Green Brook Committee Primary Candidate: Gerard Searfoss

GREEN BROOK, NJ — Gerard Searfoss is the only Republican and one of two candidates running for township committee in the uncontested Green Brook primary election being held on Tuesday, June 4.

Incumbent Searfoss is running uncontested for the Republican ticket. There is also one Democrat Linda Bolton also running uncontested for the Democratic seat.

Both candidates for their party's nomination on June 4 and then will move on to the general election on Nov. 5 for the one township committee seat.

Gerard Searfoss

Description:

Gerard Searfoss (Jerry), age 54, Green Brook resident for 25 years. Wife Kate (27 years), three sons: Matt 24, Drew 21, Tim 19.

What experience do you have that would help you serve?

I’m currently the longest serving member on the Township Committee, since February 2006. Prior to that I served on the Green Brook Board of Education for six years. I have served on numerous township committees during this time, including: Board of Health, Open Space, Flood Control, Municipal Alliance, Board of Ed Liaison, Cultural Heritage and Historic Preservation, Recreation and Environmental Commission. I’ve also served three terms as Mayor.

What issues would you like to address in Green Brook?

I would like to continue to address the sustainable initiatives that we have been working on in Green Brook. We have been and will continue to be actively involved with environmental clean-ups in the brook and around town in conjunction with organizations such as Surfrider and the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership. These clean-ups are a great opportunity to keep Green Brook green and for our community to gather together with a common goal, get to know one another and a chance for the youth of the community (scouts…etc.) to get involved. Our municipal facilities are continuing to get energy efficiency upgrades and I will keep a close watch on our storm water management policies.

I will continue to push for fiscal responsibility on the municipal level, (four straight years of no municipal tax increases) as well as enhancing quality of life in Green Brook through the Open Space program. Arthur Lewis Park, at the sight of the former Green Brook Swim Club, will be opening towards the end of the summer thanks to the generosity of the Somerset County Freeholders. This park will be a great space for the local residents with a splash park, playgrounds, open lawn, pavilion and barbecue areas. In partnership with RWJ University Hospital Somerset, there will be a state-of-the-art fitness court as well. In addition, our Central Bark Dog Park is looking at some upgrades this year!

I would like to also continue the policy of shared services with local towns. We’ve had success with our court, police dispatch services, EMS and a multitude of services with Somerset County. The county has also supported our historic preservation efforts with grants for the restoration of the 18th century Vermeule-Mundy House, which in this next round will be made ADA accessible and when completed will be a wonderful museum and local meeting place for the community.

We continue to keep our residents informed about town and local events with our new website and our recently launched e-newsletter. We welcome interaction with residents on our online request for service portal.

Another initiative is to continue to attract a diverse mix of thriving businesses within our Route 22 corridor as well as the Village Commercial Zone. By striving to be business-friendly using smart planning, these areas can be further enhanced through the development of local businesses that can serve the residents of Green Brook.

Some of my favorite things about Green Brook are the great local events that we have. Opening Day with Green Brook Baseball, the Fishing Derby, Oktoberfest, Holiday Tree Lighting, National Night Out, Turkey Trot and our Farmer’s Market, just to name a few, are where I like to get out and enjoy our town in the company of neighbors and friends. See you around town!

Why should voters vote for you?

Residents of Green Brook should vote for me because they know that I always have what’s "Best for Green Brook" on my mind. Green Brook is ranked as one of the top locations to live in for families. I have the experience and knowledge required to ensure Green Brook maintains that status and continues to move in the right direction.

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

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