Watchung Council Democratic Candidate: Pete Martino

WATCHUNG, NJ —The race for a seat on the Watchung Borough Council is well underway, and the primary election is Tuesday, June 4. Patch has reached out to candidates, having them answer some questions on their experience, on the issues and themselves.

Here's what candidate Pietro "Pete" Martino had to say:

Description:

My name is Pietro “Pete” Martino and I’m running for Watchung Borough Council. I have been a Watchung resident since 1979. After graduating from Watchung Hills Regional High School in 1983, I started my own landscape maintenance business and worked my way through college, receiving my degree from Temple University School of Horticulture in 1987.

In 1993, I purchased my first and only home on Sunbright Road, and after working on it for two years, my wife Rosebud and I moved into the house on our wedding night in 1995. We raised our four children there, all of whom attended the Watchung school system.

At sixteen, I joined the Watchung Volunteer Fire Department, maintaining my membership through college. In 1987, I began climbing the ranks from apparatus engineer, all the way to fire chief in 1996. From 1990 through 1997, I held the position of Assistant Fire Inspector for the Borough. In addition, I served in the Office of Emergency Management from 1990 through 1996, as the hazardous materials officer. I also went on to receive a degree in fire science technology through Union County College and currently hold Construction Official, Fire Sub-code Official, and Housing Official certifications through the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. In 1990, I received my Emergency Medical Technician certification and joined the Watchung Rescue Squad as a deputy member — the first joint member of both the fire department and rescue squad. I was also the first joint Extrication Team Commander.

I was appointed to the City of Plainfield Fire Division as a firefighter in 1996, rising to Battalion Chief in 2017. During my years of service, I have responded to well over 400 structure fires, hundreds of vehicle rescues, three major hurricanes (Floyd, Irene, and Sandy), and ground zero in September 2001. I am also a New Jersey State-certified fire instructor and have taught at the Union County Fire Academy since 2001 and the Middlesex County Fire Academy since 2006, training new firefighter recruits in the Firefighter I and II programs, along with advanced firefighting programs and fire officer training. I have received many citations for service, academic achievements, and most recently for my service during Hurricane Sandy.

What experiences do you have that would help you serve?

My four decades of public service reflect my deep commitment to helping others. Since the age of sixteen, I have assisted the public without any personal gain. My volunteer service to Watchung includes the Fire Department, the Rescue Squad, and the Office of Emergency Management. My career service with the City of Plainfield Fire Division gives me insight into the operations of municipal government, including budget, management, and operations of a large department. In addition, my private business of property maintenance and management has given me extensive knowledge of infrastructure construction and maintenance. Most important are my roots within the borough. My family moved to Watchung in 1979 and I have never left. My wife and I are raising our four children here and we have dedicated our time and efforts as volunteers and good neighbors to help make this community stronger. Along with that, my persistent citizen oversight of our Council and the decisions they make gives me a very clear understanding of how our borough government should operate — by the will of the people, not that of any individual or any special interest group.

What issues would you like to address in Watchung?

Public safety will always be my first concern. Given my extensive background in this arena, I believe that a community should be measured by the safety and comfort of its citizens. We must strive to support our emergency services with proper staffing, support, training, and fiscally responsible purchases of equipment that will best serve the community as a whole. I have long asked, and if elected would continue to call, for an integrated traffic study, and for the Council to address the crime rate.

Infrastructure management also demands attention. Residents understand our borough buildings and grounds, such as the Watchung Library and East End Firehouse, are our investments. As we prepare to construct a new library, we must find the best location and the best design and build it with fiscal responsibility that will have the least impact on our taxes. If it is to serve our community for the next 100 years, we need to establish a committee of experts to complete this process efficiently.

We need to include our residents in all aspects of borough government in order to ensure proper management, efficiency, and transparency. As a citizen, I have observed and reported on questionable practices that have cost taxpayers a significant amount of money and I would continue my diligence in working toward wise and proper use of taxpayer dollars. Our council must also bridge the gap between themselves and the board of education. We are one community working toward a common goal. A strong school system along with an efficient borough government will guarantee higher property values.

Why should voters vote for you?

In addition to addressing the issues identified above, voters should know that I will continue conscientiously watching borough expenditures, making best use of their taxes, while ensuring that Watchung remains an enticing, desirable place to live. I do not ask for your vote, but I intend to earn your vote. I am willing to meet with any resident, any time, or any place to discuss the future of Watchung and how we can make it better together. Contact me at pete4watchung@gmail.com. I look forward to meeting as many neighbors as possible in the upcoming months.