Four Cranford Candidates Face Off For Township Committee Nov. 3

CRANFORD, NJ — Two Republican and two Democratic candidates will face off against each other for two seats on the Cranford Township Committee in November.

Voters can choose any two.

Mayor Patrick Giblin and Committeeman Jean-Albert Maisonneuve, both Democrats, have decided against running for re-election to the seats.

Cranford runs under the township form of government. The five members of the Township Committee are elected, and they elect a chairman/mayor from among themselves, for one year. Committee seats last three years.

This year, the candidates for the two seats are:

• Democratic candidates Brian Andrews and Jason Gareis
• Republican candidates Chrissa Stulpin and Regina "Gina" Black.

Their profiles are below, with some updates. You can click here to see their photos and answers from the primary race over the summer.

Candidate profiles

Here are the profiles:

Brian Andrews (Democrat)

Why are you seeking elected office?

Our family loves Cranford. We’ve seen a lot of progress the last few years, and I want to help continue moving our town forward. While we’ve taken initial steps on paving our streets, addressing flood issues, and fighting over-development, there is a lot of work to do. I believe we should take new innovative approaches to enhancing pedestrian and bicycle safety, improving our recreational features, and attracting new businesses to our commercial areas. In conversations with friends and over the course of campaigning, I’ve spoken to a number of residents who have new ideas for our town, and I want to be their voice on the Township Committee to ensure Cranford is a vibrant community welcoming to all kinds of families.

What is the most pressing issue in the community, and what do you intend to do about it?

Two interrelated issues confront us at this moment. The first is the devastating impacts of COVID-19 on our families and local economy. The second is charting our recovery so that Cranford comes back better and controls our destiny on issues like development.

On COVID-19, Cranford has come together in inspiring ways. Neighbors have helped neighbors. New community organizations like FLAG have stepped in to support first responders and local businesses. Cranford residents have been responsible to keep our cases low, allowing schools to re-open in person. Mayor Giblin and the Township Committee have had open lines of communication and eased regulations to allow more use of outdoor spaces to support our shops and restaurants. As the cold weather months arrive, we need to speak to local business owners about what more the town can do to help them, and then review our regulations to take every step possible. We must also continue to seek additional federal, state, and county support.

For our long-term recovery, we must continue to attract new businesses to our town and take steps to make it easier for them to open. We also need to get ahead of development and our affordable housing requirements. We do not want more high-density projects like Birchwood forced on our town by lawsuits. We also should not have blighted buildings in the heart of our downtown, like Swan Cleaners and MDTV, when they could have productive commercial uses that benefit all of us. Finally, as we move forward, we should be sure walkability and flood control are integrated into future development to make our community more accessible and enjoyable to all.

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

My most relevant experience is raising two children in town and wanting to see Cranford be the best it can be for all of our families. I have been active in the Cranford community, including serving on the board of the Cranford Fund for Educational Excellence, which provides grants to our teachers, chairing the Township Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Committee, and sitting on the on the Raritan Valley Rail Coalition to advocate for improved service for Cranford commuters. I would also bring government experience to the role – I served in the U.S. Government on national security issues across Democratic and Republican administrations, and know how to forge consensus and develop new solutions. Finally, I studied how to make government more effective when I received a master’s degree from Princeton University, and hope to bring those lessons to the Cranford Township Committee.

Chrissa Stulpin and Gina Black (Republicans)

Why are you seeking elected office?

Chrissa: I have lived in Cranford for most of my adult life. We moved here 18 years ago shortly after graduating college and getting married. We became involved in the community right from the beginning. After serving on various committees, the PTA Board, numerous PTA events, CBSL, as well as jumping in wherever needed, my husband and I have always believed that public service is important. I care deeply about Cranford and our community and felt compelled to step up once more. At a time where Cranford is presented with change from so many angles, it is important to have leaders that put the needs of the community first and will guide Cranford on a path of responsible and thoughtful growth.

Gina: Cranford is a fantastic town because of the people that make up the community. It’s the reason I chose so many years ago to make a home and raise my two sons here. I have enjoyed being part of the fabric of this community and I have now stepped up to fill an empty seat on the Township Committee because I want to see that legacy continue. I would like to be a voice for all residents--young and old, new and settled--and help to usher in a time of responsible, common-sense decision making that puts Cranford first.

