VOTE BILL LAM June 2nd Ballot 3F
Vision & leadership to protect community & schools
Platform
Rethinking the Livingston Mall Redevelopment
Smart Growth & Preserving Community Character
Smart Growth & Preserving Community Character
The redevelopment of the Livingston Mall is a generational project that will redefine our town’s traffic, schools, and tax base for decades. With estimated land values of $200 million and a finished development potential reaching $700 million to $900 million, Livingston residents deserve absolute transparency and accountability. To protect our community's future, I propose:
- An Open, Competitive RFP Process: Launching a transparent Request for Proposal (RFP) open to top-tier state and national developers to ensure Livingston gets the best possible design, value, and partnership.
- A Non-Political Advisory Committee: Appointing an independent panel of local experts to rigorously vet developer credentials and PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) agreements, ensuring all findings are reported directly to the public.
Smart Growth & Preserving Community Character
Smart Growth & Preserving Community Character
Smart Growth & Preserving Community Character
We must end the era of overdevelopment and oversized "McMansions" that threaten the unique charm of our town. By modernizing our zoning laws, we can protect our neighborhoods, reduce strain on local infrastructure, and preserve Livingston's environment. To achieve this, I advocate for:
- Tightening Bulk and Size Controls: Updating local zoning ordinances to reduce maximum building bulk and lot coverage, ensuring new construction respects the scale of surrounding homes.
- Protecting Green Spaces: Strictly limiting the paving of permeable land to prevent localized flooding, manage stormwater, and preserve our natural green landscape.
- Preserving Our Heritage: Establishing clear, enforceable protections for historical landmarks and traditional neighborhoods to safeguard Livingston's distinct character for future generations.
Pedestrian Safety & "Complete Streets"
Smart Growth & Preserving Community Character
Pedestrian Safety & "Complete Streets"
Livingston families deserve safe, accessible roads—especially around our schools. Currently, Livingston averages 1,290 traffic accidents per year. That is the exact same number as West Orange, which has nearly double our population, while Millburn sees just 400 accidents with two-thirds of our population.
We cannot afford passive leadership. The town recently missed a generational window to redesign Northfield Road as a safe, modern "Complete Street" during its 15-year repaving cycle.
As your councilman, I will bring proactive planning and accountability to Town Hall. To ensure our infrastructure serves everyone, I will:
- Implement "Complete Streets" & Safe Routes to Schools: Establish a master plan that prioritizes the safety of students, pedestrians, and cyclists alongside drivers.
- Strengthen County Partnerships: Build early, consistent communication with Essex County to align safety standards before major repaving projects begin.
- Maximize Infrastructure Grants: Aggressively pursue county, state, and federal funding to deliver these critical upgrades while protecting local taxpayers.
Endorsements
Yitao Yu - Senior Director of Analytics and Reporting MetroPlus Health
Jeff Becker - Managing Director, Software & Services Investment Banking
Yitao Yu - Senior Director of Analytics and Reporting MetroPlus Health
"His energy seems endless... Bill is deeply connected to the Livingston community and cares about its well‑being. I am sure he will bring fresh ideas to the Livingston town council"
Scott Hames - Ret. Chief Marketing Officer Bed Bath Beyond
Jeff Becker - Managing Director, Software & Services Investment Banking
Yitao Yu - Senior Director of Analytics and Reporting MetroPlus Health
"William’s impact extends far beyond his professional and nonprofit work. He is a true 'community architect.' In an era when local government can sometimes feel remote, William’s ability to foster inclusive and active networks is invaluable."
Mainali Urmila - Nurse Practitioner
Jeff Becker - Managing Director, Software & Services Investment Banking
Jeff Becker - Managing Director, Software & Services Investment Banking
"Bill has consistently demonstrated the qualities we need in a Town Council member. He has always been approachable, listens to the concerns of all members, organized, and focused on what is best for the community..."
Jeff Becker - Managing Director, Software & Services Investment Banking
Jeff Becker - Managing Director, Software & Services Investment Banking
Jeff Becker - Managing Director, Software & Services Investment Banking
" Bill cares. Bill shows up. Bill plans and organizes... I have no doubt that Bill will give everything he has to keep Livingston great and make it even better."
