Meet The Candidate: Patrick O'Keefe For Berkeley Township Council

BERKELEY, NJ — Berkeley Township will head to the polls on Tuesday to cast their votes for four open council seats. Patch has asked the candidates to share their thoughts before the Nov. 2 General Election.

This year, four Republican incumbents and four Democratic challengers are running for four four-year terms.

Patch sent out emails to all candidates to the email addresses listed for their campaign provided to the office of the clerk. The responses received will get published between now and Election Day.

Here is the response from Patrick O'Keefe who is running for election.

Age (as of Election Day): 37

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Family: Wife and 3 children with 4th in the way, two in our school system

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Education: BS in biophsycology from Rider; BS in nuclear medecine from Jefferson College of Health Professions

Occupation: Business owner, Upbeat Cardiology Solutions

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: None

Campaign website: None

Why are you seeking elective office?

To make a positive impact in my community and end the single party unanimous rule we have at the moment.

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

Break our one party government, question our consistent unanimouse decision making, add the communities voice to a small tight nit political group.

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

I was born and raised in Bayville and have seen a lot of changes and have a good feel what our community really wants and will only vite for what is best for the whole community.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

I feel like there is not sufficient public notice in meetings, votes in question, outcomes and some recent I believe will negatively impact our community.

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

Having a history of competing in D1 track is have great teamwork experience and running a small business I have developed sharp leadership goals.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

With out trust you cant have a relationship.

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

I am a local family man with a small business and a lot to gain from the overall happiness and success if this great town.