In his candidate statement, Don Nelson, a lifelong resident of Summit, New Jersey, addresses key issues and critiques brought up by his Ward 1 opponent. Nelson emphasizes the positive impact of the current City Council, which was formed in 2024, and highlights their responsiveness to the community’s needs. He points out examples like pushing for solutions to make Summit safer, addressing drainage issues, and advocating for affordable housing. He praises the Council’s approachability, noting their commitment to engaging with the public through discussions and community meetings.

See the full Candidate Statement Here: https://www.tapinto.net/towns/summit/categories/candidate-statements/articles/setting-the-record-straight-778ee995-35fc-4eb9-bb8c-6155e126320d 

Nelson corrects several misconceptions shared by his opponent, clarifying that the Council has not budgeted for installing lights at Tatlock Park but has opened community discussions to ensure public input is heard. He contrasts this engagement with previous governance, citing the mishandling of Anderson Field House and the controversial Broad Street West Redevelopment Project. According to Nelson, the former Council ignored community concerns until relentless public protest forced action, while the current Council has worked transparently to resolve these issues, including zoning changes that encourage affordable housing.

Nelson also defends the City’s new Resident Protection Ordinance, stating that safety is a top priority for Summit’s residents. He believes the ordinance sends a clear message to potential criminals that Summit will not tolerate crime, and he is confident the community will see positive results once data is reviewed.

Finally, Nelson addresses accusations regarding outdoor dining on Maple Street, noting that his opponent wrongly blamed the Council for not allowing the street’s closure. He explains that the closure was not legal due to a lack of proper approvals, but he remains optimistic about finding a legal solution.

Nelson concludes by reaffirming his commitment to listening to Summit residents and fostering meaningful dialogue to continue improving the community as a candidate for Ward 1 Council.