Russ Graham​: Garwood Council Candidate Profile

GARWOOD, NJ — There is a contested race for the Garwood Borough Council election this upcoming November election with six candidates running.

Democrat incumbent Russell Graham is running for borough council on the ticket with Jennifer Blumenstock and Marc Lazarow.

Graham is running against Republican William Bellomo for the one unexpired seat available.

Blumenstock and Lazarow are among the four candidates running for the two, three-year seats in the election being held on Tuesday, Nov. 5. The other two candidates include: Republican Victor Stevens and Republican Joseph Nicastro III.

Here is a look at who Graham 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.

Russell Graham

Describe yourself:

I was born in Jersey City and raised in Green Brook. I have been married to my wife Julie for 36 years and together we have lived in Garwood for 30 years. My call to service began early in life when I joined the United States Navy. I am a combat veteran of the Vietnam War, who served on board the USS Joseph Hewes (DE/FF-1078) and achieved the rank of Yeoman Second Class before being honorably discharged.

In 2009, I was honored by my election to the Garwood Board of Education, and served the Garwood community for four years. During my time on the BOE I served as Chairman of the Buildings and Grounds Committee, Liaison to the Borough Council and as a member of the Negotiation Committee.

A graduate of Raritan Valley Community College with a degree in Computer Science, I retired from a 27-year career in the HVAC industry as a manufacturer’s representative and small business owner. During my career I was an active member of the New Jersey Chapter of ASHRAE, serving on the Board of Governors and as NJ Chapter president.

I am currently serving my first year on Council after unanimously being voted in by the council to fill a vacant seat. I am the current Buildings and Grounds chair and worked to revitalize Hartman Park with grants to provide shading; spearheaded the rehabilitation and repair of cracks in Borough Hall and repairs to the firehouse roof. In addition, I am working as the Historical Committee Liaison and also serve on the Laws and Licenses committee.

What experience do you have that would help you serve?

Having served for the past year on Council and after going through required municipal government training classes, I feel that I have gained invaluable experience to continue serving the Borough of Garwood. Participating in two campaigns has afforded me the opportunity to speak with many residents and has given me invaluable insights into their concerns and how to serve them better.

What issues would you like to address if elected?

I would like to continue to work with the Mayor and Council to maintain and where possible enhance services within the borough, as well as continue advocating as the Garwood representative to the Union County Transportation Advisory Board on all matters pertaining to road and rail projects in our area.

Why should voters vote for you?

I have devoted much time and energy through my efforts on the Board of Education, as a Councilman, and as a member of the Garwood Green Team to making Garwood a welcoming and attractive community. I will continue to help govern our borough in an open, honorable and transparent fashion.

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

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