By Allison Perrine
FAIR HAVEN – Two Republicans and two Democrats have entered the race for Fair Haven council, according to the Monmouth County Votes website.
Candidates include Republicans Elizabeth “Betsy” Koch, an incumbent, and Tracy Cole; and Democrats Robert Gasperini and Sonja Trombino. The Two River Times reached out to each candidate to gain more information about their backgrounds, motivations to run for office, top priorities and more. Here’s what each candidate had to say, listed alphabetically by last name.
TRT: Tell us about your background and how long you’ve lived in town.
Cole: On the personal side, Fair Haven is home now, but when I was a little girl, we moved a lot. I longed for a sense of community and the charm of small town life where people looked out for one another. My husband and I started looking for a house in Fair Haven in 2005, but it wasn’t until 2012 that we were able to make that happen for our family of four. So although I cannot say I was born here, I got here as soon as I could!
Professionally, I have a BS in Planning from Penn State University and a Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from North Carolina State University School of Design. The bulk of my professional work has been in downtown revitalization, starting with the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street Program, then Red Bank RiverCenter and on to a multitude of other consulting projects throughout New Jersey. I am well read on our own Master Plan and served as a member of Fair Haven’s bicycle and pedestrian Active Transportation Plan (ATP). I have a working understanding of Fair Haven’s role with county and state levels of government and have been a technical advisor to non-profit community groups, quasi-governmental groups and local governments for their downtown revitalization efforts. The scope of my work includes strategic planning and visioning work, real estate development, marketing, local planning related to land use and transportation, general advocacy work, and placemaking.
Over three years ago, out of a sense of concern for my community, I began attending Council meetings, Planning Board meetings, Zoning Board meetings, Shade Tree and Historic Preservation Commission meetings. In that time I have attended and actively participated at every Council meeting.
Gasperini: I have been a resident of Fair Haven for just about 20 years. My wife Danielle and I have two sons, a Junior in college and a Senior at RFH. We have two Golden Retrievers, Linus and Lucy, who help us explore the town on a daily basis. I am a graduate of Penn State University with a degree in Administration of Justice and from Monmouth University where I earned an MBA. My wife also graduated from Penn State and has a Masters of Social Work also from Monmouth. Over the years we have both volunteered for many groups in town: coaching youth sports, Cub Scout den leaders, Boy Scout volunteers, Harvest Fest at Knollwood School, and the eighth grade dance planning committees. All traditions in Fair Haven that help make this town a sought after destination for families, for generations. We continue our volunteer work today; my wife currently runs the Youth Sailing program for River Rats (both of our sons spent many summers in the program and are both now instructors) and I am a Board Member of the RFH Touchdown Club, as football was a huge part of our lives from my older son’s fourth grade summer through high school. Most importantly, I am a member of the Finance and Facilities Committees for the Boro of Fair Haven.
Professionally, I began my career in the financial industry at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, where I spent about 15 years. Roughly ten of those years were in the Legal Group where I learned more than I would ever imagine about national and international finance, economics and financial industry regulation at the highest level. From there I spent my last 5 years in the Bank Applications area, where I was responsible for underwriting bank requests to merge or engage in new activities. In the midst of the 2008 financial crisis, I left the city to be closer to home and my family. Having always wanted to work in a community bank setting, I restarted my career working in commercial lending at a small community bank in Ocean County. There I was able to hone my skills in efficient and effective operations, fine tuning processes and procedures necessary to help a small bank compete and grow. A tiny budget and a busy bank requires agile operations and thinking. You get real creative and learn to leverage technology, but most importantly, the talents of your staff and peers. I currently work as a Vice President and Credit Administration and Closing Manager for another community bank in north Jersey, performing basically the same functions in Loan Operations. As with many small operations, I wear many hats and get my hands dirty doing the work that needs to be done. A guiding principal of my career as a manager has been that I always learn how to do every function related to my job that I will be asking someone else to do. I can’t ask someone else to do it and expect to evaluate their performance unless I know how to do the same job.
