“I am running for mayor of the City of South Amboy because I believe in independent, transparent, and responsible government. My administration will be caring and proactive, tirelessly working for all.”

Commitment to Good Governance

As an independent candidate and independent mayor of South Amboy, Chris Smiga will work directly for the people. This presents a unique opportunity to have open discussions about the issues that matter most to you and your family. An empathetic thinker, who can understand different points of view, Chris Smiga is an ideal person to find consensus and build coalitions.
Chris Smiga will be self-funding his campaign. No donations from special interest groups, professionals, or anyone seeking to influence events within our city will ever be accepted. Anyone interested in making a financial donation should direct their donation to a local charitable organization of their own choosing.
Transparency and authenticity are core traits of Chris Smiga’s campaign and future administration. By eliminating barriers to information, transparency encourages more residents to participate in their local government. Transparency is also necessary for Chris Smiga's administration to stay in touch with the pulse of the community and adapt quickly to feedback. Chris Smiga has no desire to be a career politician. His heart and mind are here in South Amboy. This conviction will guide his commitment to transparency and ensure future generations have the information they need to govern wisely and justly.
You work hard for your money! Chris Smiga will take proactive steps to safeguard the financial assets of the city. His educational background in economics and professional experience in analytics and accounting are necessary tools for any mayor.
Chris Smiga will roll out a new initiative, D.O.M.E., a Directive of Municipal Effectiveness. The goal will be to review and improve the efficiency of all areas of city government.
Lastly, local government must be welcoming, energetic, and approachable with a strong focus on customer service for all.

What Energetic Independence Looks Like

Quality of Life and Business Environment

A Chris Smiga administration will re-energize the city by formulating a place making strategy. According to Project for Public Spaces, successful places have four qualities: accessibility, sociability, activities, and comfort.
Study and make recommendations to address hot spots where parking shortages and dangerous conditions at intersections exist.
Bring unique pop-up experiences and enhancements to Broadway and our public spaces.
Supports innovative veteran focused housing initiatives with a commitment to utilize a portion of South Amboy’s affordable housing trust.
Chris Smiga will meet regularly with our business community.
Encourage co-working office space. Co-working space is office space shared by team-members of multiple companies to reduce expenses.

Environment and Health

Committed to the establishment of a combined local volunteer Environmental Commission, Open Space, and Shade Tree (ECOSST) board.
Committed to pursuing accreditation in the New Jersey Urban Community Forestry Program.
Chris Smiga is a staunch advocate for the public’s right to access our entire waterfront.
Under N.J.S.A. 13:1D-150(1)(f), “the public has the right to tidal lands and waters for navigation, fishing, and recreational uses, and, moreover, that even land that is no longer flowed by the tide but that was artificially filled is considered to be public trust land and the property of the State.” N.J.S.A. 13:1D-150(1)(b).
Supports environmental restoration and habitat projects by partnering with the scientific community, non-profits, and colleges.
Proponent of No Net Loss Tree Canopy Policy ensuring there will be no reduction in overall tree coverage within the city.

Education and Workforce Development

In his new official capacity as mayor, Chris Smiga will meet with our district’s superintendent. The focus of the learning and listening session will be “understanding barriers to higher academic achievement”.
Based on information gathered from the meeting, Chris Smiga may express the municipality’s interest in supporting out of school initiatives. OSS initiatives will focus on supporting higher academic achievement. Results will be measurable. Accountability will be addressed by the mayor.
Private-Public Partnerships will be explored with employers, the trades, transportation providers, and developers.
Chris Smiga announced a new program called the Student Internship Transportation Uplift Program (SIT-UP). Qualifying 11th, 12th, and recent High School Grads will be eligible to receive Bus, Ferry, or Train tickets to summer internships. Internships enhance resumes and serve as a stepping stone to full-time employment.

Key Stats:

41% of the SA Middle High School students are economically disadvantaged.

47% of SA Elementary School students are economically disadvantaged.

PILOT agreements are a form of tax abatement, where the municipal government receives 95% of revenue. The remaining 5% goes to the county. Schools receive 0%. Municipalities have discretion and may enter an agreement with the schools to share revenue.

Public Safety

Chris Smiga has put forth a comprehensive list of possible awards and incentives to assist in the recruitment and retention of fire and first aid volunteers. The city must act now amidst a growing population coinciding with decreasing volunteerism.
Supports and encourages the monthly publication of crime and PD service call statistics. (SUCCESS!!! THE CITY RECENTLY BEGAN PUBLISHING THIS INFORMATION)
Proponent of technological and equipment upgrades, efficient systems, and continued successful community outreach campaigns.

Responsible and Open Government

Chris Smiga wants to add a dial-in and/or virtual option for public city meetings, so that working parents, commuters, and those with mobility issues may participate.
Hold weekend mayoral office hours.
Modernize government. Streamline and digitize permitting, remove duplication.
Take a deep dive into all expenses.
Discuss long term capital projects in view of the public.
Conduct resident surveys to measure needs.

Recreation

Proposes the formation of a Mayor’s Youth Advisory Cabinet.
Supports a Public Art and Mural Ordinance to unleash the creative talent existing within our community.
Supports public spaces conducive to unstructured play and childhood development.
Supports accessible fishing sites for people with disabilities and other inclusive and accessible recreational opportunities.
Believes in neighborhood participation for comment and feedback regarding equipment and facility upgrades for parks.
Interested in large scale community garden initiative/private partnership
The newly formed ECOSST (Please refer to Environment and Health Section) will research and prepare reports on the pros and cons of innovative recreational projects.