Inform The Vote

individual agenda

Quoted directly from communication with Ranello:

Since her appointment to the Millville City Commission in April 2024, Marissa Ranello has been committed to restoring pride in the community. This mission involves tackling disorder, cleaning up parks and public spaces, and encouraging residents to actively participate in improving and caring for Millville. She is now seeking your vote to continue this important work. Learn more about what Marissa is doing here: Facebook Campaign Site

Stances on Current Issues

Quoted directly from communication with Ranello, in response to our interview with Vice-Mayor Sooy which aimed to establish the current issues in Millville, which we have summarized on our Millville City Issues page:

Economic development in our rural area -

I think it's vital to attract investments, create jobs, and increase overall economic activity. When you prioritize economic development, you're supporting the creation of new businesses and the expansion of existing ones. As the economy grows, it generates more tax revenue, allowing us to improve public services in Millville without needing to raise tax rates. Economic development addresses the root causes of financial challenges. With that said, there's a delicate balance. Most residents aren't going to support projects that could result in significant pollution or potentially harm the environment and public health. Balancing economic development with environmental and social responsibility is really important to me.

Cannabis as a potential source of tax revenue -

As we know, New Jersey legalized recreational marijuana through a voter-approved referendum in 2020. My primary concern with the legal cannabis market is that it has resulted in cannabis becoming more accessible to minors. Last year, the American Academy of Pediatrics released a report on edible cannabis exposures and acute toxicity in children under 6. The data revealed a dramatic increase in cases: from 207 in 2017 to 3,054 in 2021-an alarming rise of 1,375%. While the aim of regulating cannabis was to ensure quality control and safety, these numbers make me wonder if we're improving safety for adults but failing to protect children. Given these concerns, I'm uncertain if I'll ever be completely at ease with the widespread acceptance of cannabis. Nevertheless, it is now legal throughout the state, and it generates revenue and creates jobs. Currently, we do not allow dispensaries in Millville, although we have one growing facility. Regardless of individual opinions on marijuana, it is already present in our community. The reality is that cannabis provides a source of revenue, and we collect a 2% tax on it.

Nabb Ave Extension -

I believe the Nabb Avenue extension project will be highly beneficial for both the city and the county. It has the potential to drive new development, bringing significant advantages to Millville and the surrounding area. We've had a lot of different studies at this point. I'm hopeful that the city and the county can work together to bring this project to fruition.

Voter Awareness and Civic Engagement -

Running for local office requires a significant time commitment, including attending meetings, participating in events, solving numerous problems, and communicating with both the public and various departments. If a candidate cannot dedicate the necessary time and effort, they should reconsider running for office. My advice to voters is to ask candidates about their platforms and the issues they plan to address. Find out what problems they aim to tackle, how they plan to address them, and what their specific strategies are. If a candidate can't provide clear answers, that's a red flag. This isn't about popularity; it's about choosing dedicated individuals who are genuinely committed to improving our city.

Road safety and off-road vehicles -

In 2022, this commission passed an ordinance banning the sale and dispensing of fuel for ATVs. A few months ago, we unanimously approved a resolution requesting more effective guidelines from the Attorney General's office to address ATV issues, but we have yet to receive a response. This issue extends beyond Millville, as neighboring cities are encountering similar problems. However, my primary concern is for Millville. Our police department urgently needs clear guidelines and support from the Attorney General.

Community -

Community is the backbone of Millville, shaping its identity, culture, and vitality. Without a strong community, we're fragmented and disconnected. My goal is to create a safer, more welcoming environment that encourages everyone to come together to celebrate our strengths and address the issues we face.

Situational Crime Prevention -

Many bail reform measures assume that individuals will engage with pretrial services, but this is not always the case. As a result, we often see individuals failing to appear for court dates, which leads to warrants and additional legal troubles. This creates emotional distress and feelings of vulnerability within communities like ours. To combat this, we need to make our environment less appealing to crime. Blighted neighborhoods often suffer from weakened social cohesion and community ties, resulting in reduced crime reporting and a lack of trust among neighbors. In such environments, criminals may feel emboldened, believing they are less likely to be caught or face consequences. Addressing blight through community revitalization efforts can help break this cycle. By improving safety and fostering a sense of ownership and pride among residents, we can create a more resilient and secure community.

Marissa Ranello

Websites

individual agenda

Stances on Current Issues

Experience