Summit Election Profile: How Andy Minegar Answered Our Questions

SUMMIT, NJ — Five candidates filed last spring to run for four seats in the primary election on the Summit Common Council this November.

During the June primary former Summit Police Chief Robert Weck missed the deadline to file to run for the 1st Ward seat as a Republican, but he led a write-in campaign and will face Democrat Councilman Andy Minegar for the seat.

The Summit Common Council consists of seven seats: three seats for each of two wards, and one “at large seat.” Each ward seat carries a three-year term, and the at-large seat is a two-year term.

Meet Andy Minegar

We’ll be featuring candidate profiles in the next two weeks. Below are candidate Andy Minegar's answers to the questionnaire.

Age: 41

Party Affiliation: Democratic

Family:
My wife's name is Sarah and we have a dog named Tasha. We have lived in Summit for nearly nine years. The rest of my family lives in the Midwest. Sarah and I both grew up near South Bend, Indiana.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No

Education:

I am completing my final semester of graduate school, and in December will complete my master's degree in public administration.

I have my bachelor's degree in education from Ball State University.

Occupation:

I have worked in higher education administration for 15 years. Currently, I am Director of Student Services Information Systems at Seton Hall University.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:
None.

Campaign website:
www.voteandy.org

1. Why are you seeking elective office?
"I want Summit, our home, to thrive. We will soon be faced with new challenges and exciting opportunities that will define the future of our city, and I have the unique experience and skills to help Summit shape the path forward."

2. What is the single most pressing issue facing Summit, and how do you think you can help solve it?

"As our city continues to mitigate and recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, it seems impossible that any other issue could rise to the level of "single most pressing." Every other issue outside of the pandemic is rendered secondary by comparison. While our true, top priority has already been established for us by a virus, we will emerge from this. So it is by looking ahead that I identify the NEXT issue in the queue.

"The NEXT most pressing issue facing Summit is maintaining our quality of life.

"I see three main challenges to maintaining Summit's quality of life that we can meet head on with the right experience and skill set on Council.

• "First, we must ensure that the city's reliance on residential taxes doesn't increase. As a member of Summit Council, I will move forward with the Broad Street West Redevelopment Plan as a way to expand the commercial tax base. I will maintain Council's strong partnership with Summit Downtown, Inc., continuing to align the actions of Council with the needs of our businesses. And I will be a steward of the city's resources, maintaining our solid credit rating and seeking out efficiencies.
• "Second, we must maintain Summit's character through its built and natural environments. As a member of Council, I will aim to ensure that development projects reflect an appropriate scale for the neighborhoods they're in. I will also be a champion for Summit's natural spaces and trees, helping Summit maintain our status as a Tree City USA community.
• "Finally, we need to make it easier to interact with City services and make the city more connected. On Council, I will promote the Sidewalk Master Plan to those next in line for a sidewalk. I will work with seniors and those with accessibility needs to identify areas around the city in need of improved access. And I will work with our talented City staff to improve residents' online user experience, and expand the use of data to make city decisions."

3. What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

"My broad experience and unique skill set were developed during the 15 years I have spent working in higher education administration. A university is like a small city, and my role in university information systems is only one aspect of what I have done my entire career. I help solve complex problems--sometimes by inventing solutions where none exist. I facilitate group collaboration, and I have experience creating strategic plans as well as budgets."

"Later this year, I will earn my master's degree in public administration (MPA), a program that produces leaders in city and nonprofit environments. My training in organizational leadership will be put to good use on Council from day one. My educational and professional background not only prepares me for a seat on Council today, but provides a broad base of experience from which to make the decisions best suited for the future of our city.<b>If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)."

4. What are the other issues that define your campaign platform.

"Beyond the top priorities of dealing with the pandemic and maintaining our quality of life, there are others that I will pursue as your representative on Summit Common Council. Among them is the creation of a dog park. Summit is a dog town, and based on my conversations with fellow dog owners, an open space for our pets to run safely off leash would be a welcome addition to our park spaces. Beyond the benefit to our pets, dog parks are also great places to meet neighbors, and would provide an opportunity for many of our new neighbors to get to know us...and our dogs."

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

"In a higher education environment, my work involving a wide range of community members with different areas of expertise--collaborating on projects in areas such as public safety, parking, health, housing, and other infrastructure--is very similar to the work of Common Council.

"I've also created strategic plans at two universities. Much like the work of Council, this process involved significant input from the community along with research into specific areas of potential change. I also have extensive experience being part of the teams tasked with implementing those changes.My work experience has been a perfect proving ground for my potential role on Council —a university is truly a small city, with opportunities for work and accomplishment that mimic those at the municipal level."

6. What was the best advice ever shared with you?

"My first job was at my hometown hardware store--I was 15 years old and worked there after school every other day. It was a valuable first job to have. While I didn't make that much money, the knowledge I gained by simply working there--learning about everything from repairing a faucet, dealing with customers, or identifying bolt sizes from across a room--remain with me today. (Yes, I can still repair a faucet!)

"But by far, the most valuable piece of knowledge came directly from my boss, Mike. After he locked up the store one afternoon, he shared with me his favorite quote. "Be kind, because everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." It was his philosophy, he said, and he suggested I adopt the same outlook.

"I didn't realize the value of Mike's words at the time, but that quote has turned out to be the best advice I've ever received, mainly because the meaning has changed as I've gotten older. In the context of the hardware store, it simply meant that I should try to be kind to a customer because they might be having a bad day. Over the years I've realized it means so much more than that: kindness to someone who might have lost a family member, kindness to someone who might have experienced injustice, kindness to someone who might be struggling to find a job or enough food

"The advice has evolved just as I have, and it remains my philosophy to this day."

7. What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

"My goal is to put my experience and skills to work for you. Summit's continued success allows us all to experience a better quality of life, to raise our kids in great neighborhoods, to maintain our home values, and to run businesses in a friendly, vibrant atmosphere. With your support, I can help us face our future challenges and shape Summit's path forward. I look forward to meeting you during this campaign, and I hope to earn your vote!"

Other Summit Election Information From Patch

As mentioned above, Police Chief Weck is running as a write-in against Minegar for the 1st Ward seat.

Two candidates are running for one of the Ward 2 seats. Incumbent Democrat Greg Vartan will face Republican David Fosgate in November.

Democrat Beth Little filed for re-election to her council-at-large seat, and Republican Lisa Allen filed to keep her 2nd Ward seat. She was appointed in February to fill out the term of Steven Bowman, who moved away. His term ends Dec. 31, 2022.

To see which ward you're located in, click the street list here.

The primaries for the Democratic and Republican nomination in New Jersey will be held June 8, with the general election Nov. 2.

Learn more about the Summit Common Council and its members here.

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