Summit Common Council Candidate Profile: Delia Hamlet

SUMMIT, NJ — New Jersey's General Election is coming up November 8, and three candidates are running for two open seats on Summit's Common Council this year.

Incumbents Danny O'Sullivan and Lisa Allen are running to keep their respective Ward 1 and Ward 2 seats on the council. Write-in candidate Delia Hamlet is running against O'Sullivan for the Ward 1 seat.

Patch sent out questionnaires to local candidates and will publish profiles for those running this year.

Below are Republican candidate Delia Hamlet's answers:

Name
Delia Hamlet

Campaign Website:

DeliaforSummit.com

Seeking the Office of:
Summit Common Council - Ward 1

Party Affiliation:
Republican

Educational Background:
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh, while also participating in their ROTC Program.

Military Service:
Immediately following graduation, I was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army Transportation Corps and was stationed at Fort Eustis, Virginia. After a brief training deployment in Korea, I was deployed to Kuwait in 2001, and remained there during the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11th, 2001. Throughout my deployment, I was responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of two Logistical Support Vessels during Operation Enduring Freedom. I later served as an Executive Officer for the 155th Transportation Company in Fort
Eustis. My final assignment was as an Aide-De Camp to LTG Kathleen Gainey. I am proud of my service and the recognition I received while in the Army. Serving my country was an incredible honor and has shaped me into the individual I am today.

My Military Awards include: the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Parachutist Badge. I left active duty with the rank of Captain.

Occupation:
Along with being a full-time mom, I am a partner and serve as the Chief Operating Officer at the Fort Athletic Club in Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. I oversee all operational aspects of the 50,000 square foot state-of-the-art fitness facility. Our team worked tirelessly to transform the former army gym into a first-class fitness facility complete with five boutique studios. The experience has reinforced my organizational skills and ability to lead a team.

Family:
I have lived in Summit for more than ten years with my three children – all attending Summit Public Schools. My two daughters are in 7 th and 10 th grade and my son is a second grader. My children are an inspiration to me and raising them here in Summit has been a true blessing. I recognize that residents and families are the heartbeat of the Summit community, and my community first approach will put your interests first in the decision-making process.

Does anyone in my family work in politics or government:
No.

Why are you seeking election?

I am seeking election because I love our community and I believe I will be an impactful leader. I have the right skill set, strong work ethic, and the intellectual curiosity to bring an independent voice on behalf of our residents. During the last few years, I have attended and spoken up at many Council meetings and spoken to and corresponded with members and city staff on several important issues. My concerns have been primarily around safety, Broad Street West Redevelopment (BSWR), and town communication.

As I focus on these issues, I continue to develop positive relationships with residents all over town. I feel incredibly fortunate and honored that my fellow Summit residents have entrusted me with addressing these concerns. What do you think is the most pressing issue facing Summit constituents at this time? What do you intend to do about it?

There are actually three very pressing issues facing Summit:
1. Broad Street West;

2. Public Safety; and

3. Communication between the City and our constituents.

1. The BSWR project needs a comprehensive reset. Thousands of residents have voiced their concern, and yet the city has marched on with the developer’s plans. Even when our community repeatedly spoke out, asked detailed questions, and successfully challenged the paid consultants about the size, scope, finances and impacts, this Council (including my opponent) has pressed forward. Council has mismanaged time, resources, and taxpayer dollars on an extremely unpopular project, and even now the City’s “11th hour pause” has residents doubtful. If elected, I will see that a repeat of the bungled process does not happen. There is no reason that the BSWR area cannot be developed responsibly so that it meets our needs, while also enhancing our beautiful downtown. We should not rush this. We have spent countless hours on this important issue. Should we be in the re-development business? I am not convinced. I am also not convinced this should be a PILOT.

2. Public safety should be the number one priority of any governing body, and Summit is no different. We have had many safety challenges during the last few years, and I believe we can do more to address the public’s concerns. As a member of Council, I would make sure we work more closely with our neighboring towns, the County and the State to get to the source of the crime that appears to be targeting Summit. We can do better.

3. Lastly, we need to open the lines of communication between the city and our residents. The City needs to better inform our community of crime situations by consistently delivering accurate information so residents can best protect their families and property. The city needs to listen to the community as well. If elected, I would make sure Council does a better job of simply recognizing the concerns of the community. Whether residents are worried about car thefts, or challenging a planned over-sized building, I would make sure that the community’s voices are heard, and their concerns addressed. I will give your voices my attention.

The proposed Broad Street West redevelopment has caused a lot of dialogue in Summit. What are your hopes for this new development? Do you have any concerns about it?

Although the City’s reason given for their last minute ‘pause’ on BSWR is, “we are listening,” residents are skeptical. Due to poor judgment, bad decision making, and disregard of the public’s concerns, too many residents have unfortunately lost trust in this governing body. The community needs to know what has transpired behind-the-scenes and a full analysis should be completed to establish how we can do better before any further action is pursued.

It is evident that the only plans we have seen from the city will aggravate traffic beyond just the downtown area, increase infrastructure demands, potentially put pressure on our schools and greatly alter the look and feel of our quaint suburb. As I talk to young residents, many have made the point that they moved from a big city to Summit because they love our thriving community and have no interest in an “urbanized” downtown. They came here for suburban living.

Recently, I met with some residents from the Vito Gallo Senior building located directly across the street from the proposed BSWR. I heard their concerns about the impacts the currently proposed building would have on their quality of life. They are worried about the shadows the building will cast on their apartments and common space. They are also afraid that they, and their visitors, will have very little parking once the lot next to St. Theresa’s Memorial Hall is eliminated for BSWR.

My opponent supported the oversized and non-conforming development proposal(s) from day one and has continued his support despite the major concerns residents have been expressing for months. It surely appears that the developers have been in the driver's seat, that the community has been largely ignored, and that the proposal has moved further and further from what our residents support.

The BSWR project has received overwhelmingly negative feedback that Council should have recognized and addressed months ago. My hope for development is that we go back to the drawing board and reset our thinking. I believe we should consider a new city planner that is truly dedicated to making Summit its priority. If elected to Council, I will advocate for exploring more possibilities, including private development. Summit is a unique and desirable as a place to live, to shop and to dine. Surely, we should have no trouble attracting developers to build something that will be appealing and beneficial to all.

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

I am running as a Republican and am proud to say that I not only have Republicans, but Democrats and Unaffiliated supporters helping me run my campaign. Together we make a tremendous team because we are learning from each other…it’s a wonderful collaboration. If elected to Summit’s Common Council, I will do the same. I will represent you, all of you, as we strive for best possible outcomes.

My goal is simple; resolve local issues to benefit our neighbors and the community. Together, we can rise to the occasion and collaborate to find solutions that make Summit an even better place for all of us to live in and enjoy. I do believe that as a town, as friends, and as neighbors, we can agree on “what’s best for Summit.”

As your Councilwoman, I will bring my experience in business, security, and service to our city. I am a strong advocate for common sense solutions that address the needs of our community. I will work hard to deliver the needed resources to make our community safer for our children and families. Additionally, I pledge to increase transparency and encourage resident input. Let’s get back on track to practical local governance. I look forward to the honor of earning your vote for Summit Common Council, Ward 1.