Brennan Kicks Off Mayoral Campaign

Democrat Bill Brennan officially kicked off his campaign for mayor yesterday during a late afternoon party on Birch Avenue.

Brennan, a former town judge, highlighted his main campaign themes during a speech to a crowd of approximately 50 supporters. He specifically focused on downtown parking enforcement and fines, budget issues and wanting to debate Republican incumbent Andy Skibitsky during his speech.

Brennan, in what is looking to become a central theme of his campaign, reinforced his call for Skibitsky to meet him for several debates during the course of the campaign. The incumbent has declined the challenge, stating his preference for door-to-door campaigning and a joint appearance at the League of Women Voters candidates' night in October.

"The sitting mayor, with all his experience, all his money and all his support, will not meet with me and debate the issues," Brennan said to the crowd.

In terms of the budget, the Democrat reinforced his questioning regarding the town's budget process, including questioning Skibitsky's attendance at budget writing meetings. Brennan also highlighted what he describes as an over aggressive enforcement of downtown parking rules.

"But I think we are fostering an attitude downtown that's really not conducive to people coming in and shopping in our downtown," Brennan said. "We've raised parking tickets from $20 to $32 in one fell swoop, a 60-percent increase."

Brennan's announcement was attended by various Democrats in town, including Council running mates Janice Siegel and incumbents Dave Haas and Tom Bigosinski. Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella, who is seeking reelection this year, attended and delivered brief remarks to the crowd.

"It's going to be an important election this year and I am proud to be on the same ticket as Bill," Mirabella said. "We need good people who are committed to the process. I wind up spending a lot of time in Westfield. It is one of the premier downtowns in New Jersey and the country. We need to keep the stores filled."