Meet Dominick Bratti: Scotch Plains Republican Council Candidate

This week we introduce you to all six of the residents running for council seats this year in Scotch Plains and Fanwood. Today, meet Scotch Plains Councilman Dominick Bratti, a Republican who has served in his seat for one year and is now running for re-election. His opponent is Democrat Theresa Mullen.

Name:  Dominick Bratti

Age:  47

Address:  12 Aberdeen Road, Scotch Plains

Years lived in town:  17

Family info:  Wife, Donna, and two children in the Scotch Plains school system and recreation

Educational background: Rutgers College, B.A. cum laude; Eagleton undergraduate, Associate; Seton Hall Law School, cum laude; 1987 Columbus award recipient

Occupation:  Attorney (Labor and Employment) (Wilentz, Goldnan & Spitzer, P.A.)

Community/political background: Planning Board, 2004-2008; Environmental Commission, 2003-2004; Planning Board Liaison, 2004-2008 Cub Scout Den Leader, 2006-2007; Assistant Den Leader, 2005.

Web site:  N/A

Contact info: dbratti@wilentz.com

What do you think are the three biggest issues facing Scotch Plains this election?

• Having fiscally prudent budgets while keeping up the level of service provided to the community;
• Improving the business districts in town;
• Keeping Scotch Plains beautiful.

Please explain where you stand on each issue.

• We will be facing another tough budget year in which we will need to reduce expenses and increase revenue, while maintaining services.  We did this in 2009 through finding innovative solutions, and otherwise exercising fiscal prudence.  2010, however, may be more difficult. We need the freedom to allocate resources (monetary and otherwise) as we see fit.  As a result, we need also to make sure that our elected officials in Trenton get the message that in order for us to function effectively on the local level, we need relief from unnecessary mandates and over-regulation from the state.
• The council, the public and the businesses in town all need to work with the Business Development Corp. in coming up with a workable, achievable plan to improve our business districts. I think we are off to a great start. We need to get sound advice from people who have been involved with revitalization in the past, and make choices that make sense for Scotch Plains.
• I have been working with the Environmental Commission on a plan for open space gardens/park at the old zoo property. We expect this plan to be a very low cost option with a positive rather than negative impact on pre-environment. Also, while some have complained about past expenditures, I want to make clear that I am not in favor of unbuilding ball fields. We need to find a way to maintain the beautiful areas/facilities that bring people to Scotch Plains.

What skills would you bring to this position?

As an attorney, I work in partnership with my clients to resolve issues in a pragmatic, logical way after reviewing all of the facts and options. I bring those skills to the job I perform on council. I also bring with me my experiences in living in this town for the last 17 years and in raising my children here.   have seen and learned a lot, and am constantly applying those experiences to the issues that come before the council.

Why are you running?

I got involved as another way to volunteer in town. Whether it’s coaching sports, or working with the PTA or being on council, we are all doing the same thing — donating our time and efforts to improve the town in which we live. I think that this work sends a great message to our children.

How do you intend on balancing the responsibilities of elected office with your personal and professional obligations?

My family has been very supportive of me and understands that being on council involves a large time commitment. It has worked out well. In the year that I have been on council, I have not missed a single meeting and our family still finds time to be together

Is Scotch Plains better off than where it was 3 or 4 years ago?

Like all municipalities in New Jersey, we are facing serious issues. What makes this town great is that the people here really love it and it shows. We have been able to preserve our open space, and maintain great schools and recreational facilities. There is no doubt in my mind that we are constantly improving and moving forward.