Meet The Haddonfield Commissioner Candidate: Jeff Kasko

HADDONFIELD, NJ — Eight candidates will run for three open seats on the Haddonfield Board of Commissioners in the May 11 non-partisan elections.

Patch asked each candidate to complete a questionnaire outlining biographical information, their platform and their stands on a handful of issues.

This week, Patch will run profiles of all the candidates who responded. Profiles are presented here in the same format as the questionnaires given to the candidates. There were no further instructions, and none of the responses has been edited (beyond basic proofreading and formatting). Readers can make their own judgments on how the candidates did or didn't answer the questions.

Today's profile: Haddonfield Commissioner Jeff Kasko.

Age (as of Election Day)

56

Family

Five sons, all products of our Haddonfield public school system. Stephen (19) attends the University of Notre Dame, Justin (18) and Nicholas (15) attend Haddonfield Memorial High School, Sean (13) and Brendan (11) attend Haddonfield Middle School.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Just me.

Education

Westfield High School, Purdue University (BA), Rutgers University (MPA).

Occupation

Licensing & Regulatory Analyst (10 years), Communications & Public/Legislative Relations (18 years).

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Haddonfield Board of Commissioners (2009-2021)

Campaign website

www.Kasko2021.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

To offer my background, experience, and skills to Haddonfield residents and their local government, and to bring important borough work and projects to completion.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Implementation and completion of major initiatives on infrastructure, affordable housing, and Bancroft redevelopment. I intend to continue providing leadership, working with others, and making informed decisions to move these projects forward and oppose additional delays.

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

My experience in municipal government, my dedication to the town and its residents, and my record of results.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Continuing our work on public health and safety, budgeting and taxes, accessible government, historic preservation and open space, enhancing our downtown, and welcoming diversity.

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

- 12 budgets with zero or minimal tax increases
- Improved town bond rating and financial audits
- Infrastructure projects for roads, fields, storm water, and public library
- More accessible and responsive government
- Finding shared services, staff, and equipment
- Preserving open space and historic structures
- Passing Bancroft redevelopment, affordable housing, and downtown zoning plans
- Enhancing our business district and bringing the brewery downtown
- Appointing more diverse town board/committee members, staff, and professionals
- Initiatives for a more inclusive and diverse ethnic/socio-economic base of residents

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Listen more and talk less (from my mother and father).

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

I take my jobs as a father, citizen, and public officeholder seriously. I am committed to preserving what works and changing what needs improvement. I'm not afraid to face challenges and adversity, and to learn from my mistakes. I feel extremely blessed to live here and interact with so many great, caring residents.