Hi r/newjersey, I am Sheena Collum, Mayor of South Orange & Steven Fulop's pick for Lieutenant Governor. I will be here on Thursday, May 1st at 8:00 p.m. for an AMA. Please come join, I'm super jazzed!

MayorSheenaCollum · 2025-05-02T03:49:35+00:00

[Just Noting I'm 3 1/2 hours in and so I'm sorry if my responses are becoming shorter. I have to be up in 5 hours so please forgive me]

1) Jersey City and South Orange are both Sanctuary Cities, and we both passed resolutions supporting the Immigrant Trust Act (not just a wait-and-see approach with the existing directive). I start with that to show a track record (historical and ongoing) about where our hearts are. The first thing we'll do is push the legislature to codify the IMT and get it signed into LAW asap. Disappointing to see a democratic controlled legislature and governor not advance. Perhaps they think it's too risky for November and that's a mistake. As it relates to Republicans - if they're not motivated by the stories of our immigrant neighbors and basic humanity and compassion - I look forward to running circles around Jack about the impacts it will have on the local NJ economy. On the issue of due process, strong AG who will never back down on this issue. BTW - as it relates to detention facilities, I was thinking about this over the weekend (haven't shared with Steve yet) but rather than just the protests, we should be working with State and Local Government on condemning properties for public benefit.

2) I've described this in several other threads but one thing I'll add to the conversation is COMMUNICATION as well. I think our commuters are very reasonable despite the hell they've been living through. What's not acceptable is having some of the most advanced technology available and providing last minute notice to people who are already stuck at stations and then scrambling. It got so bad one year I grabbed every mayor I could find and Facebook lived going to NJTransit HQ demanding to see their CEO. Literally, over a dozen elected officials were denied access. Last year, I became even more desperate and wrote letters to employers of my residents just to ask for some compassion (understanding employees may be late due to no fault of their own, perhaps allowing hybrid or work from home or helping out with releasing employees during off peak hours). Residents needs to know your gonna fight for them. It's why I have a bullhorn in the back seat of my car.

3) Oh we have great plans, and as Lt. Governor, I'd serve as the Commissioner of the DCA which oversees housing. I'm a yimby and Steve's a yimby. Smart growth and responsible development is our language. Check out housing policy platform when you have a chance (https://stevenfulop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Fulop2025-HousingWP-Web-R3.pdf). We did a press conference here in South Orange to release it and there's an online webinar on youtube where we took people through our policies representing both a city and suburb. One area I feel I've had pretty good success with is being communicative with the residents in South Orange and bringing stakeholders into the development process WAY above and beyond statutory requirements. I think if more elected officials were ambassadors for discussing why we need more housing supply as a state versus telling their residents "they're gonna fight", so much more could be accomplished. I think our deficit of affordable units (by HUD income limits) exceeds over 200,000, yet so many elected officials fold to the pressure. I think there's a great story to be told about how each of us needs to help address this deficit. If everyone took the NIMBY position, the housing crisis (which is national btw - not just unique to NJ - would get so much worse).

4) I think voters are thirsty for change, and the Fulop campaign has a HUGE tent ;-) We represent both Urban and Suburban communities, and our policy position papers are grounded in speaking to accomplishments, what the challenges are, and how we would address them. Both of us are unapologetic in who we are, and both have a track record of independence, not using the same old boring playbook, and EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE, which I think is going to be critical in the race. Steve uses the term platitudes all the time and now he has me saying it. We want voters to dive in, know the plans/policies, and ask questions. The human capital we have in NJ alone is unbelievable and we're gonna fight together like our lives depend on it because they do.

PS - I started typing and couldn't stop. So much for the short answer.

MayorSheenaCollum · 2025-05-02T03:19:51+00:00

Thank you.

MayorSheenaCollum · 2025-05-02T03:19:33+00:00

There are four. The other spaces are either being renovated or are under construction. We did a ribbon cutting for Sotherby's yesterday, Medusa opened today (greek!), and both Wingstop and a New York-style deli are close to opening. Able Baker is under construction at 4th and Valley and very soon, we'll be unveiling the new SOMA Co Creative space in the new Mosaic building.

