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ACCIDENTAL ARTIST: A damaged brain drives a man to obsessively create art.

Learn about Jon Sarkin by viewing the story, photos and video.; THE ACCIDENTAL ARTIST, BY AMY ELLIS NUTT »

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YOUR PHOTOS: Latest user-submitted photos:; Vote for anyone but Corzine

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YOUR VIDEOS: Share the videos you've shot - it's easy!; Beware of fake ABC carpet cleaning scam

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Summit candidates vow to cut taxes, maintain services

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Erin O'Neill

FOR THE STAR-LEDGER

The four candidates running for spots on Summit's council want to pare property taxes while maintaining city services and attracting businesses.

The city's two contested races -- for a two-year at-large seat and a three-year ward seat -- come as property tax bills in Summit, as in many towns, have increased.

Steve Murphy, a Democratic challenger running for the at-large seat, said fostering a better relationship with county government, while seeking new ways to share emergency services, would be the way to start tackling municipal government's portion of the property tax bill.

"And what we're really looking to do in partnering with the county is basically look for some of our county funds, our taxes that would drive down to county government, back into Summit," said Murphy, who also noted that he would like to dip into the city's surplus funds to help keep taxes low.

J. Andrew Lark, a Republican incumbent running for the at-large seat, disagrees with the idea to tap into the surplus.

"We use that to manage our cash flow," said Lark, who also noted that the city's credit rating relies in part on the surplus. "Once it's expended, it's very, very hard to rebuild surplus."

Instead, Lark wants to see the council continue to pursue shared services with neighboring towns, while controlling city spending.

Other issues the council candidates see as priorities are development and reinvigoration of the city's downtown shopping district.

Rich Madden, a Republican running in the 2nd Ward, said one project, known as Gateway II or the Salerno-Duane property, touches on both those areas. Though he said he would adhere to the decisions of the city's planning and zoning board, he added that he thought building housing for seniors or possibly veterans on the property could help revitalize the downtown.

"It could be a big boom," he said. "Smart development near the center of town and use of a currently vacant property on River Road for an auto dealership."

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