Election Profile: Catherine Pariser For Wayne Township Council

WAYNE, NJ — Catherine Pariser is running for a councilor-at-large seat in this year's township council elections.

Pariser, a retired CPA and graduate of Montclair State University — with an MBA from Rutgers — has served on the Packanack Lake Board of Governors prior to declaring her candidacy for council.

Pariser joins two other Democrats seeking seats on the council, with three Republicans running as well. Learn more about what she believes, and what she hopes to change in this Patch candidate Q&A.

Why are you seeking office in this election?

I believe we can do a better job of planning to preserve the quality of life in our town. After participating in the 10-Year Master Plan Reexamination process this summer, I realized a more robust effort is needed. Although the town is "compliant with State regulations," professional expertise is needed to bring the 1994 plan up to date for our current needs. Since the town's population will be increased by at least 15% due to the town's Affordable Housing agreements made this past year, we must devote special attention to the quality of our aging infrastructure. A more thorough examination of enhancements that may be needed to the transportation, water systems, storm water drainage, and technology is important. We should also be proactively planning for the 4th round of Affordable Housing, which begins in 2025.

What is the single most important issue you'd like to tackle in this role, and what is your plan to address it?

Improving both our short and long-range planning is a priority. To start, we can immediately shape a sustainable future for our town by developing a Green Infrastructure Plan in partnership with Rutgers Water Resources Program. Little Falls and Cedar Grove, local towns with a history of flooding, have prioritized this effort at a minimal expense. Moreover, this program identifies shovel ready projects for the grant opportunities that will increasingly become available.

The coronavirus pandemic had a major impact on many aspects of life, and local governments were largely no exception. What are your plans for the future when it comes to offering assistance to those impacted by the pandemic, and where do you think is the best place to start?

Although the pandemic may be leveling off, but we will be dealing with COVID-19 for the foreseeable future, just as we continue to deal with other diseases that created public health crises. My focus will be to strengthen public understanding, reinforcing confidence in the importance of vaccinations, and strengthening the townships efforts to get the vaccine to folks who are unable to get to vaccination sites.

Marijuana has been legalized in New Jersey, and municipalities now have a little time to decide whether they'll allow businesses in their communities. Where do you stand on the issue, and why do you think it's right for your community?

The State is going through a paradigm shift. There are still worries about youth mental health, and potency levels, and driving under the influence of cannabis. We will have costs associated with this legalization, whether it's located in our community or not. To determine my stance, I would establish a cannabis sub-committee to critically understand the risks and benefits and seek public input to help us make the necessary decisions by the August 2021 deadline. I disagree with the rush to ban recreational dispensaries and warehousing/distribution without further evaluating the costs and benefits. I also believe having Medical Marijuana in a convenient location for those in need is a prudent decision.

What are some other pillars of your campaign platform?

Efficient financial management and forward thinking economic development are keys to Wayne’s future – and to minimizing our property tax burden. A new Master Plan coupled with reinvigorating the now defunct Economic Development Commission will be important in these efforts to move ahead proactively attracting businesses, jobs, and developers.

Finding cost savings and flexibility in our municipal budget by pursuing additional areas for shared services with nearby local towns. Reducing the burden of property taxes is a priority.

Wayne’s Environmental Commission will be important too – helping to develop a Community Energy Plan as part of the new Master Plan, restarting Wayne’s Sustainable Jersey program, and increasing community involvement by creating Green Teams. We tend to forget that green often means dollar savings, especially when it comes to energy. Moreover, new state and federal grant opportunities are opening up as I write.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My career evolved from working as a Certified Public Accountant to leading business teams at a global pharmaceutical company that focused on marketing and strategic planning as well as finance. Local government’s public service is a real estate business in many ways – needing both careful financial management and long term planning. My entire career strengthens my ability to help improve our township’s governance.

Additionally, I have been active as a volunteer in my Packanack Lake neighborhood serving as Water Quality Governor and in several local locations as part of the Rutgers Master Gardener program. In these roles, I have overseen the addition of aeration and weed harvesting for a more healthy lake water. With a town-wide Green Infrastructure plan, we will be ready to secure grant funding for enhancements to our stormwater runoff management to reduce flooding and improve our waterways.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

We often get the best advice when we aren't looking for it. My mom just bought a favorite childhood storybook for my young grandsons. Charles Schultz’s simple message "Be Kind, Be Brave, Be You" still rings true to me today and I will bring it to the Council at Large position. It will take some bravery to manage collaboration with the other Council members making prudent decisions for our town's future. It will take kindness to maintain my interest in meeting different residents to represent their interests. I am a businesswoman, mother, grandmother, and longtime Wayne resident., I enjoy being a positive force for sound decision-making in the town I love.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Good government demands a balance of the different voices among Wayne’s residents. I am at a place in my life where my experience will strengthen that balance and I have the time to give back to the community that helped me raise my family. It would be an honor and a privilege to serve the township as one of the Council Members at Large.

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