Collum, Schnall and Clarke Candidacy Certified by Clerk

have been certified as official candidates for the South Orange Board of Trustees election. On Wednesday, the South Orange 2013 team jointly submitted 550 Petitions of Nomination and at 3:00 p.m. today, the Village Clerk, Robin Kline, informed the group that their petitions were “fully reviewed and deemed complete.”

“We’re off to a fast start and plan to keep running through to the finish line," stated candidate Sheena Collum. “We’ve begun to solicit feedback, ideas, and input from many residents and businesses as part of our plan to create the most inclusive local government that South Orange has ever seen. We can’t do it alone and we look forward to continuing to work with our many friends, neighbors and fellow Villagers throughout town to advance our common goals.”

Additionally, South Orange 2013 has announced the appointment of Reverend Sandye Wilson as Campaign Manager and Michael Auer as Treasurer.

“The South Orange 2013 team knows that the most effective government represents a variety of needs across our Village,” said Wilson. “We need a board that works together, in all of our best interests, and that’s what attracted me to Sheena, Steve and Walter.  Their positive energy is contagious and I’m excited to be a part of this team.” Reverend Wilson is a well-known and respected local leader serving as rector of the Episcopal Church of St. Andrew & Holy Communion as well as a member of the Village’s Planning Board.

Michael Auer, appointed as South Orange 2013 Treasurer, is also a well-known Village volunteer currently serving as the chair of Citizens Budget Advisory Committee (CBAC). “Michael brings a wealth of public, private and volunteer business insight to our effort,” said Schnall. “With respect to our campaign finances, it’s critical that the South Orange 2013 team operate at the highest professional level with complete transparency, full disclosure and strong campaign ethics - the same way we plan to approach budgeting and finances if elected. ”

With the election just over two months away, the South Orange 2013 team says they are just getting started.

“This campaign is not just about the three of us and what we have to say about the town.  We’re trying to engage people who are not usually involved with town affairs and encourage them to become active community volunteers,” said Clarke. “I guess you can say we don’t want this effort to be your typical local election.”

The South Orange municipal election is on May 14, 2013.