Town Council
The Town Council has six members elected at large who serve staggered three-year terms. Each year, two of the seats are up for election.
Why do you want to serve on the Town Council?
David Lefkovits
I have served nearly four terms on the Town Council (from 2011-2020, and from 2021 to now), and the experience has taught me the value of public service and the satisfaction of serving alongside capable, smart colleagues united by a desire to do the best for our fellow residents. People think of elected officials as rooted in a system of partisan politics, but public service in Glen Ridge is (thankfully) non-partisan and volunteer - more like serving on the board of a homeowners’ association. We exercise stewardship over services for our neighbors and ourselves.
LoriJeane Moody
Simply put, I believe you only get as good as you give. And that effective municipal government really matters. Some of the highest impact quality of life issues are determined at this level of governance. And it is the most human-scaled unit of democracy. Town council is comprised of neighbors coming together to take care of
neighbors. This is especially notable in a town as small as ours.
​
As a volunteer for a variety of our town organizations, I have had a lot of engagement with our town’s elected officials and staffers. Professionally, I have worked with a ton of other town governments across NJ and NYS. I understand the role. I have seen governments work effectively… and I have seen them descend into chaos or in action. I look forward to the chance work productively with my neighbors on issues that maintain and improve our town.
How many Town Council meetings have you attended in the past year?
David Lefkovits
Nearly all of them, since serving on the Council.
LoriJeane Moody
In person, I have probably attended at least a half dozen. I have also taken great advantage of the fact that our town live streams council meetings! Shouting this out because it is important that the public can see what is getting done even if they don’t come. Especially given the dearth of local news coverage.
What committees are most interesting to you?
David Lefkovits
Finance, because of the impact I can make with my background in banking, investment and financial services, and the long-term impact that our financial management has on our town’s infrastructure and public services; Public Works, because of the importance of maintaining our infrastructure (roads, sewers & sanitation, parks, and even curbside trees); and Public Safety, because we must protect our residents against fire, crime and hazards of the road, while recognizing the awesome responsibility this places on those who serve.
LoriJeane Moody
My professional background in land conservation, park and trail creation and improvements, and land use could likely best be put to use on the Parks & Recreation Committee and/or Planning & Development Committee. I also have a background and interest in Community Affairs & Public Relations. But I would work with my colleagues on the board with humility to hear where I would add the most value should I win.
What are the most pressing issues facing our town?
David Lefkovits
Financial sustainability is a looming issue because the growth in the cost of benefits, materials and fuel will make it harder to provide our services and maintain our infrastructure within the constraints of a 2.5% annual spending cap and a 2% annual cap on tax increases. Sustaining Glen Ridge’s culture of volunteerism is also becoming an issue, against a backdrop of economic pressures and less free time; this includes the volunteerism of our elected local leadership. We must also remember that, small as we are, Glen Ridge is part of global and national issues such as climate change and the environment, racial equality and policing, and the cost of housing.
LoriJeane Moody
We are a very small town. We rely heavily on volunteers to supplement services at a moment in history when volunteerism and engagement is waning. The cost of living is
very high – one of the highest in one of the most expensive regions in the nation. We are sandwiched between two much larger municipalities. The infrastructure that ties our region together is aging, as October's water main break displayed. DeCamp’s abandonment magnifies NJT issues – when connection to the City has been fundamental to attracting residents. Within town, residents have been gravely concerned about pedestrian safety. In the face of worsening weather events, we also have issues like flash flooding and storm water overflow. And we are an “old growth”, “built out” community, which means that we have land constraints in meeting local needs.
What would your goals be as a member of the Town Council?
David Lefkovits
My overarching goal is to plan for a sustainable future in our town, with financial resources that continue to support a robust level of infrastructure and services, as well as environmental sustainability. As always, we must be accountable to our fellow residents and communicate our decisions and rationale clearly.
LoriJeane Moody
Continue our tradition of effective and fiscally responsible governance. Advance policies that improve our infrastructure and our environmental stewardship for long-term quality of life and health.
What skills, experience, and/or background do you have that would apply to this position?
David Lefkovits
I have served nearly four terms on the Council, helping to guide our town’s financial health to an AA+ rating, renewing our fleet of trucks and improving our road-repair capabilities. I have a BA in Music from Yale University and an MBA in Finance from Stanford. As a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), I have a broad and deep understanding of investment and financing issues, which is substantiated by my long years in the financial services industry. I am an Executive Director of the Latin America Corporate Finance team at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation in New York, where I have worked for the last 10 years.
LoriJeane Moody
I have a solid understanding of budgeting, public finance, government grant mechanisms, and zoning. Honestly, I understand NJ’s home rule. I have had to deal with things that people in private business don’t like public procurement and bidding processes! I’ve even attended the NJ League of Municipalities Conference.
Professionally, I am overseeing a team raising $30 million+ while also creating robust public-private partnerships elevate public parks and open space across the Eastern United States leveraging over $150 million in public funding from county, state, and federal sources. Most applicable to GR, I helped spearhead the team that brought the acquisition by the State of New Jersey to fruition. This work included working with the Governor Murphy’s office and multiple state agencies to identify funding sources for the $65 million purchase, representing the state’s single largest conservation investment.
I was just endorsed by NJ League of Conservation Voters, a rigorous process that focused on my commitment to and knowledge of environmental and sustainability issues facing the town, region, and state.
What qualities do you have that make you a good candidate?
David Lefkovits
I am patient, even-keeled, reasoned and analytical; I listen to - and question - all sides before deciding on an issue, and strive for consensus. I have served under two mayors and with many Council members and worked well with all of them.
LoriJeane Moody
I would like to think that I am collegial, synthesize information well – and determine appropriate action based on data. I am also passionate about effective communication and participatory processes, i.e. I am not just open to community feedback but think it is an essential part of government accountability.
Describe any involvement you've had with any Glen Ridge community or volunteer organizations.
David Lefkovits
For the past 7 years I have served on the Board of Trustees of the Glen Ridge Public Library and have held the position of Treasurer. I am also a trustee of the Glen Ridge Educational Foundation, and was previously part of the Community Fund.
LoriJeane Moody
I have served on the GR Environmental Advisory Committee since 2016, most recently as chair. Over the years, I have served on various Home & School Association committees and activities, and Friends of the Library, and one term on the CCC. I am currently a 2023 “Lead New Jersey” Fellow, a public policy education program and network of engaged civic leaders comprised of more than 1,800 leaders from New Jersey’s most prominent companies, nonprofits, and government agencies.
Describe your platform for this election.
David Lefkovits
Financial sustainability, quality of service, robust infrastructure, accountability.
LoriJeane Moody
I want to work to help Glen Ridge serve all citizens, managing and attracting the resources needed to sustain and improve our quality of life.