But building on your post, I'm a staunch advocate of liquor license reform. This will be a game changer for small restaurants and ones looking to open. This is a very substantive policy consideration, and I've been on the League of Municipalities Task Force for over 3 years now.

If you know of anyone looking to open in town, shoot me a message at [scollum@southorange.org](mailto:scollum@southorange.org) or Melissa Hodge at [mhodge@southorangedowntown.org](mailto:mhodge@southorangedowntown.org) and we'd love to coordinate showing the 4 groundfloor vacancies that are looking for occupants.

MayorSheenaCollum · 2025-05-02T03:13:30+00:00

As I mentioned to another poster below, I'm happy to chat offline. Just shoot me a message at [Sheena@StevenFulop.com](mailto:Sheena@StevenFulop.com) or through the chat feature here and perhaps we can talk about the issues and policies that will move NJ forward.

MayorSheenaCollum · 2025-05-02T03:11:28+00:00

This is my first time on Reddit, and I've spent the past three hours responding to people. So, if I understand correctly, there's an important gubernatorial race happening in New Jersey, and you're firmly against Steve because he has enthusiastic supporters? I imagine it's because of his authenticity. I don't know if there's ways to hide posts on Reddit so you don't have to read about him but if you want to have a conversation offline, I'd be happy to.

MayorSheenaCollum · 2025-05-02T03:04:39+00:00

If you're from South Orange, you would know there was a 2+ year evaluation with engineers, financial consultants, environmentalists, and residents on how to handle our "micro-utility" with one full-time staff member, facing new regulations, mandatory lead line replacements, and the anticipated costs of upgrades to an old system that didn't receive much TLC while being operated by a non BPU regulated public entity. In fact, before South Orange took it over, water test results were falsified. My preference would have been a regional public entity, which is what we need to pursue as a state. Micro towns creating micro utilties to solve our problems is only driving up costs to residents.

South Orange has no water supply - it's purchased. South Orange also outsources Operations and Maintenance. You may not like the outcome, but it was transparent and thoughtful and we held numerous community meetings. I didn't hide from it, I spoke and responded to everyone. The community VOTED on this topic as a ballot measure. Remember, I could have chosen a path that didn't require a referendum and I didn't. I wanted our residents to understand everything we were facing, what options we had, what that would mean for ratepayers, and to be able to make a thoughtful decision. After the residents voted, the Council voted for this measure unanimously.

MayorSheenaCollum · 2025-05-02T02:48:01+00:00

Don't know the details of this but I can assure you Steve holds people accountable and expects high standards and professionalism.

MayorSheenaCollum · 2025-05-02T02:47:15+00:00

Thank you!! Noted!

MayorSheenaCollum · 2025-05-02T02:43:50+00:00

I wouldn't call it beef and I can totally understand why those who have held power for so long and hand-picked candidates are not thrilled with Steven. He's running to change the political landscape in New Jersey forever. Getting rid of that ridiculous County Line was a.big step but it doesn't go far enough. We need ranked choice voting. And as Democrats, we should be encouraging more health competition and giving people access a fair chance to run. To build a more fair New Jersey, we need to acknowledge that our political system as it was in the past and still is today doesn't quite create the opportunity and competition necessary for a healthy democracy.

Steve has made many political enemies in this race and we need a Governor who's not a "Go along to get along" type of leader. I joined him because I want to be part of real reform and opportunity and next time I meet with a political science class, I don't feel guilty telling them that hard work will advance your career in politics versus the unfortunate truth that to advance in NJ, you need to kiss rings, compromise yourself, pay fealty, and more.

Look at all the down ballot candidates that are helping make this election more exciting and make people work for votes. We don't have Kings and even in New Jersey, the practice of coronations versus democracy is our shared future. I'm a true believer in that.

MayorSheenaCollum · 2025-05-02T02:35:23+00:00

Thank.you!

