MATT WARD: Personal Information: Age – 50. Family - Wife, Celeste. Occupation - Freelance writer for various golf / travel & leisure magazines and Websites. Clifton resident my entire life save for college and graduate school.

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

Well, since being appointed last November, I have tried to illuminate where Clifton is today in 2007.Celebrating Clifton’s past is fine – living in it doesn’t work. Restoring Clifton pride comes from leadership that recognizes the feelings of so many people living here. I have been an outspoken advocate in making sure day-to-day needs of people are protected through enforcement of existing laws. As a former Board of Education member and president, I will push for collaborative relationships that move issues, not personalities, forward. My considerable experience in some of the most challenging public policy positions within the city give me a major advantage. Cliftonites want results -- my focus, both previously and in the future, is geared towards that objective.

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?

Quality of life issues are agenda number one. Belief in our city needs to return and one of the best ways to achieve that is stabilizing what so many people view as the slow and ever continuing descent of the city. Clifton is made up of unique and very different neighborhoods and we are only as strong as our weakest link.

The east side, along with other areas, are facing serious challenges in this regard. Rigorous enforcement of existing laws helps considerably -- so does implementation of redevelopment plans that will invigorate areas that for too long have languished. Clifton has great location – we can market our brand name successfully and mirror the original motivation that brought so many people here in the first place.

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?

The short answer -- no. Last I checked this is America and freedom of speech lies at the heart of our system of government. The people of Clifton are smart enough to ascertain whether comments made by speakers and those on council are appropriate.

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?

Any legitimate change of government effort can only be attempted by those living within Clifton. I favor a much more representative form of government that maximizes citizen participation and enhances overall accountability. Combining at-large and district seats brings all of Clifton to the decision-making table. Having staggered terms would keep a close check via the voting power every two years. It’s also time to seriously evaluate the continued relevance of the city manager form of government given our community’s overall evolution and when coupled with the sheer diversity of needs and people here today. I’d like to see a referenda question asked in November ’08, given the high voter turnout in a presidential year, asking people to weigh in if the existing form should stay.

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