Lisa Peng - AI Engineer III at Genius Sports | Computer Vision | Perception | MIT MEng
Lisa Peng - AI Engineer III at Genius Sports | Computer Vision | Perception | MIT MEng
Lisa Peng - AI Engineer III at Genius Sports | Computer Vision | Perception | MIT MEng
"Livingston will be well served by a leader as compassionate, creative, and deeply committed as Coach Bill... He listened to our ideas with enthusiasm and an open mind, and made sure we had the tools and resources we needed to succeed. "
Laurie Li - Valuations Actuary, FSA, CERA, MAAA
Lisa Peng - AI Engineer III at Genius Sports | Computer Vision | Perception | MIT MEng
Lisa Peng - AI Engineer III at Genius Sports | Computer Vision | Perception | MIT MEng
"Bill brings more than just a coach’s heart... he also brings a professional rigor that is essential to successfully serve Livingston. With his background in engineering and decades of experience in commercial real estate... he understands how to protect the town’s interests in large-scale negotiations."
Vishal Jadhav - Senior Software Engineer, Architect at Bloomberg LP
Lisa Peng - AI Engineer III at Genius Sports | Computer Vision | Perception | MIT MEng
Vishal Jadhav - Senior Software Engineer, Architect at Bloomberg LP
"When there weren't enough official competitions available... Bill took it upon himself to host local events so our kids wouldn't miss out. He is a deeply cooperative leader with a proven track record."
Stephanie Tam - Researcher | Problem-Solver | Mechanical Engineer
Lisa Peng - AI Engineer III at Genius Sports | Computer Vision | Perception | MIT MEng
Vishal Jadhav - Senior Software Engineer, Architect at Bloomberg LP
"His impact on my life continues today through my career... What stands out most about Coach Bill is his incredible dedication, always going above and beyond in ways that truly make a difference."
Chetan Vajapey - President KAI Solutions
M. Daniel Gordin, Ph.D - Global Regulatory Affairs / Executive Leader / Pharmaceuticals
Chetan Vajapey - President KAI Solutions
"That story is Bill in a nutshell: sociable, magnetic, energetic, analytical, organized, and absolutely committed to community well-being and the enablement of future generations."
Lucy Grosse - MSW U.Chicago, Yale
M. Daniel Gordin, Ph.D - Global Regulatory Affairs / Executive Leader / Pharmaceuticals
Chetan Vajapey - President KAI Solutions
"Bill stands out as someone who will serve with energy, heart, and dedication to families. He will be an accessible, thoughtful council member who always puts Livingston’s families first."
Summer Yung - DPT Student at Northwestern | Applied Exercise Science U. Michigan
M. Daniel Gordin, Ph.D - Global Regulatory Affairs / Executive Leader / Pharmaceuticals
M. Daniel Gordin, Ph.D - Global Regulatory Affairs / Executive Leader / Pharmaceuticals
"Coach Bill has a natural ability to bring people together. He has created spaces where people felt welcomed and excited to participate. His energy and commitment strengthened the robotics community in Livingston..."
M. Daniel Gordin, Ph.D - Global Regulatory Affairs / Executive Leader / Pharmaceuticals
M. Daniel Gordin, Ph.D - Global Regulatory Affairs / Executive Leader / Pharmaceuticals
M. Daniel Gordin, Ph.D - Global Regulatory Affairs / Executive Leader / Pharmaceuticals
"He is committed to protecting our schools, strengthening public safety, and improving quality of life. Bill will bring a fresh perspective to the Council with one clear goal: to serve our community with dedication, transparency, and accountability."
Kelly Eagen - School Nurse & Lifelong Livingston Resident
Kelly Eagen - School Nurse & Lifelong Livingston Resident
Kelly Eagen - School Nurse & Lifelong Livingston Resident
"Bill is a strong champion of women... encourages young people to pursue their interests and talents without being limited by outdated norms. His attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills help ensure that every task runs smoothly."
Cole Foster Green, LHS Senior, FTC Robotics Lancers
Kelly Eagen - School Nurse & Lifelong Livingston Resident
Kelly Eagen - School Nurse & Lifelong Livingston Resident
"He's also just really easy to work with and never cuts corners. Whether he's coordinating volunteers, teaching, or running a competition, he's right there doing the work alongside everyone else."
David Wong - FIRST Robotics & Retired VP JPM Chase
Kelly Eagen - School Nurse & Lifelong Livingston Resident
David Wong - FIRST Robotics & Retired VP JPM Chase
"His leadership skills, dedication, and amiable persona will be a tremendous asset. I wholeheartedly endorse Bill Lam for Livingston Town Council."
