Bernardsville Mayoral Candidate: Thomas O'Dea Jr.

BERNARDSVILLE, NJ — Thomas O'Dea, Jr. is one of the two candidates running for mayor 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.

Profile provided by Thomas O'Dea, Jr.:

Thomas O'Dea, Jr.

Description:

Tom has served on the borough council since January 2018 and is already one of the council's most knowledgeable and proactive members.

As a member of the Finance Committee, he oversaw a budget that reduced the property tax increase to the smallest amount in five years, while continuing to invest in our town. He voted to support the great work of the Downtown Development Committee. He collaborated with the library board to restore hours and put them on a firm financial footing.

His council campaign, with running mate Christine Zamarra, centered on the theme “Listening to You.” He says he will continue to keep that promise and be the hardest working candidate on the campaign trail.

Why are you running?

Tom says, "I am running to serve my community in a way that values all residents and all points of view. At this local level it is important to realize that we need cooperation more than political labels and we need leadership that can deliver results for people."

What experience do you have that would help you serving?

Tom's professional expertise gives him deep understanding of public finances and fuels his commitment to responsible, productive use of taxpayer dollars. He has more than two decades of engineering, budgeting, financial planning, and strategic planning experience, for Ford Motor Company, Lucent Technologies, and some of the nation’s largest school districts.

He is a graduate of Penn State University and the University of London and a 15-year resident of Holly Ridge Court. He and his wife have a son attending Bernardsville Middle School.

What issues would you like to see addressed if elected?

Tom will continue the strong fiscal management that resulted in the smallest tax increase in five years (and lower than 32 out of the past 38 years). This was achieved while still investing in necessary infrastructure and in areas that benefit residents. Tom also oversaw a Debt Service Plan that reduces debt by $5 million over the next five years and more than $10 million over the next 10 years.

Tom's priorities for Bernardsville include infrastructure improvements and investing in Downtown Revitalization that preserves the character of our town and increasing outdoor activities including parks, recreation and youth sports program

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

(Image provided: Thomas O'Dea Jr.)

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