West Orange Mayor Candidate Profile: Bill Rutherford

WEST ORANGE, NJ — EDITOR'S NOTE: The following article contains information about Bill Rutherford, one of several candidates who have announced their campaigns for West Orange mayor. Patch has reached out to the other candidates with the same questions, and we will post any replies as they are received.

Bill Rutherford, 51, a Democratic Party member and town council member, is running for West Orange mayor in the town's nonpartisan municipal election on Tuesday, Nov. 8. Candidates do not choose political parties in nonpartisan elections.

>> Read More: West Orange Mayor Not Seeking Re-Election In 2022 (Updated)

Patch recently asked Rutherford four questions about his campaign and the township. See his replies below.

PATCH: What makes you a qualified candidate for West Orange mayor?

RUTHERFORD: My experience as a Financial Advisor for more than 20 years, entrepreneurial experience, and bachelor’s degree in Economics, have prepared me to be Mayor. With a very uncertain economic environment ahead, we’ll need someone who has a financial background to guide us through higher interest rates and rising inflation, along with all the accompanying ills.

My experience as the Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Orange for the past 10 years has given me a sustained, proven record of community service and leadership, attributes that are core to being a successful mayor. In my capacity as Pastor, I’ve had to manage and work with various personalities, ideas, problems and challenges to create a successful, harmonious community. Meeting the needs of a large community with a limited budget and mostly volunteer labor is not easy. That experience has fostered in me an empathetic approach to problem solving and consensus building that I did not get from my many years in corporate America. As a servant who has always had a heart for people, I’m ready to bring my diverse experience and skill set to the mayor’s office at this crucial time for West Orange.

PATCH: Property taxes and development are always big election-year topics in West Orange. What’s your plan for both if elected?

RUTHERFORD: There are three things West Orange can count on me to do as Mayor. First, stop giving away our taxes to residential developers that don’t need them. It’s eroding our tax base and making problem solving in other areas more difficult because we don’t have the tax revenue to address problems efficiently or effectively.

Second, limit residential development and focus it only in commercial areas. I will call for an immediate moratorium on development along steep slopes. Additionally, I will appoint members to the planning board and zoning board that share my vision for keeping the small town feel in West Orange, while focusing development in the commercial zones. With nearly 50,000 residents, crowded schools, and a history of poor planning specifically regarding our infrastructure, if we don’t get serious about how much residential development we have and where it’s located, our quality of life, and the quality of our school system, will suffer.

Third, I’ll focus on smart commercial development that invites prosperity, but also preserves and honors our rich, diverse community. West Orange is the home of Thomas Edison, the home of innovation and the birthplace of modern technology. As Mayor, I’ll develop a coherent strategy for harnessing smart technology in a way that improves quality of life for residents and creates a clean, green and walkable downtown. Main Street must become a downtown that we can be proud of. We can build in a way that makes sense for West Orange, encourages residents to participate in the wealth that will be created, supports local entrepreneurs, and prepares us for the next 50 years. It won’t be easy, and it will take time, but together we can do it.

PATCH: What’s one thing about West Orange that always puts a smile on your face?

RUTHERFORD: The rolling hills, diverse wildlife, and views of New York City. They get me every time. I also love seeing families active in town, especially around parks and schools. It reminds me of when my daughters were little. And it reminds me to enjoy every second I get with my youngest daughter. With two daughters in college, I’m painfully aware, and often reminded when I see parents with little children, how quickly the time passes.

PATCH: Is there a post on your social media account that really sums up your campaign in a nutshell?

RUTHERFORD: [See the following two links]: https://fb.watch/g0w63xQgR2/ and https://fb.watch/g0wfYyXYZ6/

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