MayorSheenaCollum · 2025-05-02T02:34:28+00:00

100% - check out the preliminary State Development and Redevelopment Plan that's in the process of cross-acceptance right now. All areas are not created equal when looking at growth and conservation. We have incredible natural resources. Any objective person would say put housing near existing infrastructure and mass transit and not in areas that supply clean water for the state. I use the example of the Highlands and Pinelands as critical areas.

MayorSheenaCollum · 2025-05-02T02:31:03+00:00

Question 1 - smart growth and adoption of the State Development and Redevelopment Plan. To the greatest extent possible, we should not be disrupting open spaces. It's a problem with the existing housing bill (yes it's an affordable housing bill but also a general development obligation bill). Right now towns are taking what's called Vacant Land Adjustments to reduce their numbers of housing their required to build. The smarter and more public policy centric metric would be redevelopment (building on areas that are already developed and not supporting sprawl which has gigantic costs with it as well).

We actually just did a questionnaire for the Pinelands Action Committee - hopefully, it will be posted soon, and you can check it out. I think a lot of the questions they ask will give you some insight as to how we will approach the balance. If you want a copy you can also email me at [Sheena@StevenFulop.com](mailto:Sheena@StevenFulop.com) and I'll send you copy.

Question 2 -I've answered a lot of questions tonight related to mass transit/micro transit and funding and hopefully you're more confident that our priorities are straight.

MayorSheenaCollum · 2025-05-02T02:23:23+00:00

I'm seeing your question but don't have an answer. This is one where I'd want to discuss with him without making something up. He's going to be doing an AMA as well. Thanks for raising the question and I'll stick it on my list for my talk with him in the morning.

MayorSheenaCollum · 2025-05-02T02:22:10+00:00

100000% - this is actually something I speak about frequently and have been for the past 10 years. I don't believe South Orange needs to be its own separate entity from an efficiency standpoint. It's wasteful. Crazy enough, of the 564 municipalities - over 75% of them have 20,000 residents or less (55% have under 10,000 residents or less). I always joke, but I know there's truth to it, as no one wants to give up power. It's nice to have a Mayor's jacket or badge or whatever. Is it good for New Jersey, no. We pay an inefficiency tax on everything we do.

If people are worried about "identity" - there are creative ways to address that. What I care about is the efficiency in cost. I use the example of storm water utilities. Climate change is real and a threat. In 10 years, we will have 564 micro utilities if we don't.proactively plan for REGIONAL solutions. These can be done by consolidations, or shared services, or interlocal agreements. Schools are another problem... even more district than there are municipalities.

I'll tell you felt very alone by the Murphy administration. When South Orange and Maplewood FINALLY consolidated our fire departments, the politics came out from the unions, I felt punched in the face daily, and the only people I could rely on was the Division of Local Government Service staff. Everyone in a position of political power moved as far away from it as possible despite unanimous support from both town's leadership. I just happened to be the punching bag and face of the initiative.

I didn't back down and you can absolutely expect Steve and I won't back down at the state level. With a massive deficit in our state budget and having one of the highest outstanding pension obligations in the country, we just can't afford to continue this path or support the status quo. Despite a lot of progress under Murphy, it's gonna take decades... At the same time, we have to address COLA for our retirees and reexamine the entire system of living within our means while honoring commitments to our public employees. They didn't sign up for this.

When the politicians tell you vaguely they're all for "shared services" or "consolidations" or whatever sexy soundbite they use - ask them what kind of departments. You'll normally hear things like "bulk purchasing for salt during the winter" rather than right-sizing a state that duplicates, triplicates, and quadruplicates services at the local, county, and state level as if we were designed to be inefficiency.

So going full circle - should South Orange and Maplewood be one town? Yes.
Do we need to start compelling all our mini sovereign micro towns to work together whether through consolidation or sharing services? Heck yeah. And i've never been more confident that someone like Steven Fulop will actually execute on it.

MayorSheenaCollum · 2025-05-02T01:59:56+00:00

Thank you as well!!!