Carmen Yung - STEM Education Leader
William C Gold - Fmr. SVP Head of Data Analytics, Head of AI/ML Customer Experience, Citizens Bank
David Wong - FIRST Robotics & Retired VP JPM Chase
"If you are looking for someone who is honest, has integrity, and consistently seeks collaborative solutions for the greater good, then Bill Lam is the person you want representing the community."
William C Gold - Fmr. SVP Head of Data Analytics, Head of AI/ML Customer Experience, Citizens Bank
William C Gold - Fmr. SVP Head of Data Analytics, Head of AI/ML Customer Experience, Citizens Bank
William C Gold - Fmr. SVP Head of Data Analytics, Head of AI/ML Customer Experience, Citizens Bank
"For years, he has led and grown middle school robotics tournaments involving thousands... More recently he's organized pickleball groups that have brought neighbors together across generations. Bill builds community."
About Me
Livingston Resident since 1973
- Attended Riker Hill, Heritage, Livingston HS
- Married & raised 3 children through LPS and onwards to IBM, Northeastern, MIT, and collegiate lacrosse.
- Started working at age 8, cashiering, washing dishes, taking out garbage, mowing 5 acres, waitering, bartending and eventually managing 45+ employees
- Negotiated leases for Houlihan's, Margaritas, and Container Store / Starbucks property at Livingston Circle
- Fought to protect our family property during an eminent domain case
- As semiconductor sales executive, managed team with over $30m annual sales
- BS Electrical Engineering, MS Information Systems, MBA Technology Management
Executing a Vision
- Upholds a legacy of bold investment and community commitment established in 1975, when my parents risked 23 years of life savings to acquire the Cannon's Tavern property at the Livingston Circle. This "all-in" bet successfully transformed a local landmark into Lam's Chinese Restaurant, a 16,000-square-foot facility that became the largest of its kind in New Jersey, supporting 600 patrons, 50 employees, and 225 parking spaces.
- Brings a comprehensive understanding of real estate built on decades of hands-on experience in commercial development, land use, building demolition, expansions, new construction and site selection.
- Hands-on Understanding of the complexities of agency approvals, wetlands preservation, commercial property evaluations, tax abatements, ground leases, liquor licenses, and eminent domain cases.
- Integrates the multi-generational perspective of a 50+ year Livingston resident, having seen the town through the eyes of a child, a parent, and a business owner to deliver a comprehensive vision that balances our historical roots with the economic vitality needed to sustain Livingston for the next 50 years.
Volunteering & Service
- Founded 501(c)(3) American Robotics Open Championship in 2022 for FIRST Lego League. Now in our 5th year, we organize 100+ volunteers annually, bring in 70 award wining teams from state championships around the US, and generate roughly $3m of revenue for the region.
- 2016, started World Robot Olympiad in NJ, spurring the creation of 31 new teams by 2019
- 2018 & 2019 created Women in STEM & Robotics events at Liberty Science Center
- 2021/22 Coached Lemelson MIT InvenTEAMS students for pedestrian safety device
- 2010-2015 Coached 51 robotics teams through 161 competitions, 33 of them national / international level in US, Qatar, China, Costa Rica.
- Organized over 90+ STEM outreach events
- Coached in-town soccer, girls lacrosse, and HS mountain biking
- Worked with 100+ families annually from 2018-2025 to help form 130 robotics teams in Livingston.
- 2014-present: Officer & Board Member 501(c)(3) Livingston Robotics Club
- Recognition: 2021 Lemelson MIT Excite Award, 2019 Coach Mentor Award @ Detroit FIRST Lego League World Festival. 2019 NJ NCWIT (National Center for Women & Information Technology) Educator Award - Honorable Mention, 2021 NJ NCWIT Educator Award
Beyond the Ballot
Beyond my professional life, I’m a firm believer in staying active and involved. On Sunday mornings, you can find me on the field with the Livingston Leatherheads for our weekly touch football games, a 40+ year tradition in the community. Otherwise, I’m likely organizing AM pickleball drills, entering mountain bike races, meditatively riding on my Onewheel, or cheering from the sidelines at my daughters' lacrosse games.
Donations
For Change and Fresh Perspective and Transparency, Help support the campaign. Bill Lam for Town Council