By Matthew Nonnenmacher
PublishedNovember 26, 2023 at 6:07 PM
DENVILLE, NJ - TAPinto Denville sat down with new Councilman-elect Lou Maffei recently so that the residents of Denville can get to know him before he takes office on January 1, 2024. Lou Maffei was recently elected to the Township of Denville's Council during this past November election along with his running mates, Mayor Tom Andes, Councilwoman Angie Cote and new Councilman elect Robbie Simpson.
So how happy are you to have won the election?
It still has not fully sunk in yet, but I'm happy that the hard work paid off. I could not have asked for better running mates, and we had an incredible group of volunteers and supporters that worked to get us across the finish line.
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Why did you want to run for Denville Council?
Initially, I had a lot of reservations about running. I am very private, and when you run for office you are obviously in the public eye. However, after speaking with many former and present council members they gave me advice and encouraged me to run. Having served on several volunteer boards for 20+ years has given me the experience to take on a larger role in our community.
What is the one thing you'd like to see happen in 2024 in Denville?
I would like to see an initiative to showcase the history of our citizens with particular emphasis on our veterans and their service.
The Downtown in Denville is fantastic. Are there any ideas to even further improve it?
Part of the overall success of our town depends on the vitality of our downtown business district. In any business you have to periodically reinvent yourself in order to keep up with business trends and stay relevant. I think that with the business owners leading the way and with public input, the council can help to keep our downtown vibrant and successful.
What are the biggest challenges you see as a Council member regarding upcoming town issues?
Without a doubt it is the unfunded mandates forced on us by the state with the affordable housing mandates being the worst of them. People need to understand that our state is openly at war with the suburbs. The affordable housing debate has been ongoing for 40+ years, but the latest iteration of this being forced by the courts has been disastrous. We simply cannot sustain the type of growth being forced on us nor do we have the infrastructure to do so.
Give us an insight into your mindset and how you look at the town for the next 3 - 5 years?
I think that the issues will remain the same - affordable housing mandates, supporting local business and our downtown, increased recreational opportunities and open space, public safety, flood mitigation, and maintaining stable tax rates. As council members our job will be to work with our administration and professionals to formulate a strategy that best manages these issues.
What specifically in your background makes you uniquely qualified for helping the town for the next several years?
I was fortunate enough to have been born and raised in Denville. I have a good understanding of our community. My family life has been centered in Denville, and with my experience on many volunteer boards and organizations, I am ready to take on the responsibility in helping to shape the future of our community.
Tell us about yourself personally and professionally.
My wife and I both grew up in Denville, and we have two children who went through the Denville public school system. I have been employed at University Hospital as a Senior Network Security Engineer for 6 years having formerly worked for UMDNJ for 8 years. I have been in the Information Technology (specifically Network Security / Cybersecurity) field since 2002 with experience in several industries including financial services and military/defense.