Take Five: Cranford Committee Candidate Phil Siliato

CRANFORD, NJ - There are seats opening up on the Cranford Township Committee and Patch caught up with the candidates ahead of the general election this November.

Questionnaires were sent out out to all candidates registered with the County Clerk's Office in the 2019 general election using the email addresses they went on file with. The responses will be posted on the site by those who submitted in the order in which they were received. They will also be included in an election preview wrap.

This Take Five features Phil Siliato. His responses to the questions are below and unedited.

1. Why are you running for office?

I am running for Township Committee because I want to be a new voice for our community ,I am a voice that has never been in politics, but am one that is passionate about standing up and doing the right thing.

2. What is the biggest challenge you see facing your community and how will you address it ?

High density / Affordable housing is the biggest challenge . For starters, I would stand with our Republican Assembly leaders Jon Bramnick and Nancy Munoz, and push for a moratorium in Cranford for all construction. Jon and Nancy have proposed several bills that are in legislation to address this very issue but Trenton refuses to listen. I believe local officials should decide housing policy not the courts. Judges aren’t qualified to address the issues that come with such decisions.

3. What makes you the right person to vote for as opposed to the other candidates?

As a 15 year Cranford resident, I have a pulse on what is happening in our town and community. I have been a coach as well as former Jaycees President. My children attended Cranford schools. I know firsthand what this town is all about. Since announcing my candidacy in April, I have been attending Township workshop meetings and Township Committee meetings. I would be that strong advocate for our town without personal political motivations and committed to putting Cranford first.

4. What will you do to facilitate communication with the community ?

Communication is very important in any role one plays. I would ensure information is communicated via several different channels. Examples: social media ,email ,instant messaging, and news media.

Ask questions—ask probing and thoughtful questions and listen.

Create Transparency—share it as soon as you can. Share it completely and clearly.

Be clear and concise (keep it simple).

5. What inspires you?

My wife Chiara. She has been a member of the Cranford Centennial Village Group for over 10 years and enjoys spending time in her community. She has great energy and enthusiasm, is passionate and optimistic.

She sees the best in me. Having lived together in Cranford I wanted to share my talents, time and dedication with this town that we call home. I want Cranford to continue to be the best it can be
and that won’t happen without personal dedication and aspirations, and vision for the future.

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