Berkeley Heights Council Primary Candidate: Gentiana Brahimaj

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ — Gentiana Brahimaj is one of four Republicans running for Township Council in the contested Berkeley Heights primary election being held on Tuesday, June 4.

Brahimaj is running along with Republicans Manuel Couto, Edmund Tom Maciejewski, and George de Luna. Democrats Julie A. Figlar and Rina Franchino are also running on the Democratic ticket. There are two three-year council seats up for grabs.

All six candidates are vying for their party's nomination on June 4 and then will move on to the general election on Nov. 5.

Gentiana Brahimaj

Description:

I am an immigrant and proud to call this country and Berkeley Heights my home. It hasn’t always been easy, but through hard work, dedication and love of my family, I have been able to build a beautiful and fulfilling life here in Berkeley Heights.

I have lived in Berkeley Heights for nearly 20 years with my husband and our three wonderful children. I am a proud mom of an active U.S. Navy officer and wife of a U.S. Army veteran who served in German during the Vietnam War. We love and believe in this special town.

What experience do you have that would help you serve?

My name is Gentiana Brahimaj and I am running for Town Council here in Berkeley Heights. This country and this community have given me so much. I have tried to pay it forward by being an active and engaged citizen and neighbor. I have dedicated many hours to our schools, having chaired the Mary Kay McMillin school fundraiser, as well as spending countless hours on school trips, in the library, and working book fairs.

I loved my time as a class mom and loved being a Girl Scout volunteer. I am still very much involved with my eighth grader at Columbia Middle School.

My professional life has taken me on a unique journey in which I’ve worked in the legal, administrative, and restaurant industries. These experiences have honed my analytical, organizational, and financial skill sets.

I currently serve as a marketing and event coordinator for two New Jersey restaurants. I am honored my oldest daughter followed my footsteps with a successful career at one of the largest multinational investment bank.

What issues would you like to address in Berkeley Heights?

I am seeking to serve on the town council because I believe that government needs to communicate and truly serve its residents. Our government should listen, inform and be open and responsive to new ideas. Our council needs to manage every tax dollar as if it’s their own. I am very excited to be running with Manny Couto. Manny is exactly the kind of public servant we need – and who I want to work with. I look forward to speaking with and learning from you all in the weeks and months ahead.

— (If you are a candidate and would like to participate in the profile, email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com)

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