Cranbury Township Committee Candidate Profile: Karen Callahan

Name: Karen Callahan
Party: Republican 

Why are you running for Township Council?
I believe it is important to give back to my community, not only as an example to my children, but as a fellow member of society.  It has never been part of my nature to sit on the sidelines, expecting someone else to carry the burden.  If you want to truly belong to a community you need to have a personal stake in it.  This is evident in my long history of active involvement throughout Cranbury.  I have worked with various organizations over the years, such as the Cranbury School PTO, the Cranbury Area Mother's Club, the Cranbury Swim Club and the Cranbury Arts Council, in a variety of leadership roles.  My involvement has given me the opportunity to meet and interact with much of the community.  I have earned their respect and trust and for that reason many in the community have encouraged me to run.  From their experience and history with me, residents know that I am a sound decision-maker, that I take a common sense approach to issues and topics, and that my decisions are data driven.  I am fortunate to be at a point in my life when I don't have a full time professional career, which affords me the time to devote to a position on Township Committee.

What are three issues most important to you and why?

1. Foster and environment of controlled spending- It is imperative to review and evaluate a budget line by line to ensure that each item is reasonable and justified.  I have experience managing large  budgets during my career as Director of Global Service Operations for Hewlett Packard.  Through my private sector experience I have demonstrated a strong record of creatively improving  efficiencies and cutting costs.  
2. Identify and cultivate new revenue streams- It is imperative that we as a town encourage a business friendly environment with our existing and future commercial partners.  Responsible  development along the Route 130 corridor, South Main Street, and Brickyard Road will act as a perfect complement to our treasured downtown businesses.  Revenue from commercial  real estate taxes are essential to ensuring that residential taxes are not the only source of revenue for our town.  Keeping Cranbury affordable is the key to our legacy.
3. Continue to Pursue the Route 130 Repaving Project- The stretch of Route 130 that runs through Cranbury has been poorly maintained by the state, and neglected for far too long.  The excessive noise has had a negative impact on the quality of life and property values for Cranbury residents.  Properly repaving this roadway will be the only way to alleviate the excess noise created when  large trucks and cars come in contact with bumps, potholes, and cracks in the pavement.  Towns at points North and South of Cranbury have had their portions of Route 130 properly repaved and paid for by the state.  To date, Cranbury has been neglected.  I have been an active advocate for our community, and have been working tirelessly with our local Senator and Department of  Transportation to have this issue addressed once and for all.  We are making progress and I am committed to continuing this crusade, and seeing this project through until completion.

Why should residents vote for you?
I have been an advocate and voice for residents impacted by the neglect of Route 130.  I have experience managing large budgets, and as a member of the Township Committee I will bring my efficiency expertise to help cut costs and bring savings.  Over the years I have spoken out and taken a stance on issues in town.  I have gained the reputation of someone who has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others.  I look forward to the opportunity to serve Cranbury as the next member of Township Committee and ask for your support on November 8th.