Cranbury Candidate Profile: Tom Connolly

Two seats are up for grabs on the Cranbury Township Committee. Democratic Mayor Glenn Johnson and Republican Committeeman Dan Mulligan are running for reelection to regain their position. Democrat Joseph Buoavolonta and Republican Tom Connolly are also running for the three-year terms on the Committee. 

All of the candidates were asked to answer the same questions about themselves and their political stances for East Windsor Patch. Patch will be running these candidate profiles up until the election. 

TOM CONNOLLY CANDIDATE PROFILE

Name: Tom Connolly

Age: 26

Education: Bachelor of Business Administration, James Madison University

Occupation: Experience:

• Community Relations with the Department of Homeland Security/FEMA
• Hospitality Professional with previous employment as the Assistant General Manager at the Holiday Inn Express in Richmond, VA and employment with the Marriott Residence Inn Cranbury & The Ritz-Carlton company
• American Cancer Society of Central New Jersey, Board Member

1. Please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your background and why you should be elected.

I grew up in Cranbury and have been a resident for 23 years.  I currently serve as a member of the Cranbury Parks Commission as well as a member of the Cranbury Cable Television Subcommittee.  I serve on the Board of the American Cancer Society of Central New Jersey. My background includes working with the Department of Homeland Security/FEMA in community relations helping disaster survivors following Hurricane Sandy.  I think I would bring a fresh perspective to the township committee while preserving the unique quality of life we value in Cranbury.

2. What do you think distinguishes you from other candidates? What do you bring to -the table?

I have the unique experience of living in three different neighborhoods within town (Shadow Oaks, Main Street and Petty Rd).  I am the only candidate to grow up in Cranbury and have fond childhood memories in town such as riding bikes to the swim club and having lunch after school with friends at Teddy’s.  Now as an adult, I can identify the many challenges that face our community while trying to maintain those characteristics that make Cranbury unique and special to all of us.  I have also been fortunate to attend the Cranbury School, and truly understand the importance of a good education. Additionally, I am the only candidate with a business degree, which I believe combined with management and budget experience makes me a strong candidate.  My education, background working for the government, serving on several Cranbury township subcomittees as well as living in Cranbury for over twenty years makes me an excellent candidate for the position of Cranbury Township Committeeman.

3. What are the most pressing issues facing the community today? How would you approach and resolve these issues?

Taxes continue to rise in Cranbury and throughout New Jersey which impacts our way of life.  We should continue to look for new ratables and work with county and state government to make sure we are getting a return on our taxes.  I believe there is a disconnect between the township committee and the residents of town through no fault of the residents.  Over the last few months I have been videotaping and posting township meetings online to help residents become more informed and would like to continue to bridge the connection between the township committee and residents.  I have been an advocate for public comment before and after agenda items at township committee meetings and I would push for more clarity on agenda items which can often be vague.  I serve on the Cranbury Cable Television Subcommittee, helping with the launch of the cable television access channel, allowing Cranbury residents to be more informed.  Lastly, several of our roads in town are in serious need of repair.  We need to continue to plan for improvements to these roads over the next several years but do so in a fiscally responsible manner. For more information about me and other issues please visit my website at tomconnollycranbury.com or contact me at tomconnollycranbury@gmail.com or by phone 609-619-0065