Todd Edelstein: Bernards Township Council Candidate Profile

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Todd Edelstein is one of three candidates running for township committee in the Bernards election being held on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Edelstein is vying for the Independent ticket while Janice Fields is running on the Republican ticket and Dr. Sophia Chadda is running on the Democratic ticket.

All three candidates are vying for the one, three-year seat up for grabs on the township committee.

Here is a look at who Edelstein is and why he is running. Candidates were asked to answer the same questions and each candidate profile will be posted on Patch's site as it gets closer to the election.

Todd Edelstein

Describe yourself:

I've lived in Bernards Township since 1999 with my wife and two stepsons. I grew up in West Orange where I was a volunteer on the first aid squad for many years. I enlisted in the USMCR, afterward I went to Union County VocTech for Machine Learning and graduated as a machinist and continued towards being a tool and die maker. I went to the Essex County Police Academy, graduating second in my class and became a police officer in the City of East Orange after retirement became a Union plumber in the construction industry.

What experience do you have that would help you serve?

Between riding on a volunteer first aid squad to being in the military to being in law enforcement, I've a strong sense of community service plus knowing how to work as part of team working towards a goal. I don't believe the other two candidates have the same background or history of service to the community and a team player which they will need to be in order to work on the town committee with four others towards keeping Bernards great.

What issues would you like to address if elected?

I have been going to the Township meetings for many years where I have questioned the committee on many issues, especially concerning financial matters, something my fellow candidates have never done. I am the financial conservative the others wish they were. When the rubber hits the road, I have been the one constant at meetings. Not only do I go to the Township meetings, but constantly go to the Planning Board meetings, Board of Adjustment meetings, and the Environmental Commission meetings. Where were for the Mountain View Project at the Board of Adjustment? Where were they at the new additions to the master plan at the Planning Board? Where were they for the discussions about the drop in the membership and the poor conditions of the golf course at the Golf Advisory Committee where I suggested contacting the USGA for help.

You know what, the USGA came thru with suggestions that would help the course and in turn help with the membership and I don't even play golf. I contribute at those meetings when possible and necessary, unlike the other candidates who claim to have ideas to make the town better, but never shared those ideas, in fact I've never seen them at those meetings. When I have an idea I certainly never keep it to myself, I share it! Why keep it to yourself? The idea may of been kicked around before, or it may not be practical because of laws that govern the township, but if you don't contribute you'll never know. If they had spoken to as many people as I have, then they should know that opinions go from one gamete to the next.

Why should voters vote for you?

You may not satisfy everyone, but if you are working towards keeping Bernards great, then you should accept the fact not everyone will vote for you. Just don't let it prevent you from doing what is best for the town.

If you are looking for a candidate that sits on their hands in fear of losing votes, then vote for the other two candidates. But if you are looking for someone to show up, stand up, ask questions, offer suggestions, ideas with real world experience, true law enforcement experience and a strong sense of community service, then people should vote for me.

— (If you are a candidate and would like to participate in the election profile, email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com)

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