Garwood Borough Council 2021: Heather Loffredo

GARWOOD, NJ — Garwood's general election on Nov. 2 has four candidates running for two open seats on the Borough Council.

Heather Loffredo is one of two Republican candidates running. The other candidates include:

• Kimberly Salmon - Republican
• Clarissa Nolde - Democrat
• Jeff Jotz - Democrat

All of the candidates are running for the three, three-year seats on the board.

Are you running for office in Garwood? Contact Alexis Tarrazi at alexis.tarrazi@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Clark-Garwood Patch.

Heather Loffredo

Age: 41

Party Affiliation: Republican

Town of residence: Garwood

Position sought: Borough Council

Family: Married 13 years and 2 children under 5

Education: BS Business Management from West Chester University

Occupation: 15+ Years Experience as a Retail Buyer and 2 years Office Manager/Book Keeper/Human Resources of Family Accounting Office

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: N/A

Campaign website: garwoodgop.org

Why are you seeking to run for borough council?

Everything I do is for my children. I have been watching from the sidelines for awhile and I’m ready to step up and make a change.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

There is not a bipartisan thought process on the current democratic controlled council. We need to have a more diverse point of view that will appeal to all citizens of Garwood.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have known Clarissa Nolde as a neighbor for 9 years. I have recently met Jeffrey Jotz. They are both lovely people. However, my biggest concerns are the major issues facing Garwood at this time such as how we are spending, heavy tax burdens, future redevelopment/traffic issues, infrastructure/services issues. And while we share similar views on infrastructure while keeping taxes low, they seem to have focused more of their attention on projects that do not seem to be priority for many of the Garwood residents. Those programs include: arts & cultures committees, sustainability and traffic calming exercises. We need to focus on the big things before we can address some of these secondary programs.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

The current council mismanaged funds, overspent and created budget concerns during a pandemic that affects all of our residents and small businesses.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Our Garwood seniors and children are our top priority. Our current council has left the recreation department with financial and logistical constraints. Our current administrations needs the recreation center to be rented out 6 days a week to be financially solvent. We must correct this for our residents, children and seniors.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have worked in both corporations and small businesses my entire life. My experience as a buyer and working in an accounting office has given me real life experience to tackle current issues. I am adept at vendor relations, negotiation, costing, planning, forecasting, and budget/plan creation which will be top skills needed to handle the current administrations budget and spending issues.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Never stop fighting for what you believe in.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have been a homeowner in Garwood for 9 years. I am a wife and a mother. I support small business, lower taxes, reduced spending, transparency and honesty.