Garwood Borough Council Primary Candidate: Kimberly Salmon

GARWOOD, NJ — Garwood's preliminary election on June 8 has four candidates running for two open seats on the Borough Council. Kimberly Salmon, 37, is one of two Republican candidates running.

Salmon currently works as licensed NJ Real Estate Agent for close to 5 years, prior to that she worked with a PR recruiting firm.

Salmon has been married to her husband John for 11 years and they have two daughters.

Are you running for office in Garwood? Contact Alexis Tarrazi at alexis.tarrazi@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements.

Kimberly Salmon

Campaign website

www.garwoodgop.org

Why are you seeking elective office?

Garwood is our home, collectively as a community we are a family. We need to ensure a better future for everyone. I have been involved in the community for several years and I am ready to make the commitment to help our borough prosper.

The single most pressing issue facing our borough is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

There are many issues that come to mind that are pressing in our borough from transparency to taxes but something near and dear to my heart is our recreation department. Our children and seniors are our lifeline and deserve a place to have meetings and host activities. Garwood needs to take a deeper dive into financials at our recreation complex, and make adjustments with regards to contracts with other municipalities. This is one of our largest investments and it is not available to residents. Our borough is on the outside looking in at this beautiful complex.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

There are many subjects that I differ with my opponents on. I have witness government overreach into small businesses, frivolous spending and single-minded ideology. I, myself have always been a free-thinker and am able to come to my own conclusions based on research and feedback. Feedback and free-thinking is extremely lacking on Garwood current council and is causing a serious lack of representation.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community?

As a challenger, this question brings to mind many topics. A very pressing issue in our borough is the redevelopment and pilot program. Our municipality is facing approximately 500 rental units, changing our borough's footprint and allowing for a shift to a rental-based community. This is concerning for multiple reasons, and proves a track record of mismanagement. Concerning topics are still to come from past decisions, from traffic and pedestrian safety to financial concerns and pilot programs. Our borough is facing many changes that come along with many complex financial decisions. With council allocating pilot revenue we need to ensure fiscal responsibility for our borough and school district.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Our platform has many facets from financial responsibility, government transparency, proper departmental management and most of all feedback. In order to be successful in any aspect feedback is critical. To have a true representation of our community we can not continue to have tunnel vision on major topics. Feedback is essential to creating stability.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My current profession allows me to negotiate and manage multiple large financial transactions, this skill set will allow me to aid in the borough's financial decision and what is best for our residents.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am a mother of two girls, family is the most important thing in life. Garwood is my home and I want to pave the way for a bright future in Garwood for all our children.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.