Cranford Election Primary Is July 7, General In November

CRANFORD, NJ — So far, two Republican and two Democratic candidates will face off against each other for two seats on the Cranford Township Committee in November. Independent candidates can join the fray in November as well.

The primary race is July 7. Since there are only two people from each party running for the two seats, they're unopposed within their party on July 7. But you can still vote for them in the July primary to show support, and learn more about the candidates before November below.

Mayor Patrick Giblin and Committeeman Jean-Albert Maisonneuve, both Democrats, have decided against running for re-election to the seats.

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

This year, the Democratic candidates for the two seats are Brian Andrews and Jason Gareis, and the Republican candidates are Chrissa Stulpin and Regina "Gina" Black.

How to vote in the July 7 primary

The Cranford Township Committee noted this week, "The NJ Primary Election day was pushed back to July 7 due to COVID-19. Cranford is a location for an official Union County Vote By Mail Drop Box. The secure box, located in front of the Cranford Community Center at 220 Walnut Avenue, is monitored by a security camera."

As mandated by State of New Jersey Executive Order 144, vote-by-mail ballots for the Tuesday, July 7 primary election were automatically mailed to all registered Democratic and Republican Party voters. Unaffiliated and inactive voters were to receive an application to vote-by-mail. Ballots and applications will include a prepaid return postage stamp.

The Union County Board of Elections is accepting vote-by-mail ballots from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day, July 7, and must be received by Tuesday, July 14 to be counted.

For those voting in person, Executive Order 144 requires polling locations to comply with New Jersey State COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions. Maintaining a physical distance of 6 feet from other voters and wearing a mask are required in all polling locations. Postcards containing information on polling locations will be mailed to every registered voter in Summit.

For more information on voting, visit the Union County Board of Elections website.

Candidate information

The Republicans returned their Patch candidate profile. The Democrats submitted an announcement with candidate information.

Here are the profiles:

Chrissa Stulpin and Gina Black, Republican candidates

Why are you seeking elected office?

Chrissa: I have lived in Cranford for most of my adult life. We moved here 18 years ago shortly after graduating college and getting married. We became involved in the community right from the beginning. After serving on various committees, the PTA Board, numerous PTA events, CBSL, as well as jumping in wherever needed, my husband and I have always believed that public service is important. I care deeply about Cranford and our community and felt compelled to step up once more. At a time where Cranford is presented with change from so many angles, it is important to have leaders that put the needs of the community first and will guide Cranford on a path of responsible and thoughtful growth.

Gina: 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 see that legacy continue. I would like to be a voice for all residents--young and old, new and settled--and help to usher in a time of responsible, common-sense decision making that puts Cranford first.

What is the most pressing issue in the community, and what do you intend to do about it?

Both Republican candidates: The single most pressing issue facing our community today is the COVID-19 recovery, including the financial impact on the municipal budget in the upcoming years. We intend to proactively evaluate the needs of the community and businesses and work with neighboring towns to develop creative solutions and proactive recovery plans. We will press for state and federal agencies to help address the needs of our local businesses.

Our current committee has fallen short of this by not being proactive and failing to address the needs of the entire business community. This disaster will have long term impacts on the financial stability of Cranford, particularly around this year’s use of surplus that was used to artificially lower the tax rate. Surplus should be a rainy-day fund. We now have a rainy day with no umbrella and this will need to be addressed through solid financial planning for years to come.

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

Chrissa: My past experience with several township appointed committees, including Centennial Village Group, Cranford Business Park Committee and Downtown Management Board Marketing has given me the understanding of how Cranford’s government works – and doesn’t work. In addition, throughout my almost 20 year career in diagnostic and molecular imaging sales and operations, I have gained a diverse knowledge in budgeting, negotiating and communicating and can hit the ground running from day one. I have learned to always seek out new ideas and different perspectives weighing the alternative and consider the possible outcomes to develop reasonable positions.

Gina: 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. Also, 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 Cranford Democratic Committee submitted:

Brian Andrews and Jason Gareis, Democratic candidates:

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Brian Andrews:

Brian and his wife Jill are raising two young children in town. Brian is an active member of the Cranford Jaycees and previously served on the Parks and Recreation Committee. He chairs the Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Committee and serves on the Raritan Valley Rail Coalition. He is also a board member of the Cranford Fund for Educational Excellence.

“Cranford is a community that comes together in tough times," said Brian. "When our town floods, neighbors help neighbors and we rebuild. Even now, when we need to maintain physical distance, Cranford residents are supporting local businesses, our health professionals and first responders, and each other. It is inspiring."

“The Township Committee has an important role responding to this health crisis and then supporting our recovery,” he explained. “I spent years serving under Democratic and Republican administrations in Washington DC, and studying how to make government more effective. Working with Cranford residents, businesses, and organizations, I want to help us come out of this even stronger in the years ahead.”

Jason Gareis:

Jason, his wife Lauerin, and his son live near Nomahegan Park and enjoy spending time outdoors daily. An attorney in private practice, Jason has spent most of his professional career in public service with the County Prosecutor’s office. “I am eager to now focus on public service in my local community,” he said.

“My family and I enjoy each day we spend living in Cranford,” said Jason. “My 8-year-old son loves the Orange Avenue School community and playing lacrosse as part of the Cranford Lacrosse Club. From walks downtown for dinner, to Township-sponsored events at the Community Center and the overall feeling of community, we are reminded every day why Cranford is such a special place.”

Serving on Cranford’s Township Committee, explained Jason, “would allow me to use my nearly two decades of problem-solving experience to help lead Cranford forward and continue on its path as an exceptional place to live and raise a family.”

Watch for more coverage before the November election. Have thoughts on the election? Comment below.

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