Politics & Government

Fourth Ward Democratic Nominee Thomas Bigosinski

Candidate answers Westfield Patch questions.

1. Name: Thomas Bigosinski

2. Age: 41

3. Address: 124 S. Scotch Plains Ave.

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4. Years lived in town: 7

5. Family Info: Wife Viera, a registered nurse, and two sons Luke (8) and David (5)

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6. Educational Background

 Undergraduate Degree from Rutgers University and a Law Degree from Seton Hall

7. Occupation

 Attorney concentrating in labor and employment defense

8. Community/Political Background

 3 years as a volunteer on the Tree Preservation Commission and 4 years on Town Council

 

A. What do you think are the three biggest issues facing Westfield this election? (list form, one sentence per issue) and B. Please explain where you stand on each issue?
Taxes

 

Pedestrian Safety

Quality of Life

Conservation/Environmental issues

As a Councilman, I have taken an active interest in the Town Budget, exploring ways to lower the residents’ tax burden while improving municipal services. I have served on the Public Works,  Code Review and Transportation, Parking and Public Safety committees.  I am frequently engaged in issues such as environmental improvements, High School parking, traffic patterns in and around the schools, traffic calming, and improving recreation options, including the maintenance of parks and fields. I previously served for three years as a member of the Westfield Tree Preservation Commission, whose mission is to enhance the quality of life by improving the community forest through a balancing of the environmental, aesthetic and economic needs of the community.

C. What do you think are the 3 biggest issues facing your ward and explain where you stand on each one?

The issues unique to Ward 4 that other wards may not experience are H.S. parking and the train whistle in and around St. Helens/Houlihan field.  I have a particular concern with the conditions of our streets and the speed vehicles travel through our neighborhoods.

D. What skills would you bring to this position?

I am a husband and father raising a family in Westfield and sending my children to the public schools here.  In addition to that, I have worked as an attorney for 15 years, the last four as a partner in a 200+ attorney firm. My background as an attorney representing public- and private-sector employers in labor contract negotiations and defending them in discrimination, retaliations lawsuits is vital to the function of a councilmember.  At least once per year the Town re-negotiates contracts with the Police, Fire, Public Works and other organized workforces.  In addition, the Town on occasion is mired in litigation with employees regarding the terms and conditions of their employment or termination. Tom has a wealth of experience in these fields.

E. Why are you running?

I greatly enjoy volunteering my time to serve the community, and can’t think of a better way to spend my free time.

F. How do you intend on balancing the responsibilities of elected office with your personal and professional obligations?

It is tough.  I have a demanding job and the responsibilities that every father, husband and homeowner know all too well.  But I make time.

G. Is Westfield better off than where it was 3/4 years ago?

Yes, in some respects. But it can always improve.


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