Tom Szieber- Together For Summit Ward 2

I am running as the Ward 2 Candidate for Summit Common Council. I’ve been proud to call Summit home, but my journey to this incredible community began in Clifton, New Jersey, where I was born and raised. Clifton is a large, diverse, working-class city about 20 miles north of Summit, where more than 50 languages are spoken in households throughout the city. Growing up in such a rich, multicultural environment helped shape my worldview, as I learned to build relationships with people of all races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. This experience has fueled my commitment to public service and community engagement.

I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Montclair State University, followed by my law degree from Rutgers School of Law. This May, I will complete my LL.M. (Master of Laws) in Taxation at Boston University. After graduating from law school, I worked in New Jersey state government before transitioning into private practice, where I’ve gained valuable experience navigating complex legal matters and serving the needs of my clients. 

My first connection to Summit came in 2015 when I became a regular patron at a local gym. Little did I know, this community would soon become the place where I found my first private practice job, bought my first home, and met my wonderful wife, Brittany. Summit has become a town I hold dear to my heart, and I am proud to call it home.

In addition to my professional pursuits in the legal industry, I have a lifelong love of athletics. For the past 20 years, I have served as a part-time high school sportswriter, and in 2024, began covering Summit sports. My admiration for law enforcement led me to join the board of the Summit PAL, where I contribute to fostering stronger relationships between the police and our community. I am also an active member of the New Jersey State Bar Foundation’s Scholarship Committee and serve on the board of a nonprofit mental health organization.

Brittany and I, along with our twin French Bulldogs, have enjoyed becoming part of Summit, where I have lived for the past six years. We are captivated by the bustling downtown, outstanding restaurants, and close-knit community. Summit is the place where we plan to grow our young family, and we are excited to see what the future holds.

I am running for Summit Common Council because I want to build upon the progress our current Council has made. My priorities include enhancing crime prevention and public safety to ensure that Summit remains a safe and welcoming place for all families. I also stand firmly against development projects that threaten the quality of life of our residents and compromise the character of our beloved city.

I am eager to engage with the residents of Summit, listen to their concerns, and work diligently to earn their trust and votes. Together, we can continue to move Summit forward while preserving the values that make it such a special place.

Phone Number for Tom Szieber: 908-219-7807