Politics & Government

Benvenuto: Control Costs & Land Use, Be Transparent

Four running for two spots on Morris Township Committee

Four people will vie for two spots on the Morris Township Committee this Election Day.

Incumbent Daniel Caffrey, a Republican, will run alongside Andres Benvenuto. Democrat Jeff Grayzel is seeking a return to the committee (having previously served from 2007 through 2009), and is joined by Democrat Michael Kandybowicz (who replaced Mary Marley-Reidy after she dropped out of race.)

Patch sent each of the candidates a questionnaire in advance of Election Day, which will be Tuesday, Nov. 8. Benvenuto's answers are below. For information on the other candidates, see here.

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Name: Andres Benvenuto

Age: 43. Married to Lori, and father of three children attending the Morris District school system.

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Occupation: Global data strategy executive at a leading global commercial information company

Education: MBA, Fordham University (New York); BS, Fairfield University (Connecticut)

Any other current elected or appointed positions:

  • Open Space Committee vice chairman
  • Environmental Commission member
  • Morris Township Republican Committee elected male Republican representative

Other community associations:

  • Morristown Baseball Little League and Babe Ruth coach
  • Assumption Church parishioner

How long have you lived in town? 13 years (since October 1998)

What do you see as the most pressing issues in the coming term, and what would you do about them?

Morris Township is a remarkable community that enjoys many things, including superb services, low property taxes and beautiful open spaces. During our campaign, Dan and I have met thousands of Morris Township residents while walking door-to-door and these are the top issues for most of them. Our Township Committee and employees have done an outstanding job keeping these high priorities and are working closely with residents making Morris Township a great place to live, work and raise a family.

I believe the most pressing issues for the coming term are 1) Maintaining fiscally conservative actions to ensure low tax rates while providing high quality services to residents, and 2) Examining land use projects and thoroughly studying and evaluating future proposals. 

During these tough economic times, Morris Township has been a leader in keeping its budget well under the 2 percent property tax cap under Gov. Christie. I will work with the members of the Township Committee, our township employees and residents to continue the fiscally responsible strategies we have historically implemented without sacrificing the valuable services our residents expect.     

Our quality of life is intertwined with the land use decisions the Township makes through its relevant boards. Our township prides itself in keeping an open and transparent review process for all land-use projects which allows all residents to fully understand the details and participate in the process.  I will make sure that the township's review of these projects keeps the best interest of our community in mind and that any development brings a meaningful benefit to our residents.

What's one fact about you that most voters probably don't know? I thoroughly enjoy meeting people and learning about new cultures through local and international travel. Through personal and business travel, I have been extremely fortunate being able to visit over 60 countries on 6 continents.  As we live in a culturally diverse area, my international experience has given me the ability to connect with a myriad of people at a deeper level.


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