CRANFORD, NJ — Susan Burke, a Cranford resident, Democratic candidate, and current library board leader, is running for Township Committee, saying she wants to focus on quality of life improvements and strengthening community resources.
Burke is running on the Democratic line in this year’s local election.
Below is the candidate profile for Burke.
Name: Susan Burke
Age: 48
Town of residence: Cranford, NJ
Position sought: Township Committee Commissioner
Party affiliation: Democratic party
Family: Married to Tim Matheson, three children attending Cranford public schools (ages 13, 11, and 8)
Education: Bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA; Master’s in Library and Information Science from Pratt Institute in New York, NY
Occupation: Former children’s book editor and knowledge management specialist; currently a stay-at-home parent and community volunteer
Previous or current elected or appointed offices held: Member of the Cranford Library Board of Trustees since 2017; current President of the Library Board of Trustees; past Vice President; current chair of the personnel committee; past chair of the buildings and grounds committee
Campaign website: https://www.facebook.com/GalloBurke4Cranford
Burke said she is running because of her long-standing connection to Cranford and her desire to contribute to the community.
“I’m running for office because I love living in Cranford and I want to help make enhancements to our community that positively impact families just like mine,” Burke said.
She said she has been active in local volunteer work since moving to Cranford in 2012, including involvement with the PTA, Girl Scouts, Cranford Newcomers Club, and the Library Board of Trustees.
“There is much to celebrate in Cranford and so much more to gain when citizens work together and engage in respectful, civil dialogue to enact positive change,” she said.
Burke said her focus would be on quality of life issues across Cranford, including community facilities, transportation, and accessibility.
She pointed to her work overseeing the expansion of the library’s children’s room and said she would like to continue investing in the library and community center.
“These are critical community assets that serve young and old alike,” she said.
Burke also said she wants to address downtown traffic and improve walkability and bike access throughout town.
“The things that make Cranford a great place to live — our community-focused culture, thriving downtown, and accessible resources for children and seniors — need to be supported and improved,” she said.
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