I grew up in a Chicago suburb very much like Summit. After my first year of high school, my father was unexpectedly transferred across country—twice in nine months. That taught me the importance of place and community roots.  I went home to the University of Chicago for college (where I was Phi Beta Kappa) and law school, eventually earning my Masters in Tax Law from Georgetown.

 

After practicing with a Chicago law firm, I joined the Treasury Department in Washington, DC, where I led a team writing regulations and rulings for small businesses and their owners. 

 

I moved to Summit back in 1996 to marry my husband, David Dietze. Our kids were born at Overlook Hospital and went to the Summit public schools. Once our son was born, I moved from full-time legal practice to financial planning, first at Point View and eventually running the department at Peapack Private Wealth Management. As of September 29th, I am happily retired!

 

When I first moved to Summit, I joined the Business and Professional Women’s Club, where I served as Treasurer and Second Vice President.  When my children were young, I edited the PTA newsletter and taught religious education. From there, my community involvement only grew. In the nonprofit sector, I have served as Board Member and Treasurer of the Summit Educational Foundation, Finance Committee member of Family Promise, Board Member and head of Governance for SAGE Eldercare, Board Member and Treasurer of Summit Downtown, Inc., Finance Council Member of St. Teresa of Avila Parish, Finance Committee Member of Impact 100 Garden State, and President of the Summit Bar Association. As a volunteer for the City of Summit, I have served as Secretary of the Historic Preservation Commission and currently serve on the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

 

Volunteers can do a great deal in Summit, but they can’t do everything. As a volunteer, I have worked for additional support for our vulnerable and underserved populations.  As a volunteer, I have seen and advocated for changes we should make in our land use laws to preserve our historic fabric, drive smart development, and meet our affordable housing obligation. 

 

I am running for Common Council because I want to leverage my experience to help make a difference and create lasting changes that will strengthen our community.