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STARR DANIELS
FOR COUNCILOR AT LARGE

When asked where I live, I never simply say Montclair, I always say a “beautiful tree lined town called Montclair”… then proceed to rave about our schools, restaurants, museum, theaters, diversity and friendly neighbors.

Over the past few years I have known many families who have moved away because they either could no longer afford or simply refused to pay the increasing property taxes. As diffi cult as it is for us, it is even harder on our children who have bonded with their friends. My son, now attending Mt. Hebron Middle School, still misses and speaks of the two best friends that moved away in 3rd grade.

I believe we should seriously look at how our money is being spent and ensure we are getting the most our money can buy especially when it comes to goods and services. It is important to focus on services that are important to the residents. A good way to start is by asking, not assuming.

Honesty and sincerity is missing in government. There has also been a lack of respect for the people and their voice. Montclair is full of brilliant people, experts in a vast number of fi elds. We have a great resource in our citizens and the town council should be listening. Residents should have the opportunity to contribute to the discussion before decisions are made.

Transparency is a must. There should never be any “back room deals.” When you are doing what’s right for Montclair there is no reason for secrecy.

Starr Daniels, a Rutgers University alumna, is a construction professional who owns her own Montclair based construction management fi rm (Daniels Construction Management) which assists Montclair homeowners with their construction and renovation projects by managing the process on their behalf and acting as the owner’s representative. Throughout her career in construction, Starr has always focused on projects that also benefi ted the community such as projects for the Essex County Improvement Authority, the Newark Public Schools, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) and the Essex County Parks Department’s Turtle Back Zoo. Starr is also well known for her commitment to the Montclair Public Schools. She recently served as Co-President of Montclair’s PTA Council and is former co-President of the PTA at Watchung School.

A community supporter in every way, Starr has also served on the Advisory Board of the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence (MFEE), on the Benefi t Committee for the Montclair Economic Development Committee (MEDC) as well as the Mountainside Hospital Community Benefi t Committee. “I was asked to join a slate a few years ago but declined because I don’t consider myself a politician. I now see that becoming a member of Montclair’s Town Council would be an extension of my community service.”