What is the most pressing issue in the community, and what do you intend to do about it?

Both Republican candidates: The single most pressing issue facing our community today is the COVID-19 recovery, including the financial impact on the municipal budget in the upcoming years. We intend to proactively evaluate the needs of the community and businesses and work with neighboring towns to develop creative solutions and proactive recovery plans. We will press for state and federal agencies to help address the needs of our local businesses.
Our current committee has fallen short of this by not being proactive and failing to address the needs of the entire business community. This disaster will have long term impacts on the financial stability of Cranford, particularly around this year’s use of surplus that was used to artificially lower the tax rate. Surplus should be a rainy-day fund. We now have a rainy day with no umbrella and this will need to be addressed through solid financial planning for years to come.

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

Chrissa: My past experience with several township appointed committees, including Centennial Village Group, Cranford Business Park Committee and Downtown Management Board Marketing has given me the understanding of how Cranford’s government works – and doesn’t work. In addition, throughout my almost 20 year career in diagnostic and molecular imaging sales and operations, I have gained a diverse knowledge in budgeting, negotiating and communicating and can hit the ground running from day one. I have learned to always seek out new ideas and different perspectives weighing the alternative and consider the possible outcomes to develop reasonable positions.

Gina: Through my experience in the corporate world, I have learned that it is important to have structure and accountability. I know the value of building a reliable network and working as a team and I have thrived in this environment. Also, my lengthy experience on the board of an accredited daycare center, holding roles as both treasurer and vice president, prepared me in many ways for challenges around policymaking, budget building and negotiation as we managed the operation of the corporate-sponsored/employee-run center.

Jason Gareis (Democrat):

Why are you seeking elected office?

I am seeking to be elected to the Cranford Township Committee to help shape the future of the town my family calls home. Growing up in Union County, my wife and I both adored Cranford, from its vibrant downtown to the wealth of outdoor spaces throughout the town. I first moved to Cranford in the Fall of 2003 and lived in an apartment on North Avenue across from the train station. Living in that apartment and experiencing daily life in Cranford convinced me that I would raise my family in this extraordinary community.

I have witnessed the progress made by the Democratic members of the Township Committee in recent years. Their tenacity to improve Cranford for all residents is inspiring. They have been resolute in addressing issues such as flooding (Phase 2B was completed within the last month) and pursuing a vision for the township which addresses our affordable housing obligations in a responsible way. If elected, I intend to keep Cranford moving forward on this path to ensure that Cranford remains a perfect place for all to live and raise a family.

What is the most pressing issue in the community, and what do you intend to do about it?

The priorities of the world changed with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and Cranford priorities are no different. Although we must still address issues such as flooding, affordable housing obligations and pedestrian safety, our primary concern must be focused on recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. We must address economic recovery for our neighbors and local business owners. Although the municipal budget is but one component of our annual property tax bill, the Committee must look at the budget with a cautious eye to protect residents from an unnecessary increase in their taxes while they are trying to recover from the effects of the pandemic. We must also work with local business owners to find creative and effective ways to help them weather this storm. As a small business owner myself, I know what it’s like to have government offer solutions that do not address a business’s actual needs, so I would insist that owners are involved in creating solutions. I commend the Township’s measured approach to increasing outdoor space through street closures and parklets, but as the seasons change, new ideas are needed to help all businesses, not just restaurants, through this period of limited indoor capacity.

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

The majority of my professional career has been spent in public service. I served as an Assistant Prosecutor in the Union County Prosecutor’s Office for more than a decade before leaving to start my own practice in 2016. The time spent working in county government provided me with insight into local government and an appreciation for the stakeholders involved in it.

Prior to serving as an assistant prosecutor, I represented clients ranging from a Fortune 1000 company to car manufacturers and appeared in civil, criminal, and administrative law venues throughout New Jersey. Since being admitted to practice in 2001, I have first and foremost been an advocate. As a member of the Township Committee I will be an advocate for all Cranford residents.
I have negotiated in one form or another throughout my career and have endeavored to tailor resolutions where compromise was possible. Negotiation has taught me to be a listener and to appreciate opposing viewpoints. Listening is an invaluable skill which is often overlooked in today’s political landscape. The best solutions to complex problems like those facing Cranford can only be resolved when elected officials are willing to listen to all interested parties. These skills are essential to be an effective member of the Cranford Township Committee.

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