GEORGE SILVA: Personal Information: age 57, single. Occupation: Funeral Home Owner. Clifton resident for 24 years.

If elected, how do you plan on making your mark as the newest member of the Clifton City Council?

The concept of performing as a full-time councilman reflects my passion to serve the citizens of Clifton and enhance the lives of those I serve. Irregardless of the section of Clifton one resides in, they can expect me to help them in very way possible. I have garnered the reputation of being a team player and resolving problems in a family and team environment. I have been endorsed by Passaic County Sheriff Jerry Speziale and I believe the special relationship I have with the Sheriff will provide limitless resources to make Clifton stronger; I have also worked endlessly with the Clifton Police as I truly believe that a safe and crime-free Clifton gives our children, our seniors and all residents the quality of life we cherish. As the growing threat of gangs and crimes against seniors increases, I wish to be on the front lines of battle against these scourges. I have the ability to work with my counterparts and have the intention of making the relationship with the Board of Education a positive one that brings results to Clifton. I have every intention of enriching Clifton's place at the table with ongoing dialogue with our Freeholder Board and Legislative team; I cannot and will now allow partisan politics and continued acrimony to interfere with what Clifton deserves. Funding solutions for Clifton's educational challenges, redevelopment, not overdevelopment, partnership with the County's Department on Aging and a meaningful relationship with the Sheriff will distinguish my first term on the Council.

Besides Board of Education issues, what do you see as the most pressing issue facing the City of Clifton and what solution do you propose?

I am determined to be a catalyst for change on how we work together and how we govern. It is imperative to analyze new challenges with creative solutions. Not only will I research and know the issues, I will also take action to solve the problems. I want to be part of representation you can see and touch. I look forward to a positive and pro-active relationship with the Mayor and the current Council. I vow my cooperation and support to the Board of Education. Collectively, we have historical decisions to make and our governing board is faced with issues that are significantly different than fifty years ago.

Homeland security, gang violence, crushing property taxes, overdevelopment and working harder to preserve Clifton's always valued quality of life are issues that we will resolve together, as a community.

Increasing revenues to the City is a major challenge. I would advocate for a new and aggressive comprehensive program which would identify, investigate and prosecute illegal apartments. The result would include an increasing level of monetary fines. This quality of life issue works hand-in-hand in reporting non-resident students, welfare fraud, child neglect, etc. Expense reducing strategies that I would like to immediately consider include solar energy as an alternative in appropriate schools (new structures?), City Hall and other city-owned structures.

Finally, I full expect additional shared services available to Clifton from Passaic County government. Utilizing a "good neighbor" and team approach, I am currently reviewing a more active role with the Department on Aging. I firmly believe that senior needs are much more diverse in 2007, and I wish to continue my senior citizens' advisory committee to guide me. I anticipate a very active relationship with Sheriff Jerry Speziale and the Clifton Police Department. Internet crime, terrorism and gang-related issues cannot be ignored. Clifton Police and Fire Departments are second to none. Sheriff Speziale runs a department that is nationally recognized. I want to be the councilman that helps bring these ideas into action.

What is your opinion on resident's right to speak at public portions of council meetings? Should there be restrictions or limitations on their comments?

All citizens should be guaranteed their First Amendment Rights. We value our good citizens’ right to express their views and opinions. The public’s outrage with the City’s inability in addressing our educational challenges is a continuing issue at council meetings (public portion). The Council and Board of Education must strive for a more reconciliatory and cooperative relationship. The combination of ten to fourteen city leaders should be able to expand educational facilities – now! Limiting what people say is simply not the American way.

What is your opinion on Clifton's current form of government and how do you feel about recent moves by an outside interest to finance a campaign to change Clifton's form of government?

My goals regarding government are to keep it simple and effective. I would start by saying that Mayor Anzaldi and the former and current councils have always done more for less and have been a great model of budgetary restraint.

Our form of government does need to evolve with the Clifton of 2007. It is the right time to encourage voter registration. It is time to research redistricting and governing by ward and district, which better represents all sections of Clifton. I absolutely support a more diverse Clifton and an evolving government that can face our new challenges.

As we have been able to adapt our cultures in the past, Clifton of 2007 may have new faces but the same heart. Ward and district government with staggered terms could stimulate citizen interest, motivate leadership from the young and elderly and also increase voter involvement.
Changing government is not a threat as long as we can vote for or against whatever we are faced with. New proposals and suggestions from our officials should not be reacted to with paranoia. Look at the issues, listen to all sides and vote your conscience.

As your councilman, I will always protect the voices of my constituents.

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