Our speakers today were Liz Skoler and Emily Seelaus, candidates running on the Democratic ticket for Summit City Council, Ward 1 and Ward 2 respectively.
Liz has been a corporate communications lawyer and journalist for three decades and a Summit resident since 2008. Emily grew up in Summit and has worked as a middle school teacher and administrator for a similar period. Each offered a brief overview of her candidacy.
Liz seeks to apply the problem-solving skills honed in the corporate world to addressing municipal issues in Summit. Her top priorities include pedestrian safety, responsible development, and fiscal responsibility, with a focus on listening to constituents and building consensus.
Emily, having benefited directly from Summit’s fine schools and community amenities growing up, aims to preserve and enhance these standards. Her key priorities center on maintaining top-tier schools, responsible development, community safety, and fiscal transparency and responsibility. As anticipated, the candidates' platforms align closely.
A robust Q&A session followed the presentations, addressing topics ranging from Summit’s affordable housing mandate and infrastructure needs to environmental issues and civility in politics.
Summit’s city government is entirely volunteer-run, requiring significant time and commitment without compensation. The Summit / New Providence Rotary Club deeply appreciates every candidate's willingness to serve and thanks all who have taken the time to present to our club.