FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CLIFTON, NJ — October 21, 2026 — Clifton City Council candidate Tafari Anderson is calling for stronger taxpayer protections and reforms to the City’s Sidewalk Cost Share Reimbursement Program.
Under Clifton’s existing ordinance, qualifying homeowners may receive up to $500 per eligible sidewalk slab damaged by city trees. Anderson proposes replacing that formula with a maximum of $500 per qualifying city tree, regardless of the number of affected slabs.
“Taxpayers deserve a program with clear financial limits, not an open-ended reimbursement system that could contribute to runaway spending,” Anderson stated.
His proposal includes three safeguards: an absolute annual not-to-exceed spending cap; a mandatory sunset date requiring renewal after an independent financial review; and City verification and certification of every participating contractor before reimbursable work begins. Contractor credentials, insurance, registration, estimates, and completed work should be reviewed to reduce fraudulent claims. Once the annual appropriation is exhausted, no additional obligations should be authorized without a publicly approved funding amendment.
After the program expires, Clifton should transition qualifying sidewalk repairs to a city-managed infrastructure program, subject to applicable law and approved funding.
“Without proper safeguards, even a well-intentioned program can create unnecessary financial exposure and contribute to a future municipal budget crisis,” Anderson warned.
Anderson also advocates coordinated roadwork planning that addresses streets, sidewalks, curbs, drainage, and accessibility improvements together wherever practical.
“Clifton should prioritize comprehensive infrastructure improvements instead of creating disconnected reimbursement obligations,” Anderson concluded. “Our responsibility is to protect residents, maintain safe neighborhoods, and safeguard every taxpayer dollar.”
Paid for by Friends for Tafari Anderson.