Fourth Ward Republican Nominee Keith Loughlin

1. Name: Keith Loughlin

2. Age: 31

3. Address: 1527 Lamberts Mill Road, Westfield, NJ 07090

4. Years lived in town: 26

5. Family Info: mother Cathy teaches Fifth Grade at Westfield’s Washington Elementary School; father Vince is an attorney at Johnstone, Skok, Loughlin & Lane, 324 East Broad Street, Westfield, NJ.

6. Educational Background: BA: University of Florida; JD: Hofstra University School of Law

7. Occupation: Attorney at Johnstone, Skok, Loughlin & Lane, 324 East Broad Street, Westfield, NJ

8. Community/Political Background: Policy Director for Assemblyman Jon Bramnick; member the Westfield Library Board of Trustees, the Westfield YMCA Men’s Club, the Westfield Rotary Club, and a youth football coach in the Westfield PAL.

9. Web site: KeithLoughlin.com

10. Contact info: info@keithloughlin.com; Work: 908-233-9000

C. What do you think are the 3 biggest issues facing your ward?

1. Controlling municipal spending.

2. Improving our roads.

3. Improving pedestrian and traffic safety.

1.  I will control spending without undermining our town’s tradition of excellence.  For example, as a member of the Westfield Library Board, I assisted in saving Westfield taxpayers over $38,000 by returning excess library funds to the town.  To reduce our expenses and improve efficiency, I will lead efforts to explore cost sharing opportunities with neighboring towns and Union County. By combining efforts with surrounding towns, and pursuing grants, we can cut the cost for Westfield residents.

2.  I am committed to improving the safety and condition of our roads. My plan also includes increasing the number of roads paved each year.  This is accomplished by “spot-paving” those sections of roads that require immediate attention and by teaming-up with neighboring towns to submit a joint proposal for road paving. Through shared services, our town will pay less than if we complete the process individually. That savings will then be returned to our town.

3. My plan for our town includes improvement of pedestrian and traffic safety throughout Westfield.  I will strengthen the police presence in our busy intersections at peak times.  I will also increase enforcement efforts around our schools, “cut-through” streets, the Memorial Pool complex and Tamaques Park. In addition, I will work with the Board of Education and the Westfield Armory to provide additional off-street parking at Westfield High School in order to enact a permanent solution for residents and students.  

D. What skills would you bring to this position?

With my experience as Policy Director to Assemblyman Jon Bramnick and my relationships with elected officials in surrounding towns, I will work with neighboring towns and with Union County to control property taxes and eliminate wasteful spending.

For the past four years, I have volunteered with Mayor Andy Skibitsky at his weekly Saturday morning office hours at Town Hall.  During these meetings, we have met with hundreds of residents to discuss their concerns.  If elected, I will continue to offer weekly office hours.  I will also be open and accessible to all residents, whether in person, through email or by telephone.

E. Why are you running?

As I have walked through our neighborhoods since May, I have heard the ideas of the residents of the Fourth Ward and seen the community spirit of Westfield.  I have learned from those in the McKinley, Tamaques and Jefferson School neighborhoods that controlling municipal spending, improving our roads, preserving our parks, supporting green technologies, and keeping Westfield a great place for us to call home are issues of greatest importance to us in the Fourth Ward.  I have a plan of action that I will work to implement to improve our town. 

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

I am motivated, involved and work in our town all-day and every day. I have campaigned hard to earn your support.  I will work even harder as your Councilman.

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

Under the leadership of Mayor Skibitsky, we have been able to improve the efficiency and operations of town government in very difficult economic times.  There have been substantial improvements made to our roads, parks, and improvements made in pedestrian safety.  In addition, our land use regulations and limitations on over development have been put into effect as a result of the Land Use Task Force organized by the Mayor.  I look forward to working with Mayor Skibitsky for the next four years.