Election 2021: Chatham Borough Council Candidate Freddie Bicknese

CHATHAM, NJ — The Nov. 2 General Election is getting closer and Patch has asked local candidates to share their thoughts before the election.

Editor's Note: Are you a candidate on the ballot? 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 be published between now and the General Election. Candidates who would like to participate but did not receive one (for whatever reason) may contact jennifer.miller@patch.com.

One of these candidates is Freddie Bicknese, a Republican Chatham Borough Council candidate challenging Democratic incumbents Carolyn Dempsey and Jocelyn Mathiasen, for one of their two seats, which are up for grabs on Chatham Borough’s Council.

His responses are below:

Name: Freddie Bicknese

Age: 46

Town of residence: Chatham Borough, NJ

Position sought: Council Member

Party affiliation: Republican

Family: My wife and I have lived here since 2010 and have a son and daughter who attend the public schools. My wife is a Korean immigrant who works as a technology executive for a large investment bank.

Education: Rutgers College, BS in Business Management; Temple Law School, JD

Occupation: Attorney specializing in business and financial litigation

Previous or current elected appointed office:
Elected member of the Morris County Republican Committee; Elected member of Morris Glenn Homeowners Association board, in Summit. Both positions have given me experience in working with others to reach consensus on contentious issues.

Why are you seeking elective office?
Because I love Chatham! I care deeply about our beautiful, safe little town and want it to remain exactly as it has been. I will always resist unnecessary change so that we may preserve this wonderful place we all call home. I will emphasize fiscal responsibility, seek to stabilize taxes, and support the economic prosperity of our town and local businesses. Count on me to support more conservative policies in all aspects of local government. Currently the Borough government is comprised of 7 to 0 all Democratic elected officials, which is not a fair representation of the actual voter composition of this town. We need more balance on the Council and new ideas and perspectives on every issue facing our town, and we should be focused like a laser on local business matters during this challenging time.

The single most pressing issue facing us is recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. What do you intend to do about it?
While preventing future pandemics is mainly a matter for the national government and international health community, I would suggest that the economic hardships caused to individuals, families, and business owners can be lessened with tax reductions and by fostering economic opportunities for entrepreneurs. Questions concerning mask policies, shutting down businesses, and other such restrictions are appropriately left to the state-wide government or perhaps local school boards, rather than a town council which should be focused on town business and fostering economic opportunity. Regarding the psychological damage caused by the pandemic, I would support any efforts to help people with free counseling, support groups, and online assistance forums. We are all in this together and we will all get through this together.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
They won’t try to save the taxpayers money; I will. They approach every issue from a liberal Democrat angle; I don’t. They control the Boro government 7-0; I would just be one new voice to try to balance out the dialogue on each issue that may arise.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I have handled numerous multi-million dollar business litigations from start to finish, obtaining great results in very complex, difficult matters. I have always taken on that great responsibility and stress, and handled exceedingly complex details very capably. My work has included commercial litigation, insurance coverage matters, securities litigation, and negotiation and dispute resolution, all of which help to prepare me to serve on the Borough Council. Also, I am a parent of two kids, which any parent knows is the most challenging and rewarding role in life, and that more than anything has helped me to grow as a person.

The best advice ever shared with me was:
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and always listen to the answer!

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.