Politics & Government
Meet David Valian: Fanwood Democrat Council Candidate
A profile of those running for office this November.
As part of our series on Election '09, today we bring you a profile of Fanwood Democratic Council Candidate David Valian. Valian is seeking re-election this year, along with his running mate, Donna Dolce. We shared her profile with you on Tuesday, and on Monday, we featured that of Scotch Plains Republican incumbent Dominick Bratti. Stay tuned in the coming days for profiles of Scotch Plains Democrat Theresa Mullen and Fanwood Republicans Bob Manduca and Mike Szuch.
Name: David Valian
Age: 40
Address: 143 Westfield Road, Fanwood
Years lived in town: nearly 13
Family info: Married for 13 years to my wife, Michele, and blessed with four children, David, Jack, Rock and our only daughter, Jamie.
Educational background: Graduated from Linden High School and went to Union County College for one year before transferring to Rutgers University, where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English. I also was a member of the RU Football Team.
Occupation: I am the VP of Sales for Petro Plastics, which is a Custom Plastics Extrusion Manufacturer located in Garwood.
Community/political background: My wife and I have always believed that keeping our children involved in recreational activities is a critical ingredient for their future. These activities require many dedicated men and women in the community to volunteer their time. I am happy to say that I have joined these people and have been a volunteer coach for YMCA basketball and SPFYBA, and for the last seven years I have also been coaching for SPF-PAL Football as both a contact and non contact coach, (some years both). I would like to say that all my children are involved with these organizations, as well as SPFSA and SPFLAX, for which I am an active parent.
My political background has always been Democrat. I grew up in Linden, which is a blue collar town, and started volunteering for the Linden Dem Club as a teenager. That was the seed that would eventually lead me to try to make a difference in as an elected official.
Web site: www.FanwoodDems.com
What do you think are the three biggest issues facing Fanwood this election?
Find out what's happening in Scotch Plains-Fanwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
- Budget
- Shared Services
- Downtown Redevelopment
Please explain where you stand on each issue.
Budget: In the beginning of every year we begin our budget meetings in order to approve a balanced budget, which is then submitted to the state. It is a very time consuming task, and in 2008 because of the difficulties we faced we had a record number of meetings. The goal is to provide the residents with services both necessary and requested, while always being aware of the tax levy.
Shared Services: The concept of sharing services is to have all entities involved benefit in a positive way. The benefit can be financial, customer services, or ideally both. I strongly believe that shared services is of huge importance for the Borough of Fanwood. The fact that we are even engaged in a study at this time proves how important shared services is to everyone on the council, and we will continue to make decisions that will benefit our residents.
Redevelopment: Prior to seeking elective office, I remember thinking: “If only we did something about our downtown because I’d really rather spend my money here then elsewhere.” I think Fanwood is moving in the right direction with the progress that has been made. Revenue is being realized from the projects that have been completed and as the rest of South Ave and the former Dean Oil Site projects are completed, it will add necessary revenue to our budget and provide residents with a vibrant downtown that they can truly enjoy.
What skills would you bring to this position?
This position demands that you are involved with every aspect of a municipality. Whether it be quality of life issues, public safety, or shared services, I believe that an elected official has to have an open mind to all possibilities in any situation. When an issue arises, he or she should take in all the facts and make a decision based on what is best for all the people they are serving. In my professional career, I am constantly being asked to make decisions that will affect the company and its customers.
Why are you running?
I originally ran because I felt that I could make a difference in the community. This being my second term that I am running for council, I still have that same attitude. The only difference is that being on the current council for the last three years has given me a better understanding of what being a member of council involves. I believe that experience combined, with my continued involvement in the community, truly enables me to understand the needs of our residents.
How do you intend on balancing the responsibilities of elected office with your personal and professional obligations?
Anyone that runs for any elected position has to be someone that can wear many hats, and with anything in your life that you believe is important, you make time for it. Whether it is family, work or council, so goes the old cliché “what you put into it you get out.” Being on the council requires a lot of reading and discussions. It takes listening to the residents and their needs and finding solutions to issues that arise daily. That being said, anyone that knows me in the borough knows that I put family first, and ensuring that we live in a quality community is as important to them as every other family that lives in Fanwood.
Is Fanwood better off than where it was 3 or 4 years ago?
Is any municipality better off today than it was 3 or 4 years ago? I think we have had to make some hard choices, but I am proud of the way the current administration and our employees have dealt with these hard choices and found solutions to keep Fanwood strong. And even in these hard times we have been able to find ways to hold back budget increases, increase recreation programs, receive grant money for our parks, roads and sidewalks, keep the redevelopment of Fanwood moving forward and initiate the study on shared services. Is Fanwood better off? Absolutely, and it will continue to be if Donna and I are elected for another term.
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