Verona is facing big decisions about taxes, development, infrastructure and major public projects. I've spent nearly two decades in Essex County government working with public budgets, facilities and capital projects. I'm running for Township Council because I believe that experience can help Verona make smarter decisions and get things done.— Kate Hartwyk
Kate Hartwyk
Experienced Leadership. Practical Solutions.
FOR VERONA
mEET KATHERINE "kATE" HARTWYK
Verona has been home to my family for more than a decade. My husband and I have raised our three sons here, and some of my favorite memories are some of the same ones so many Verona families share - our schools, weekends on the ballfields, and friendships built along the way.
Professionally, I've spent nearly two decades serving Essex County residents. Today, as Deputy Director of the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, my work includes managing public budgets, facilities, and major capital projects. I know firsthand what it takes to move public projects from planning through construction, manage costs, and make sure public investments continue working long after the ribbon is cut.
I'm running for council because Verona is facing some important decisions, and I believe my combination of professional experience and connection to this community can make a difference.
EXPERIENCE THAT MATTERS NOW
Nearly 20 Years in Public Service
Serving in the Essex County Park System managing large teams and complex budgets
Hands-On Experience
Direct experience bringing public capital projects to life from concept to stewardship
Real Fiscal Experience with Public Dollars
Overseeing a $24.5 million dollar budget with $21.6 million dollars in earned revenue
Delivering Results
Making government more understandable by explaining decisions and following through on results
GET INVOLVED
Fill out the form below and let us know how you'd like to help.
ISSUES AND VISION
Fiscal Management
Responsible budgeting is about more than controlling costs—it’s about making the most of every public dollar. As Deputy Director of the Essex County Park System, I have hands-on experience managing complex budgets, a large workforce, earned-revenue programs, capital investments and outside funding. I will bring that same disciplined approach to Verona: carefully evaluating priorities, pursuing funding opportunities and planning ahead so
taxpayers.
Emergency Services Building
Verona needs a modern Emergency Services Headquarters that meets the needs of our first responders while respecting the taxpayers who will fund it. I have hands-on experience with public capital projects from concept and funding through design, construction, opening and long-term stewardship. That experience will help me ask the right questions at every stage: What do we actually need? What can we afford? What outside funding can we pursue? And how do we protect Verona’s investment for decades to come? This is a significant investment in Verona’s future, and it deserves careful planning, strong oversight and fiscal discipline.
Transparent Government. Measurable Results.
Good government starts with residents understanding what is happening, why decisions are being made and what comes next. Through Coffee with Kate, I’ve worked to make local issues more accessible and bring residents into the conversation. As a Council member, I will bring that same approach to Town Hall—asking thoughtful questions, communicating clearly, following through and holding government accountable for results.
