Photo Credit: Photo Courtesy of Helmetta Mayor Chris Slavicek
By Dawn Miller
Published January 29, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Last updated January 29, 2025 at 3:41 PM
HELMETTA, NJ - This month, Helmetta Mayor Chris Slavicek is marking a special milestone; 10 years as borough mayor. Slavicek is currently in the middle of his third term. He ran unopposed in 2023. In 2019, Slavicek ran unopposed for his second term in office too. Since becoming mayor in 2015, Slavicek has embraced the "small town, big heart" motto. It's a motto he created and one that has helped him to become extremely popular with his constituents.
A lifelong Helmetta resident, Slavicek is the Vice-President of Sales and Marketing for the Kaplan Development Group in his professional life. Kaplan specializes in senior housing/assisted living management and development. Slavicek has worked in senior living as an executive director since 2007. He first ran for office a decade ago because he wanted to make a difference in the community he grew up in.
“Time flies when you're having fun,” Slavicek said of this 10-year milestone. “I can barely believe it's been a decade. I've certainly learned so much from so many throughout this tenure, which affords me greater confidence in decision-making ten years later.”
Sign Up for FREE Milltown/Spotswood Newsletter
Get local news you can trust in your inbox.
After being in office for a decade, Slavicek has made a positive impact on the Helmetta community. There are year-round family-friendly events. Slavicek is always available to lend a helping hand to residents in need and makes it a point to promote local businesses.
“I'm quite proud of the culture instilled that I feel has brought the community together through the good, bad, happy, and sad,” Slavicek said of his last 10 years in office. “Furthermore, I can't exclude the stabilization of municipal taxes for several consecutive years. It's no easy feat with inflation and budgetary constraints.”
Even with all his accomplishments, there are, of course, things that remain on his wish list.
“The ink on the wish list should never go dry, in my opinion,” Slavicek said. “With this, there are many projects that I'd love to see continued emphasis placed on, upgrades to park and playground equipment, enhancement to recreational programming with a highlight on children and senior citizen services and aesthetic improvements to borough buildings and grounds. It's my goal for residents to feel a sense of pride each time they enter or exit Helmetta.”
There is one huge project on Slavicek's wish list for the borough if the Hallmark Channel is listening.
“My biggest dream is to have Helmetta featured in the filming of a Hallmark movie,” the mayor said. “I just feel we're the perfect fit.”
With two years left in his current term, Slavicek's plan is to stay the course and “remain steadfast and focused with an open mind to continue to make Helmetta a beautiful and safe place for all residents to call home.” With that being said, he intends to run for a fourth term in 2027.
“'If it's not broken, don't fix it' is my mentality when it comes to reelection,” Slavicek said. “With this, it's very important for me to remain innovative and aligned with cutting-edge trends to keep a fresh perspective. Being mayor is truly a part of me, and I can't imagine not being involved in this capacity just yet.”
With the busy demands of mayor in addition to his professional career, Slavicek is able to find a workable balance between the two.
“I'm blessed to have an incredible support team within the borough who truly are the heartbeat of the day-to-day operations,” Slavicek said. “It does take grit and grace, organization, and a balance with effective and efficient communication. I embody an 'always available' mindset that can be challenging at times, but sets a tone for success.”
One of the best things about being mayor of Helmetta is what led him to want to become mayor in the first place; the people.
“The people, the residents, the staff, volunteers, first responders and supporting neighbors, whom I wholeheartedly call my extended Helmetta family,” Slavicek added. “It takes a village and that's exactly what I've enjoyed most being at the helm of this small town, with the people being the biggest heart.”