Bernardsville Borough Council Candidate: Matthew Marino

BERNARDSVILLE, NJ — Matthew Marino is one of the four candidates running for borough council in the contested Bernardsville Borough election being held on Tuesday, Nov. 6.

There are two candidates vying for the four-year mayor seat including: Democratic Councilman Thomas O'Dea, Jr. and Republican Mary Jane Canose.

There are also four candidates vying for two three-year seats on the borough council including: Democrats Jeffrey Hammond and Matthew Marino and Republicans John Donahue and Lloyd Sems.

Matthew Marino

Description:

I have been a Bernardsville resident since 2013. I spent 14 years as a high school English teacher and soon will begin a new position in student affairs (Title IX) at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences in Newark. In addition, I am working on my dissertation for my Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership, Management, and Policy at Seton Hall University.

I have been president of my condominium association for the past four years and also serve as a board member and website manager/social media coordinator for Trilogy Repertory, a theater group in Basking Ridge.

In my spare time, I enjoy running 5Ks, half marathons, and full marathons; community theater; and background acting in television shows and movies.

Why are you running?

I am running because I want to help improve the quality of life for everyone in Bernardsville. Bernardsville is a special place made up of residents who truly care about its character and community atmosphere. That said, my running mates and I recognize that Bernardsville residents expect more from their council; Tom, Jeff, and I are ready to deliver.

We have identified several areas where, with some hard work on the council’s part, Bernardsville can recognize improvement and can continue to thrive.

What experience do you have that would help you serving?

My position as condo association president will serve me very well on the council. Working with my fellow board members, we constantly focus on addressing the needs and concerns of our residents; managing the budget; planning both short-term and long-term projects; looking for ways to improve our complex in cost-efficient ways; and maintaining a strong quality of life for our residents.

In addition, my time as an educator has helped — and will help — me connect with people of different ages, backgrounds, and the like. From working with students to help them meet their goals to collaborating with administrators in strategic planning and school evaluations, I have many skills that easily will transfer to my role as councilman.

I also am a firm believer in effective communication, both in-person and via the use of technology, and will use my skill set to improve the flow of communication from the council to the Bernardsville residents and vice-versa.

What issues would you like to see addressed if elected?

Improving Bernardsville’s downtown remains a priority for many residents and a priority for me as well. Tom, Jeff, and I have the goal of improving our downtown for the benefit of both residents and business owners. Further, we need to preserve our open space and to make the most of the open space funds so that our residents have enjoyable, well-maintained, and safe places to take part in outdoor recreation. Roads and roadway/sidewalk maintenance also will be at the top of our list of council initiatives. We want to ensure that Bernardsville's residents have safe passage whether in their cars, on their bikes, or on foot.

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

(Image provided: Matt Marino)

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