Summit Election Profile: How David Fosgate 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.

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 David Fosgate

We’ll be featuring candidate profiles in the next two weeks. Below are candidate David Fosgate's answers to the questionnaire. Fosgate is running against Incumbent Democrat Greg Vartan for one of the Ward 2 seats.

Age:48

Party Affiliation: Republican

Family:

Jenny (wife of 20 years), 47, Harper (daughter), 18, Dory (daughter), 15, and Elsie (daughter), 13. Moved with my family to my wife’s hometown of Summit six years ago. All three daughters attend Summit Public Schools and my oldest, Harper, will be graduating from Summit High School this year.

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

Education:
Washington and Lee University, B.A. in Economics

Occupation:
For the past six years I have worked for West Coast-based Sequoia Consulting Group in employee benefits consulting, having been hired to lead the opening of their first New York City office. Prior, I spent 20 years working in finance, corporate, and real estate development.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:
No

Campaign website:
www.fosgateforcouncil.org

1. Why are you seeking elective office?

"I have oftentimes found myself in leadership positions as a result of my hard work, empathy and positive interactions with others. I believe and have been told that I am trustworthy, level-headed, people oriented and, as such, was approached by several neighbors and friends about running for Common Council. I hope to bring a purposeful balance and diversity of thought and opinion to an otherwise partisan Council, and I am proud and honored to have the support of my neighbors and friends."

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

"Summit has a great future ahead of it provided we can balance our continued development with the preservation of its character. The hard truth is that it will be increasingly difficult for non-property tax revenue to sustain the services we enjoy and fund needed capital projects. To answer those needs, future development projects, such as the imminent Broad Street West redevelopment project or potentially the Bristol Myers Squibb east campus, are bound to happen.

"While change might make some uneasy, these projects can also have upsides including but not limited to housing options that afford residents the opportunity to live and stay in Summit for life, business expansion, infrastructure improvements, and investments in more energy efficient construction. Summit’s “small town” aesthetics and pedestrian charm attracted my wife’s family here 25 years ago and are the same reasons we returned here with our own family. While these projects are inevitable and can be prosperous, as your representative I intend to protect our quality of life while helping Summit progress towards a better future."

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

"As a devoted husband and father of three teenaged girls and having spent the last two and half decades building my career, I believe that my life experience enhances the lens through which I make decisions. I am concerned with, my opponent, Councilman Vartan’s steadfast resolve for being the lone vote in opposition to banning facilities who sell, distribute, or cultivate retail marijuana.

"For those closely monitoring the issue, Council wisely rectified a legislative oversight that potentially would not have allowed Summit to decide on this issue, ourselves, on our own time. As opposed to Councilman Vartan, I would have voted in favor of this amendment in order to allow input from the Summit community on this important issue."

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

"I’ll work diligently to address the issues facing Summit and the three tenets of my campaign are 'Progress with Purpose,' 'Thriving Community,' and 'Working Together.' I pledge my commitment to putting what’s best for Summit and its residents in the long-term before any external influences or fleeting trends.

"A 'Thriving Community' is the direct result of a focus on safety and opportunity for all of Summit’s citizens and businesses. Lastly, my family and I are blessed to have formed as many meaningful relationships as we have through our neighborhood, schools, church, and athletics, providing me the opportunity to listen and learn about the issues most important to my neighbors."

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

"In addition to raising three wonderful children with my wife of 20 years, I also have an extensive background in finance, corporate and real estate development, and employee benefits consulting. These opportunities have enhanced my skill set in strategic decision-making, finance, budgeting, consensus-building, and consulting, all of which transfer to municipal government.

I am also mindful of the importance of giving back and have held past board and committee assignments. Currently, I serve as an Elder and co-chair the Personnel and Administrative Services Committee at Central Presbyterian Church, volunteer coach at Summit Basketball Club, and volunteer at GRACE Pantry."

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

"Inspect what you expect."

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

"I am excited about the opportunity to strengthen my existing relationships with friends and neighbors as well as build new relationships with the residents of Ward 2 whom I have not had a chance to meet. I want to hear from all of them what they love most about Summit and also listen to their concerns so that I can be their voice on Common Council. I am proud and honored to have their encouragement and support as a candidate in this election."

Other Summit Election Information From Patch

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.

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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