By Jen Blumenstock, Garwood Council President

Over the past five years on Council, I have been privileged to work with some very special and dedicated people, from both sides of the aisle. I’ve seen how much work is involved in helping to run our Borough and how it takes elected officials who are thoughtful, logical and collaborative to make the decisions necessary to keep Garwood moving forward.  Clarissa Nolde and Jeff Jotz embody all of those ideals and more.

“I fully endorse Jeff Jotz and Clarissa Nolde and hope that you join me in voting for them on Column A on November 2nd.”

Clarissa’s work ethic is second to none.  Raising three children here in Garwood while teaching music to middle school children in New Brunswick, Clarissa has for many years juggled the schedules of mom and working professional while also volunteering much of her free time to fundraising for music scholarships for a local musical club.  Anyone who meets Clarissa immediately notices her calm demeanor and ability to listen, followed quickly by her thirst for knowledge on any and all topics.  Her desire to create an Arts and Cultural Council Council in Garwood can unite artists with local business, as well as the children and families in our Borough, and shows she can bring new and refreshing ideas to Garwood’s Council.

Jeff will also bring a number of talents to Garwood’s Council.  Not only is Jeff a repository of knowledge of the workings of local government, having worked in this area for over 20 years, but he is a huge environmentalist, having served for many years as the Board President of The Rahway River Watershed Association.  It was his love of nature and the environment that brought him to volunteer for the Garwood Green Team.  When asked to help with a grant so Garwood could make its first-ever rain garden, Jeff stepped up and not only completed the application by himself but helped organize and build the project, from the digging and planting to coordinating with Union County and the Watershed Association for assistance.  Jeff not only has the know-how, but he puts in the work.

Garwood residents would be lucky to have these two professional, creative people working for them on Borough Council.  Their desire to give back to Garwood is apparent in their past volunteer work as well as in their new ideas and proposals.  I fully endorse Jeff Jotz and Clarissa Nolde and hope that you join me in voting for them on Column A on November 2nd.

Jen Blumenstock
Garwood Council President