By Stephen Appezzato
RUMSON – In the Nov. 5 general election, Rumson Borough Council members Sarah Pomphrey and John Conklin, both Republicans, are seeking reelection unopposed this year.
Rumson follows a borough form of government, with six council members and a mayor being elected to three- and four-year terms, respectively. This year, Pomphrey and Conklin are running for two open seats.
The Two River Times invited both candidates to respond to a set of questions to share their backgrounds and perspectives with Rumson voters. Their responses have been lightly edited for style.
The Two River Times: Please share your background and accomplishments. What prepares you to lead in your municipality?
Sarah Pomphrey (R): I’ve proudly served on the Rumson Council since 2021. Being a longtime Rumson resident, I’ve enjoyed the advantages of raising our family here and being an active member of the community within the public school system and various organizations and charities. I have also had the privilege of being a full-time real estate agent here for 30-plus years assisting clients in the sale and purchase of their homes as well as introducing new people to our area and the lifestyle it offers to everyone.
John Conklin (R): I’ve held a steadfast commitment to our beloved community. When my children were young, I became involved as a coach for recreational sports, sparking a desire to contribute even more to our town. This led me to seek a volunteer position within the Rumson Borough.
Appointed to the zoning board and eventually appointed chairman, I seized the opportunity to listen to residents, foster relationships, and directly learn from their insights.
In my role as council finance chair, my unwavering focus remains on delivering comprehensive services to all residents in a financially prudent and equitable manner. Our Aaa Moody’s rating is a testament to our judicious fiscal management.
Demonstrating our dedication to environmental sustainability and community well-being, the council engaged in a significant infrastructure initiative, inspecting and repairing over 40,000 feet of sanitary sewer pipes installed more than 50 years ago.
As liaison to the Recreation Commission, I have championed their efforts to provide recreational and social opportunities for residents of all ages.
As council president, I consistently prioritize the best interests of my fellow Rumson residents. I eagerly anticipate continuing this collaboration as our town evolves and grows. It’s my responsibility to ensure a solid foundation for this progress.
TRT: What are your priorities for the upcoming term and how do you plan to address them?
Pomphrey: My priorities for the upcoming term have remained steadfast throughout my public service: to continue to listen and work alongside our residents, hear their suggestions and assist as I am able. I certainly don’t have all the answers but I welcome the opportunity to bring their ideas and concerns to the forefront. As a council member, I appreciate when a resident will reach out directly with an idea or issue they have. They usually apologize for ‘bothering’ me until I remind them that this is what I’m here for and it’s nice to be able to discuss things together. We can’t tell what residents are thinking all the time and we do the best we can to navigate through every issue presented.
Conklin: My overriding priority is to be a focused and committed steward of the town we cherish. Over the years, the mayors, councils, Rumson employees and volunteers have laid the foundation that I will help nurture.
A priority is maintaining Rumson’s consistent sound financial management while providing a wide range of services to our residents.
Enhanced communication with our residents is a focus. Recently the borough started a periodic mailer to highlight recent developments in addition to the weekly emails, Rumson Police Facebook page and Nixle text/email alert system.
Rumson regularly interacts with county, state and federal officials and over the past five years, the borough has been awarded $2.6 million in grants to improve our parks and infrastructure. A priority will be to assist in maintaining and expanding these relationships.
A priority will be to complete the Meadow Ridge Improvement Project, which will increase traffic safety and onsite parking, install a new playground and workout area, and the addition of a pedestrian crosswalk across Ridge Road with signs and built in flashing LED strobe beacons. Our Monmouth County partners gave Rumson a $331,000 grant to help fund this improvement project.
Rumson continues to be a local leader in shared services with agreements in place with the Rumson Elementary School, RFHRHS, and the Little Silver and Fair Haven boroughs. A priority will be to continue to explore additional shared service opportunities while maintaining current services and reducing borough operating costs.
TRT: What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your municipality? How do you plan to address this challenge?
Pomphrey: Prior to my seat on the council, I knew that Rumson has always had the reputation for being a very well-run town. As an active council member, I realize how fortunate we have been with our great leadership in the past that continues today. I have seen firsthand the devotion that our mayor and council have in preserving the Rumson we all know and love while working to best evolve with the times. In my opinion, the biggest challenge for Rumson now is the affordable housing process. It is very complex and I am proud how our town continues to be proactive in the process of fulfilling our obligation while being committed to the well-being of our residents who we faithfully serve.
Conklin: Affordable Housing. The multidecade prior rounds, which culminated in the 2020 negotiated settlement agreement, did not provide Rumson residents an opportunity to participate in the settlement discussions.
In early 2024, the New Jersey State Legislature passed a law that replaces COAH and establishes new rules and procedures for the Round 4 affordable housing requirement that will be in effect for 10 years, commencing July 2025. The new law will allow for community participation and input that was not possible in the prior round’s process.
The borough council and affordable housing committee will provide residents (with) information about the recently passed legislation. In addition, the borough and AH committee will be soliciting ideas from residents on how the borough should address Rumson’s affordable housing mandate.
TRT: How can leaders help increase public participation in local government?
Pomphrey: There are monthly council meetings that have always been open to the public and we highly encourage residents to come participate. I have always welcomed and encouraged residents, no matter their age, to take advantage of all the opportunities we have to participate in Rumson and the Two River area. As the council liaison to the Rumson Environmental and Shade Tree commissions I’ve been actively encouraging our young people to bring their ideas/programs to the council for discussion. We have such smart and talented youth here who are so enthusiastic about being part of the community and making a difference. Thanks to them and their team leaders for their dedication and hard work – it’s been a great experience for all of us.
Conklin: Over my public service tenure, my main focus has been to be readily accessible to residents. My responsibility is to provide them with a thoughtful and factual answer to any issue that they bring to my attention. In addition, I ask them and any of their friends to reach out to me with any concerns or questions.
The window into how I handle their inquiries and issues will hopefully give them the impetus to be more involved in the borough that we all love and enjoy.
The article originally appeared in the October 31 – November 6, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