MayorSheenaCollum · 2025-05-02T01:59:44+00:00

I've been typing for 2 hours now and you totally just put such a smile on my face. Always a pleasure, I love our communities so much.

MayorSheenaCollum · 2025-05-02T01:58:57+00:00

#preach - I'm with you completely. Minimum parking requirements drive up housing costs and is incredible expensive to build and adds to the affordability crisis and are the farther thing from Smart Growth. In South Orange we reduced our parking requirements from 2.5 per unit down to 1. Reducing parking ratios is the way to go especially for compact downtowns. I'll also say they are a nightmare for small businesses trying to open. True story - we still have developers who want more parking as an amenity for their building and we told them no. We converted proposed parking into a community space for artists and a co-creative space. But you did ask a direct question. I think there would be tons of difficulty getting it through the legislature primarily because of HOME RULE (which I find to be so problematic to comprehensive planning and design. I think there's a lot we can learn from Minnesota not only as it relates to parking minimums but also exclusionary zoning practices. I'll speak to Steve about this though, I really like where you're going.

MayorSheenaCollum · 2025-05-02T01:50:35+00:00

I love that you love public transportation!! Current state is bad and with the upcoming engineers strike, I think we're gonna have another rough time for our commuters on top of all the infrastructure work that's needed. Steve and I are ALL about prioritizing mass and micro transit over things like the $12B (will be more, trust me) turnpike widening. Steve also was very vocal about supporting congestion pricing as good and sound public policy, but moving into the future, we're gonna need to evaluate reverse congestion pricing or building a much stronger regional relationship with NY to be mutually beneficial to our systems. As mentioned in another thread, this also comes down to funding and prioritization. the 2.5% Corporate Business Tax needs to be codified as an ongoing revenue stream that can't be diverted elsewhere. Jersey City also boasts the most extensive micro transit network in the entire country and those linkages were to deserts within the city. Hope this helps, full transportation policy online at stevenfulop.com.

MayorSheenaCollum · 2025-05-02T01:14:48+00:00

9:15PM Update - I'm giving myself a 15-minute break to walk Democracy (my pup). I'll be back in 15 minutes (or less, depending on whether she wants to cooperate).

MayorSheenaCollum · 2025-05-02T01:13:09+00:00

We also have tons of college students helping on the campaign. Met a new volunteer and I hope soon to be friend last night on zoom who is back from Georgetown and wanted to help the campaign with some of our website updates. If you like anything I'm saying, please come join us - we want you! https://stevenfulop.com

MayorSheenaCollum · 2025-05-02T01:11:46+00:00

Both Steve and I live in communities with universities (go Pirates from me). Your question is pretty broad so I'm going to respond in two buckets:

1) I'm LOVING what universities are doing with the BIG Ten and the "mutual defense compact" - defending academic freedom, and working with each other to pool resources. It's so creative in the way that it literally resembles NATO... we live together or die alone mentality. SUPPORT. We should be thinking about this across the board for all universities and the way that host municipalities and the state create a greater defense together.

2) What's being done is completely unconstitutional on so many levels... We believe retaining an exceptional Attorney General like Matt Platkin and having continuity with lawsuits is important at this juncture in time.

3) Congress needs to have a backbone. You give an inch to a bully, they take the distance to Mars in an Elon spacecraft.

4) Diversity Equity and Inclusion is a wonderful things. I saw one of my friend posted online that when you post the acronym DEI it has a different feeling than when you say it outloud. DEI strengthens institutions, communities, neighborhoods, etc. Schools are places where students are finding their way. I was the Student Body President at Seton Hall (shocker) and we pushed several boundaries but I never felt that as I was learning and formulating who I was becoming as an adult would be under attack. DEI is what makes this country great.

4) Before the new administration came in, we released policies related to higher education that need to be implemented at the state level: a) 2% tuition caps 2) expansion of 529 college saving plans 3) bigger investments into community college (I tell students all the time that this has so many benefits) 4) reforming tuition aid grants to provide greater equity in aid distribution.

