“A representative that will support your ideas, fight for the needs of our community and earn and keep your respect. Community and People First.”
https://electsimonejb.com
Here’s why we enthusiastically endorse Simone Jelks-Bandison for Union County Freeholder:
Contract Vetting: I will rigorously review all county contracts to make sure they reflect fiscal responsibility and the values of constituents.
Comment: I like to know what I’m signing and attaching my name to. My track record of reviewing my cities’ contracts and budget has allowed me to question the ongoings. Fiscal responsibility is a must. Essex County Freeholders vote on use the 20% of taxes collected from the residents, they deserve to know that their hard earned money is being used and allocated to favor them.
Pay to Play: I will not exchange professional service contracts for donations to my campaign or the campaigns of my friends/allies. When possible, I will open contracts up for a competitive bidding process, instead of automatically renewing last year’s contract.
Comment: We need a level playing field. We can no longer allow campaign donations to dictate the direction of County goes in. This must stop.
Professionalism: I will commit my time and energy to full length meetings that make information accessible to the public. I will not support rushing through an abbreviated consent agenda.
Meeting location: I believe meetings should rotate throughout the county in order to make attendance more feasible for residents of all municipalities.
Comment: Meeting need to be made accessible for all.
Meeting structure: I believe the bulk of the meeting should focus on county business rather than award ceremonies or speeches.
Comment: Business needs to happen, we don’t need to continue give each other high fives and pats on the back. There are real issues that need to be addressed.
Meeting accessibility: I support using technology to make meeting attendance more accessible for residents, via recording or live-streaming of meetings or other remote attendance options.
Comment: I have been fighting for this for 5 years in East Orange.
Information reporting: I support easily accessible online meeting agendas and minutes. I support user-friendly budgets so residents can easily see how public funds are allocated. I support user friendly agendas that include explainers about resolutions being voted on.
Comment: This is something that I am responsible for in East Orange through my advocacy.
The “county line” in primary election ballots: Realizing that being placed in a preferential ballot position hinges on freeholder candidates and that the county line is misleading and manipulative to voters, I will take a firm stand against the county line and advocate for a bubble ballot as is used in every other state and in some counties in NJ.
Responsible County Entity Oversight: I will work to ensure that the county entities I oversee — libraries, parks, technical schools, community colleges, correction facilities, infrastructure — are safe, professionally staffed and appropriately funded.
Appointments to Boards, Authorities and Commissions: I will appoint people with diverse perspectives to boards, authorities and committees, opening up government for greater participation, rather than selecting the well-connected. Because new ideas and voices are important, I will seek out new residents to fill these board positions rather than having the same individuals serve for decades.
More information about Simone Jelks-Bandison:
Email: ElectSimoneJB@gmail.com
Phone: 862-233-9354
Website: http://www.ElectSimoneJB.com
Education: BS in Social Work, Minor in Fine Arts, 4 Medical Licenses
Current Occupation: Real Estate Agent
Public/party service: I have dedicated last 5 years advocating, supporting and questioning the status quo.
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