Abby Kalan for Millburn Township Committee

Background:

Previously served Millburn as a member of the Board of Education, elected for three terms. Emphasis in board service was on fiscal management. Have served the community in volunteer school positions, with the League of Women Voters, and my local civic association. Past professional experience in corporate financial planning and analysis. Currently a reference librarian.

Goals:

The Millburn Township Committee is fortunate to have members with different types of expertise, municipal, planning, and legal, however, there is no one person with a financial background. I believe that we can do a better job of putting our property taxes to work, and would like to find new ways to provide services in a more cost efficient manner. But, my primary concern is that the services we provide should reflect what our community wants. We can do a far better job of proactively gathering community input to help direct the Township Committee's decisions. I would like to work towards including the community in the governing process.

Issues:

Improved communication and community input.
Developing new cost efficiencies.
Developing new plans for downtown development and community services to keep Millburn moving forward and viable in the future.

Grassroots Support:

I believe that developing grassroots support is the key for elected officials to provide the best service to their constituents once in office. I would like to meet and speak with as many residents of the community as possible to learn what residents think are the priorities for our community. Without grassroots involvement, how can someone govern effectively?

DFA Values:

The inclusiveness I consider my most important goal is a reflection of my socially progressive point of view. No one person's opinion is more important than another's. Democracy hears and integrates all voices.
As a member of the Board of Education I served as Finance Committee Chair and Negotiations Committee chair. My focus was on improved and informed processes for all fiscal decisions. I was fortunate to work with administrators who treated taxpayer funds as if they were funds coming out of their own pockets. This is my point of view for all financial decisions for the community. How those funds will serve the community in the best way possible, considering the interests and needs of residents.