As I look forward to serving in Common Council I want to address the issue of revitalizing our downtown. The economic recession coupled with job losses in the financial sector have affected Summit and its citizens. The statistics are sobering. The State’s Labor and Workforce Development Department reports that in New Jersey unemployment levels reached 8.4 % in April; 8.8 % in May; 9.2 % in June; and 9.3 % in July (the highest level in 32 years). The report also shows that since December 2007 New Jersey has lost approximately 150,100 jobs. Most of the job loss is reported in the private sector. Even without citing statistics, anyone driving downtown would notice the empty stores and struggling businesses.

These difficult times present great challenges but also great opportunities. Revitalizing our downtown requires a long-term planning and marketing strategy to identify current needs and to market our City to meet those needs. In the short term, Council should work together with existing organizations that operate in the downtown in order to encourage citizens to shop local and to attract more visitors to the downtown. We need creative ideas to revitalize our downtown, so efforts such as ladies-night-out, longer operating hours on certain days, sidewalk sales and other marketing concepts should be explored and tested. Council should also explore mixed-use development projects in the gateway areas near downtown to include commercial and residential uses as appropriate.

I am confident in our ability to revitalize our downtown. Summit is a great place to live. Our city is a transportation hub via rail and roads with easy access to New York City and regional centers in our area. Our location ensures access to good jobs, quality entertainment and great diversity. Summit has excellent schools and a major hospital center. Summit offers pedestrian access for families and seniors in its downtown community. Our city also offers wonderful recreational programs, great parks, cultural activities and a variety of city sponsored community events. As a Councilperson, I want to ensure that Summit continues to be a vibrant suburban community.

Together with running mates Rich Madden in Ward II and Andy Lark for the At-Large seat, I know we can "Renew and Make Summit Stronger."

I can be reached at portuondoforcouncil@gmail.com and on facebook: Nuris Portuondo Campaign Council