Cranford Committee Candidate Profile: Regina "Gina" Black

CRANFORD, NJ — Three candidates filed by the April 6 primary deadline to be considered for the Democratic or Republican nomination to run for one spot on the Cranford Township Committee. Now, two of the Democratic candidates will face off June 8 for the nomination, then face a Republican and possible independents for the open seat in November.

Gina Black is running unopposed for the Republican nomination on June 8, and then will face a Democrat in November. She ran for committee last year as well.

Candidate profile: Regina "Gina" Black

Patch sent a candidate profile form to each person who met the filing deadline. We will be posting them individually through the election season. Each one is published in the candidate's own words, but may be shortened for space.

Here is Gina Black's profile:

Gina Black - Cranford Township Committee Candidate

Age (as of Election Day)

53

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

Two sons: Aaron, age 25 and Nicholas, age 19

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

B.S. Chemistry, Penn State University; M.S. Medicinal Chemistry, Rutgers University

Occupation

Chemist, 30 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

ginablack4cranford.com

Why are you seeking elected office?

Cranford is a fantastic town because of the people that make up the community. It’s the reason I chose so many years ago to make a home and raise my two sons here. I have enjoyed being part of the fabric of this community and I have now stepped up to fill an empty seat on the Township Committee because I want to ensure that our town remains strong. I will be a voice for all residents--young and old, new and settled—that will help us move past the challenges of 2020 and bring focus back to the responsible and sustainable growth of Cranford.

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

Redevelopment has been and continues to be a hot button issue for Cranford. How we address this issue has a big impact on many things: density, traffic, walk/bike-ability, taxes, as well as our town’s character and the success of our local businesses. Having lived here for 30 years, I have had a front-row view of how responsible development can have a positive impact on the growth of Cranford. Projects such as Cranford Crossing and Riverfront Development transformed previously neglected areas into thriving, popular destinations in the community. Working with the stakeholders such as the building owners and residents, these projects were planned and completed without the use of eminent domain. Cranford is a desireable town to live and do business in, which is very evident from recent real estate activity and the low vacancy rate in our storefronts. I will encourage organic growth opportunities that do not require the excessive incentivizing that has unfortunately become the norm for recent projects.

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

While the current majority is driving hard to eliminate any differences of opinion even within their own party, I highly value different points of view and feel very strongly that diverse opinions are what generate the best solutions. Party politics have no place at the local level. I will work hard to make sure our town’s many voices are appropriately represented and work to build consensus so that the right decisions are made for Cranford. When people feel that they are heard, they can begin to build trust, something that is lacking in many parts of our government these days.

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

I believe we can always do better when it comes to communication and transparency. It is my belief that the Township Committee needs to do better especially regarding the major redevelopment projects that are being proposed. Too many discussions are being held behind closed doors which has eroded trust in the process. I will make it a priority to improve transparency by utilizing current technologies and tools to make communication with our residents timelier and more effective.
I will also be inclusive of all committee members, regardless of party affiliation, in all township discussions. As members of the Township Committee, working together is the most effective way to serve our residents. Members may not always agree, but healthy discussion and respect is a necessity and a strength among Committee members. My promise is to always put Cranford first, and make the best decisions for our residents without political interference.

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

Through my experience in the corporate world, I have learned that it is important to have structure and accountability. I know the value of building a reliable network and working as a team and I have thrived in this environment. My lengthy experience on the board of an accredited daycare center, holding roles as both treasurer and vice president, prepared me in many ways for challenges around policymaking, budget building and negotiation as we managed the operation of the corporate-sponsored/employee-run center.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

The best advice ever shared with me was to “do the right thing and do it the right way”. Decision-making can be extremely challenging when working with a large group having diverse needs and interests. By investing the time and energy to make informed, data-driven and timely decisions, the right conclusions will be reached with consensus among the affected stakeholders.

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

I am a strong, thoughtful and compassionate woman who has balanced a full-time career while raising my family and actively volunteering within the Cranford community. I understand the importance of hard work and service and look forward to putting forth my best efforts for the community.

More Cranford election information from Patch

Cranford runs under the township form of government. The five members of the Township Committee are elected by the public, and they choose a mayor from among themselves for one year. Committee seats last three years.

Last year, two new committee candidates were elected. This year, only one seat is open on the five-member committee.

As noted, Gina Black is running unopposed for the Republican nomination on June 8, and will face one of the two Democrats in November:

• Incumbent Committeeman Thomas H. Hannen Jr., under the banner of Democrats for Cranford, and
• Kate Rappa, under the banner of the Cranford Democratic Committee, part of the Regular Democratic Organization of Union County.

Hannen has served as mayor in the past. He has gotten the nod of the regular Democratic Committee when he ran for previous terms, but not this year.

This year, Mayor Kathleen Prunty Miller endorsed Rappa.

"We thank Commissioner Hannen for his service," said Cranford Democratic Commitee Chair BJ Kowalski. "Now is the time to look to Cranford's future, and that is why Cranford Democrats are proud to support Kate Rappa."

All three candidates are currently involved in various Cranford organizations and have raised families in town.

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