Koch: I have been a resident in Fair Haven for 46 y. I earned a BS/Chemistry State University of NY, New Paltz and a M.Ed/Science Education Rutgers University.I taught Science and Math at Knollwood school for 23y. I have been a member of the FH Parks and Recreation Committee for over 30 y. I am an active board member of the Foundation of Fair Haven. Joe Perrotto and I created the Wall of Honor (which honors Knollwood graduates who are currently serving in all branches of the US Military) and maintain the Wall with the help of our committee.I have served on the Fair Haven Council for the past 4 years. I am currently liaison to Parks and Recreation, Planning and Zoning, Communications, FH Historic Preservation Commission and sub-liasion to Personnel. I also serve on the Brush committee and Land Use Committee.
Trombino: I was born in England, lived in Hong Kong as a child and became a US citizen at age 26.
About twenty years ago, I moved to New Jersey from Chicago to work for a Financial Services firm in NYC, living in Hoboken and then Lincroft. I now work for a Biotechnology company in South Plainfield.
Ten years ago, my husband and I moved to Fair Haven for all that the town has to offer, such as the great schools and small town feel. We are raising our two children here. Our daughter is a sophomore at RFH, and our son is in second grade at Sickles School. Having lived in different places around the globe, I feel so fortunate to call Fair Haven my home and to live in a community that has so much character and charm.
TRT: What made you want to run for office?
Cole: I’m running for Council to serve my community. I believe there is a lot of important work to do and at this moment in Fair Haven’s history I believe I have experience that can be helpful.
Gasperini: For many years, I have been able to enjoy the many benefits of living in a unique town like Fair Haven. My wife and I joke that we hocked everything as a young couple with a 6 month old to get into Fair Haven. It was the town at the top of our list. The schools, the location, the small town experience and energy. We have many friends that we met when our children were toddlers that have become parts of our family. We love that we can walk everywhere. We love that there are parks to enjoy in every direction you go. We love the traditions of a town like Fair Haven. So, why do I want to run for council? Because it’s time for me to give back to the town that has given so much to our family. It’s time for me to offer up the many valuable skills that I have acquired in my 25 years in the financial services industry. I want to ensure that all the qualities and values and experiences that drew us to this town so many years ago live on for generations to come. That every benefit is available to all residents to enjoy. That people who love this town for what it has to offer and its impact on everyday life help guide it forward in vitally important roles such as Boro Council and the many volunteer opportunities.
On a nuts and bolts level, first, I want to reform the process of capital project planning to ensure that the affected residents are heard and that all residents understand what projects are being undertaken and why. All residents should have a “a seat at the table” from the very early conceptual planning phase through completion. Second, I want to bring fiscal transparency to the town, ensuring that the budgeting process is conducted openly and in line with not only what’s best for the town, but what the top priorities are of the residents. I am currently working in my role on the Finance Committee to bring a forward looking 3 to 5 year budget process to fruition, so that as a town we ensure that not only can we tackle all of the most important projects, but that we do so in a fiscally responsible manner that maintains a stable tax rate to the greatest extent possible.
Koch: It has been an honor to represent the residents of Fair Haven for the past 4 years. While the governing body has accomplished a great deal during that time the next 3 years will be a critical time for our town. We are embarking on two of the largest capital projects in borough history (DPW/Police Station) as well as major upgrades to our parks and roadways. I decided to run for reelection so I could I could be part of the team to oversee costs associated with these projects and work to maintain a flat budget and stable tax base.
Trombino: A few years ago, I started to look for more information about particular improvements in town. For instance, I wanted to know when we would be making improvements to McCarter pond, when the sidewalks on Fair Haven road would be fixed, and how the town will be improving the brush grinding operation. I started attending the Council meetings and I realized that for a small town there is a lot going on!
One of the first things I noticed is that the borough communications could be improved. I started helping the borough write the mayoral newsletter and other communications to ensure that the most important happenings were getting out to our residents each week. I want to see how we now improve community engagement so that residents can provide meaningful input and timely feedback on matters of public concern.
I joined the Fair Haven Green Team to help maintain our Sustainability New Jersey Certification as well as to support environmental initiatives in town. We need to find a better way to keep our parks, ponds, streets and river clean, and I am proud to be part of a very creative and active group of dedicated individuals.
