritize project portfolio with residents: engage residents early and throughout lifecycle of community projects
• Focus on Character and History: Provide careful oversight of the new Police Department and DPW construction; restore Bi-Centennial Hall for broader community use and enjoyment; update our zoning ordinances
• Safer Routes and Sidewalks: Advocate for residents’ safety prioritizing Harding and Ridge Road sidewalk
• Support Local Businesses: Help our existing businesses thrive and attract new businesses:
• Municipal Financial Stability: Maximize tax dollars by leveraging professional experience in financial management and corporate strategy
• Recreation Upgrades and Preservation: Keep our Natural Area clean; introduce more recreational offerings; bring back Fair Haven Day

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

In my professional career, I have successfully launched many initiatives that have impacted a community of people. Each of these projects required understanding the customer and problem at hand, devising a solution that met their needs and communicating effectively. I have been recognized for my efforts including being chosen to join a Leadership Program at a Fortune 500 Financial Services company, recipient of an innovation award, as well as multiple recognitions for customer service.

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

Ten years ago, my husband and I moved to Fair Haven for all that the town has to offer, such as the great schools and small-town feel. We are raising our two children here. Our daughter is a sophomore at RFH, and our son is in second grade at Sickles School. Having lived in different places around the globe, I feel so fortunate to call Fair Haven my home and to live in a community that has so much character and charm.