Meet Donna Dolce: Fanwood Democrat 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 Fanwood Council President Donna Dolce, a Democrat who is running for re-election alongside council member David Valian.

1. Name:  Donna M. Dolce   

2. Age:  Over 50

3. Address:  5 Carsam Street, Fanwood

4. Years lived in town:  20

5. Family info:  Lynn Sorf, CU Partner

6. Educational background: B.A. in Education, Bethany College; M.Ed. in Education, University of Pittsburgh; M.A. in Human Resource Management, Rutger’s University

7. Occupation: Dolce Consulting, LLC – a nonprofit business consultant; recently retired as CEO for the Girl Scouts of Washington Rock

8. Community/political background: Extensive volunteer experience having served on Fanwood’s Strategic Planning Committee, Recreation Commission, Administration and Finance Committee, Public Works Committee, and Shared Services Study Committee.

In addition I have been or am an active volunteer with the Girl Scouts (board and committee member), YWCA and YMCA, Tri-County Red Cross (Disaster Shelter Volunteer and Trainer).

9. Web site:  www.fanwooddems.com

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

• Continuing to provide quality services at a reasonable price;
• Maintaining our small town atmosphere and quality of life;
• Identifying innovative approaches to shared services.

Please explain where you stand on each issue.

More than a decade ago I participated in a borough-wide study to identify the key issues and challenges facing Fanwood and worked with a dedicated group of volunteers to formulate a strategic plan for addressing those issues. Although “much has changed, but much has stayed the same” Fanwoodians continue to express the same “vision” for our community and I am pleased about the progress that has been made to actually implement a majority of the recommendations from that study.

My position on the collective issues identified above is to continue to seek input from our residents about how we might best achieve the desired results. Completion of our downtown redevelopment is paramount among what we must accomplish. We are well positioned to complete the task and look forward to a new and vibrant downtown completed in the near future.

We continue to provide solutions and gather feedback from our residents by conducting Town Hall meetings, solicit input from local experts meeting as a “task group” to find solutions, utilizing experts, or meeting with our colleagues across the state and nation who have achieve success on similar issues

What skills would you bring to this position?

I bring a wealth of skills that include, but are certainly not limited to, my previous six years as a member of the Fanwood Council, but also my professional experience working in a variety of position in the nonprofit sector. My experience includes: recruitment and utilization of volunteers as the director of a volunteer center, fundraising through grants, events and other sources to generate revenue, the role of advocacy in leveraging change at the county and state level to support the work of municipalities, human resource management background to assist in our collective bargaining and as the CEO of a multi-million dollar organization whereby I had to manage to deliver program and services to over 10,000 members with a limited staff and financial resources.

Why are you running?

I am seeking another term on the Fanwood Borough Council in order to complete the work I started and to lay the foundation for the next decade. I am a dedicated community servant and will continue to serve the borough in whatever capacity that I am able. I believe as a councilwoman, I am able to affect the most change to the benefit of all concerned.

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

I have a long history of balancing all of my responsibilities!  In fact, with my “retirement” from full-time work, I have even more time to commit to the work of the borough.

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

Absolutely!  Revenue increases – with the completion of several downtown redevelopment projects for the first time in over 30 years, we have increased tax revenue from ratable to over $200,000 annually. We have also generated more than $2 million dollars in new grant monies, including $1 million in extraordinary aid.  

Recreation – we have improved and expanded both our programs and facilities including upgrades to LaGrande Park with a realigned ball field, new tennis courts and the installation of an irrigation system. Our programs have expanded by leaps and bounds with a sold out summer “camp” program, senior citizens center with a membership of over 100 that meets (and travels) regularly and a grant funded coordinator to provide assistance.

Public Safety – The purchase of a new ladder fire truck, protective equipment and technology upgrades for our Police Department and increased efficiency putting more police officers “on the street” with dispatchers behind the desk are all indicators of a vibrant and healthy community.