Kean Feted at Office Warming

Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean Jr., R-Westfield, officially opened his new Westfield office on Wednesday night during an office warming party.

Joined by Assemblyman Jon Bramnick, R-Westfield, Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz, R-Summit, and other Republican officials from throughout the county, Kean marked his move from a longtime Elm Street location to a new office on North Avenue East. The senator said the move was to allow for him to be based next door to the district office of U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance, R-Hunterdon County, and across from county offices.

"We are excited about the new location," Kean said. "Having the congressional and legislative offices in the same building, and across from the county is good. It is good synergy for us."

Kean and his district colleagues moved the office two months ago but delayed the opening until now because of state budget discussions in Trenton. The legislature traditionally does not meet in Trenton from the end of June until after the November election.

The legislators, all Republicans, have three offices. Kean is based in the office officially opened on Wednesday, while Bramnick is based in an office, less than a quarter mile away, on North Avenue adjacent to the train station. Munoz' main base is an office on Union Place in Summit, which was opened by her late husband, Assemblyman Eric Munoz, R-Summit. The three share staff resources across the offices and utilize the space jointly for meetings and events. Munoz said she is excited about her new Westfield base.

"I am glad we have opened this office and have a space for all of our constituents here," she said.

The event was open to the public, but was mainly attended by Republican officials from communities in the district and other parts of Union County. Attendees included Lance, former U.S. Rep. Mike Ferguson, R-Berkeley Heights, former Assemblywoman Betty Cox, R-Summit, Mountainside Councilman Glenn Mortimer and Union County Republican Chairman Phil Morin.

The minority leader, who succeeded Lance in the position, said the event which included a small barbeque was a good fit coming for now instead of when he moved in a few months ago.

"This is a great way to kick off the summer," he said.