A New Year, New Goals: Councilwoman Prioritizes Community in 2025

Councilwoman Margot Harris Unanimously Elected Council President

Councilwoman Margot Harris was unanimously voted in as Council President at last nights reorganization meeting, ending the tumultuous term of Council President Nish Patel. She addressed the community with a hopeful New Year’s message and outlined her ambitious goals for 2025. Acknowledging the diverse celebrations of the season, she extended warm wishes to all residents and expressed her commitment to serving the community in the challenging year ahead.

Emphasizing collaboration, she plans to meet individually with each council member to understand their priorities and gather insights from their constituents. She also praised her new Council Vice President, John Poyner, for his in-depth knowledge and analytical skills, anticipating a strong working relationship.

Reflecting on her experience, the Councilwoman highlighted her 45 years as a mental health professional and her service on the Board of Education and the Council. She stressed the importance of listening to residents and advocating for positive change.

Key Goals for 2025:

• Revitalizing Senior Services: Re-establish a Senior Committee with resident representatives to address the growing needs of the senior community and enhance services offered by the Senior Center.
• Building a Performing Arts Center: Secure funding through grants, corporate sponsorships, or partnerships to construct a much-needed performing arts center in Edison; like the Avenel Performing Arts Center in Woodbridge.
• Providing a Home for the Edison Art Society: Restore a dedicated space for the Edison Arts Society within the Municipal building, ensuring a central and accessible location.
• Improving Public Participation at Meetings: Enhance respect for public speakers by minimizing interruptions from council members and providing real-time answers to questions. Explore options like Zoom access to increase public engagement.
• Establishing a Resident Advisory Committee: Create a committee with representatives from different sections of Edison to meet monthly, address neighborhood concerns, and report to the Council for follow-up action.
• Restoring Six Minutes of Public Speaking Time: Reinstate the original six-minute speaking time for residents during public comment periods, emphasizing the importance of resident voices.
• Mayor Attendance at Meetings: Have the Mayor attend at least one meeting per month to answer questions from the public.
• Promoting Transparency: Ensure transparency and fairness in all Council proceedings.
• Running Efficient Meetings: Conduct efficient and effective council meetings, eliminating the need for recesses or early adjournments.

The Councilwoman concluded by expressing her enthusiasm for working with her colleagues, the Mayor, township employees, and residents to achieve these goals and make 2025 a productive year for Edison.