I am also a member of the Facilities Committee and was instrumental in providing resident feedback on the new Police Department and Department of Public Works building plans. Both projects will need oversight as they get built. In addition, we are finalizing the restoration plans for Bi-Centennial Hall. It is my goal that we find the right balance between the practical upgrades to make the the hall suitable for borough and community meeting use and thoughtful restoration that preserves its historical value.
Another focus of mine if elected is the zoning ordinance. We all share the common goal of keeping Fair Haven’s character as charming as ever.
TRT: Why do you think you’re the best fit for a seat on the dais?
Cole: In addition to their devotion to the community, I think each elected official brings something unique with them to the governing body. There is no other candidate or elected official with my credentials. I see that my experience has unique value at this particular time. We are in a period of transition shifting from a top down approach to governance to a bottom up approach to governance. Community outreach and engagement along with transparency and accountability will go a long way to re-establishing public trust and making sure council decisions fully reflect the values of our citizens.
Gasperini: I feel that I am best suited for a seat on the council for a couple reasons. First, my extensive financial industry background has provided me with the tools necessary to provide valuable guidance and support to our talented town professionals in preparing and analyzing the annual budget. Second, my career has been highlighted by my many accomplishments related to efficiency and effectiveness of operations. I always seek to leverage technology and to fine tune processes to achieve the greatest results in the most cost efficient manner.
I have been at the 50,000 foot level while at the Federal Reserve and now I have boots on the ground working directly with businesses and individuals. Third, I have more than 10 years experience working directly with businesses in a lending and planning capacity. I have a true passion for working with small businesses to help them achieve their goals and grow. Finally, I am a hands on manager. As a rule, I always ensure that I know how everything works that crosses my desk, only at that point can I feel comfortable delegating or explaining it to someone else.
Koch: My years of experience on the Planning and Zoning Boards, Communications, Parks and Recreation and Personnel has helped me to develop the skills I believe necessary to guide Fair Haven as we undertake two of the largest capital projects in borough history (DPW/PD). I have been a watchdog for our budget, capital needs and grant sourcing and I will continue to carefully monitor as well as question municipal expenses.
Trombino: With over 20 years of professional experience in strategy and management, I believe I will be able to drive operational and process improvements to make it easier for residents and businesses to interact with the borough. In addition, I would like to oversee the creation of a holistic strategic plan and project prioritization process that is driven by resident and community wants and needs.
TRT: If elected, what’s one of your first priorities to address?
Cole: If elected, as was one of six legislators I hope to join my fellow council people in an effort to re-establish public trust by working together to create a shared vision, undertake projects using the community development process (focus on outreach), clarify strategic planning goals, eliminate barriers to civic engagement, better manage development (residential and commercial), and make caring for our environment a priority.
Gasperini: My first priority in office would be to reform the capital project planning process to ensure that there is a clear, consistent, public and transparent roadmap for each and every project. I will work to ensure that residents are involved in the process from day one. I will work to make the town’s project planning matrix a living, breathing document where information can be accessed by everyone involved, most importantly the residents. It’s vitally important that everyone is on the same page. At the same time, it is equally important that projects are vetted and prioritized based on a fixed set of criteria to ensure that projects are evaluated based on the same criteria every time.
Koch: One of my first priorities to address is to make sure that before we embark on any municipal projects we solicit residential input. Our recent experience with the major roadway project on Hance Road and Cooney Terrace is evidence that this is an extremely important component to the planning and execution of any project the Borough undertakes. The Land Use Committee will be meeting with residents this Thursday night to discuss Municipal Land Use ordinances and their effect on residential development. This is a prime example of how we should, as a Council and Zoning Board, work with our residents to seek mutually satisfactory outcomes.
Trombino: My first priority will be to build a portfolio of all of the upcoming borough projects, detailing any dependencies, such as grants, that are impacting deadlines. Besides providing more transparency, this will also allow our residents the opportunity to help prioritize where we spend our tax dollars and efforts.
This article originally appeared in the Oct. 21-27, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