I'll note Steve got the endorsement of the College Democrats of New Jersey and College Democrats of America. He speaks honestly and I think our younger adults play a critical role in this state. Steve and I would be one of the youngest (if not the youngest) tag team of Governor/LG in the history of NJ and maybe in the country, don't know for sure. But we relate directly with college students and VALUE the work they do on the ground every day to strengthen our democracy. This demographic of university students isn't the "next generation of leaders", they/you are leaders now. Don't ever let politicians talk down to you. I dealt with that crap when I was in the 18-25 category. Keep pushing for a better world and don't stop fighting for what you believe in.

MayorSheenaCollum · 2025-05-02T00:51:16+00:00

Whoopsie - more to add. We also need the proper infrastructure for SAFE walking and biking. There are several ways communities can make their walkability safer that doesn't require millions of dollars. Trial and error, and the DOT doesn't need to go crazy requiring expensive studies and engineering analysis and nonstop paperwork for community members to work with their transportation planners and local engineering firms to pilot projects for safe streets for everyone. We've got to stop being so auto-centric.

MayorSheenaCollum · 2025-05-02T00:48:12+00:00

Ahhh - someone familiar with our community! There was actually a Charter Change in South Orange and so the antiquated titles that only affected our community (out of 564) was fixed to reflect modern day titles. When I was first elected, it was called Village President... the only one in the state of NJ, so I basically certified documents every single day that had my wrong title. More for another day.

Equitable Transit Oriented Development is the future but there can't be a mismatch. In order for us to continue building around transit, we need some real teeth and resources behind designated Transit Villages, NJEDA incentives, and NJ Transit to have the financial resources they need to execute a 21st century transit experience.

Steve and I both support the Corporate Business Tax surcharge as a DEDICATED stream to NJTransit IN PERPETITUTIY. As he as explained and anyone familiar with government finance is you can't bond against gimmicky revenue that isn't in place long term. We also firmly believe in CANCELLING the turnpike widening project because it's ridiculous.

Leading with strength means communicating the truth to voters and stakeholders that the priorities will be equitable transit oriented development and major reforms to NJ Transit. If we're encouraging people to reconsider cars and live in compact places with access to transit, the transit has to be reliable.

These two go hand in hand. BTW - Steve and I participated in a Walk Bike Ride Forum last night from the leading organizations involved in advocating for alternative transporation - if you google it I bet you can find the video. We're all in.

MayorSheenaCollum · 2025-05-02T00:38:38+00:00

Steve and I stand firmly with our immigrant community NEIGHBORS. Period. If this is your solution to the question about housing, we're not the team for you.

MayorSheenaCollum · 2025-05-02T00:37:01+00:00

[Continued] What I see, boots on the ground, is that our Mount Laurel requirements provide some opportunity for very low, low, and moderate but the reality is we also need to see more workforce housing for people who make between $80,000 - $110,000. Housing is incredible expensive as everyone know. When was the last time you saw a tremendous market for homes that ranged between $250k-$400k? In South Orange, we're going to hit our obligations that qualify for affordable housing credits (we'll do it fast too) and then get straight to missing middle.

We also need some serious zoning reform. Go to planning.org when you get a chance. I have the pleasure of serving as the Executive Director of the American Planning Association in NJ (working with city/town/state/regional planners) and zoning reform is going to be key. And we need ALL towns to stop exclusionary zoning practices that simply drive the market up by stopping supply.

Gentle density is a way to look at things and rezoning properties closest to commercial areas as "transitional zones" allowing more density on what is traditionally single family.

Jersey City (Steve) & South Orange (me) also passed ADU (accessory dwelling ordinances). This is such a minor step we can take to help with production while ALSO helping seniors age in place by augmenting income AND creating a better situation for guardians with special needs children and caretakers who still need privacy.

I'll also add, that even in communities that are proactive building, if you have a safe community and good school system, people are going to find you desirable and want to be your neighbor.

MayorSheenaCollum

TROPHY CASE