ARTICLE: Focusing on our Community and Living our Values
By Chase Padusniak | Published in the Union County Hawk, September 26, 2024
The focus of our campaign has been community. I take pride in my running mate Councilman Sean Keagan Foley’s record over the last year. Over many months, Councilman Foley walked the entire town outside election season, listening to residents’ concerns because he believes a strong town starts with understanding, empathetic officials. I agree. I find inspiration in my running mate’s commitment to talking to the people of the town, ensuring that everyone feels involved and heard. Isn’t that what we all want in a democracy–to have our voice count? As a lifelong resident, it gives me hope knowing that people like Councilman Foley are actively working to bring Garwood together.
While a positive, bridge-building approach is best for a small town like ours, we also believe in transparency and the importance of being honest about our record and hopes for the future. In a recent letter by Councilwoman Kim Salmon, she strangely criticized our team for pushing parking, recreation, and sewage fees. However, there are no new sewage fees, though Councilwoman Salmon is on record promising to support them were they to come up for a vote. Councilwoman Salmon also openly supported higher recreation fees, and she voted in favor of the paid parking plan. If she speaks of raising revenue for the borough, she must be referring to her support for these policies, on which she and her colleagues on council agreed.
Councilman Foley voted with Councilwoman Salmon on these issues because he wants a town rich in activities for our children, where our local businesses have ample parking for their customers and where people come from far and wide to patronize our businesses and enhance the vitality of our wonderful community. As part of our platform, we want to create a community advisory board full of stakeholders. Why? Because we believe in bringing Garwoodians together, in moving forward as a community where everyone has a voice.
It’s odd, then, to be accused of creating an environment in which the government’s relationship with residents is deteriorating. When residents of the 300 block of Myrtle Avenue had concerns about permit parking, Councilman Foley met with them over the course of several nights and ensured their voices were heard. I’ve knocked on doors the last couple weekends and have had candid conversations with residents, always letting them know that I want to listen to what they say and want to know what they’d like to see from me. Councilman Foley has modeled this open, honest approach—it’s one I seek to emulate.
Our slogan is “Together Garwood Wins.” I believe in those words, because I’ve seen how strong and resourceful our community is when it works together. In my life, I have watched us weather hurricanes, Nor’easters, school closures, and preschool openings. I’ve seen the people of this great town help each other shovel out sidewalks and give shelter during power outages; I’ve seen us commemorate and honor our fallen—in war and other tragedies. I’ve watched us engage in lively, civil debate, because we care, because we all want to see a healthy, beautiful town. “Together Garwood Wins.” My running mate and I believe in these words. We don’t just post them on Facebook or put them in letters like this one. We seek to live them, because we are stronger together.