Hello, Garfield residents! I am Everett Garnto Jr., a father of four wonderful children and grandfather of two adorable grandchildren. I have been a devoted Garfield resident for over three decades, and it is with great enthusiasm that I officially declare my candidacy for the Garfield City Council. Having called Garfield my home for more than 30 years, I've witnessed the ebb and flow of our city's journey, nurturing a profound connection with our community that fuels my passionate dedication to its prosperity.

Throughout my extensive tenure in Garfield, I've embraced the diverse tapestry of triumphs and challenges that define our city's narrative, holding a deep-seated passion for cultivating Garfield into a city that every family can proudly call home. My journey of service to Garfield began with a dedication to coaching various youth sports, instilling values of teamwork and perseverance in our future generations. From flag football to T-ball, basketball to wrestling, and junior football to little league baseball, I've seen firsthand the transformative power of mentorship and community involvement, shaping the character and values of our young residents.

For nearly 30 years, I’ve served our community in law enforcement before retiring this January. I held key positions within the Garfield Police Benevolent Association (PBA) Local #46, initially serving as President for 12 years and then as State Delegate for 13 years, advocating for our officers locally and statewide. Additionally, I actively participated in the PBA Bergen County conference, serving on the executive board and several New Jersey State PBA committees. Later, as Detective Sergeant in the Garfield Police Department's Detective Division, I led investigations to ensure resident safety. I also served as resiliency officer for Garfield PBA Local #46, prioritizing officer well-being. Throughout my career, I've been committed to public safety and community service, aiming to make Garfield safer for all.

I've been privileged to serve on the Garfield Board of Education for nearly seven years, first as vice president for three years and then as president for another three. During this time, I've gained invaluable insights into our city's educational landscape and the challenges confronting our schools. This experience has deepened my understanding of our community's needs and opportunities.

Now, as I step forward to seek your support for the Garfield City Council, I am dedicated to prioritizing the issues that matter most to our residents. From promoting transparent governance to advocating for affordable housing and economic development, I am committed to building a brighter future for Garfield. Additionally, I am steadfast in my resolve to halt overdevelopment, put an end to nepotism, and terminate ineffective pilot programs that do not serve the best interests of our community. My goal is to ensure that Garfield remains true to its roots while moving forward in a direction that benefits all of its citizens. I believe in open communication, collaboration, and accountability in governance.

Together, let us work towards a stronger, safer, and more affordable Garfield, where the voices of all residents are heard and respected. It's crucial to me that everyone feels empowered to speak up and voice their opinions without fear of retaliation. I firmly believe that it's unjust when individuals face consequences for expressing their thoughts or concerns. In our pursuit of progress, it's imperative that we foster an environment where every resident feels safe and encouraged to participate in shaping the future of our city.

Your support is paramount to this endeavor, and I am eager to earn your trust and respect through dedicated service and unwavering integrity. Join me in shaping the future of our beloved Garfield, a city of champions where every voice matters. Thank you for considering my candidacy, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve you on the Garfield City Council.

Together, let's build a vibrant and inclusive Garfield that we can all be proud of.