Politics & Government

Third Ward Republican Nominee Thomas Delaney

Candidate answers Westfield Patch questions.

Name: Thomas L. Delaney

Age: 45

Address: 929 Irving Avenue

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Years Resident in Town: 12

Family Info:  Wife Mary Ellen, son Leo a 6th grade student at Edison Intermediate School

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Education Background:  BS Fairfield University Major in Business Marketing, Minor in Management Information Systems.  NJ Licensed Life and Health Insurance Producer.  Registered FINRA representative ( Series 7). Proficient in Spanish.

Occupation: Self employed Financial Advisor

Community Background: Assistant Coach Westfield Little League, Assistant Coach Westfield PAL Flag Football, Assistant Coach St. Helen’s CYO Boys Basketball. Volunteer with Cub Scout Pack 673. Volunteer with various activities benefitting Jefferson Elementary School. Volunteer at the St. Mary’s Dinner Program located in Plainfield.

Web Site: www.tomforcouncil.com

Contact info: E-mail: tdandmel@verizon.net      Phone: 908-419-5748 

What are the three biggest issues facing Westfield this election?

I feel that the biggest issue facing Westfield this election is the difficult environment of fiscal management that the town continues to face as well as the issue of having to do more with less. It is imperative that we continue the necessary level of services that are needed but at the same time make sure that we receive a dollar's worth of service for every dollar we spend.

Traffic safety is another issue facing the town. The Central Avenue Project, thermoplastic painting of crosswalks, and four-way stop signs will greatly help alleviate some of these issues. More is to be done however especially the additional implementation of 4-way stop signs in designated “hot spot” areas.

Partisan politics is the third issue that faces the town. We have seen how politicized an issue like the environment, for example, has become. It is time to flush out the partisan politics and do what is right for Westfield. I would vow to not answer to Trenton and Elizabeth first but to my employer, the residents of the Town of Westfield and specifically residents of the Third Ward. I feel that these three issues are the biggest issues facing the town as well as the Third Ward.

What skills do you bring to the position?

Since graduating from Fairfield University’s Dolan School of Business I have spent my entire 23 year career in the banking and financial services industry most of which as an AVP at JPMorgan Chase. As a Financial Advisor I work with my clients to help budget their finances, create wealth, and provide insurance protection for their assets, life, and health. I hope to bring these skills to the Mayor and the Council to help deal with the difficult financial times ahead.

Why are you running?

I am running for the Third Ward Council seat mainly for two reasons. The first reason is that I love the Town of Westfield. In a way it is a natural progression from the many local civic organizations that I am involved with. I would like to give back to the community that has given so much to my family and me. The second reason is that I was asked to run by Mayor Skibitsky. Councilman Sal Caruana has chosen not to run for re-election this year and he, in my opinion, has done a tremendous job as Chairman of the Finance Policy Committee. I hope to lend my financial experience to the Council and to the Mayor and look forward to what promises to be a challenging time ahead.

How do you intend to balance the responsibilities of the office with your personal and professional obligations?

Balance is important and nothing is more important to me then the time spent with my family.  I have found when you are doing something you love to do the balance comes naturally. I am blessed to have a very supportive family who is involved in all aspects of my life. Together we look at this opportunity as one more exciting adventure in our lives.

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

Absolutely! The Central Avenue Project, the South Avenue Streetscape, S&P AAA rating, addition of over 120 more short-term parking spaces in the heart of Downtown Westfield, establishment of a “Green Team”, approval of the Rahway Avenue Railroad crossing quiet zone, and the repainting of the town’s crosswalks with Thermoplastic paint are just some of the improvements we have seen over the past 4 years. It is important however that we not become complacent and we must keep Westfield moving in the right direction. I ask for your support on November 3rd and pledge to make the Town even better in the next 4 years.


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