The Alternative Press

LIVINGSTON, NJ - Democrat candidates running for Livingston Township Council, Michael Silverman and Al Anthony are looking to replace Mayor Stephen Santola and Councilman Gary Schneiderman whose terms expire shortly.

Silverman, a lifelong resident of Livingston, is the president and owner of Gloron Agency, Inc., an insurance agency. Silverman is also the Vice President of North Jersey Business Council, has served on the Livingston Zoning Board of Adjustment and is the past president of Temple Beth Shalom, amongst being a part of several other groups.

Anthony is a partner at Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, PA law firm and has received awards such New Jersey Super Lawyer, National Trial Lawyers/Top 100 and Thousands of Heroes Award (for service to 9/11 families). He is also a member of the Livingston Planning Board, the Green Team, and the Environmental Commission.

As a council member, Anthony said he wants to make certain that town resident’s interests and concerns are the “chief consideration in any action taken by the town council.”

Specifically, he wants to:

1. Maintain the municipal tax rate, the lowest in all of Essex County

2. Encourage and increase the tremendous programs and level of community volunteerism Livingston enjoys

3. Investigate ways to reduce operating costs through sharing services with neighboring towns

4. Introduce companies to the benefits of doing business in Livingston.

Anthony added that he is confident he can uphold the responsibilities if awarded the challenge due to the experience he has under his belt.

“As a practicing attorney, for 20 years I have represented the interests of communities and individuals, numbering in the thousands in a single matter, in mass tort litigation. In resolving these matters, I have had to communicate complex issues; consider diverse interests and needs; in order to reach consensus to bring these matters to a successful conclusion,” Anthony said. “Also, I hold a Master of Public Administration degree from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School. This degree, which included courses in public budgeting, will permit me to ensure that
funds are properly allocated and that the town functions cost-effectively.”

Silverman too has taken the public’s opinions into strong consideration during the campaign. He plans to “provide leadership that will foster more community involvement.”

“In my campaign, I've been asking people throughout Livingston: 'What is important to you? What is on your mind?' Our residents have so many ideas that can directly benefit the Council's deliberations,” Silverman said. “We are at a time in Livingston’s history (200 years) when looking backwards is helpful and educational, but looking forward is paramount. Getting to know more and more people in our wonderful town is the most enjoyable part of running for
office.”

Anthony said he did not know Silverman before they were paired together, but he’s glad to have met him.

“It is an honor to run with Michael. Michael is bright, energetic, and passionate about Livingston's well-being. He is a great husband and dad--which I have witnessed firsthand. I could not ask for a better running mate,” Anthony said.

Silverman said he feels the same way about his counterpart.

“It is an honor to run with Al Anthony. Al is a brilliant lawyer, wonderful father of four terrific children and husband to an amazing woman, Lori,” Silverman said.

In regards to their opponents, Anthony and Silverman stated that they do not know Granata or Feid personally, but are “sure they are very nice men.”

Silverman explained that he has a close connection to Livingston, which would ultimately help during his time in office.

“As the only lifelong resident of Livingston running for office, I bring a special affection for Livingston which would only help me in my service to the residents of Livingston,” Silverman said. “I look forward to working with the other members of the Town Council and with Al Anthony to improve our already great town.”

Anthony said that although he did not grow up in Livingston, he feels a strong connection to the community.

“My wife and I could think of no other place to raise a family. We did our homework, and when it came time to purchase our first home, we chose Livingston. We quickly fell in love with this great community and now I want to give
back,” Anthony said.