Cranford Township Committee Candidate Profile: Chrissa Stulpin

CRANFORD, NJ — New Jersey's Primary Election Day is coming up on June 7, and four candidates are running for seats on Cranford's Township Committee this year.

Democrat Mayor Kathleen Miller Prunty is running for a second term on the committee along with running mate Terrence Curran. They will face two Republican candidates — current Committeewoman Mary O'Connor, along with Chrissa Stulpin.

There are two open seats on Cranford's Township Committee this year, according to Town Clerk Patricia Donahue.

Patch sent out questionnaires to local candidates and will run profiles for those running this year.

Below are Republican candidate Chrissa Stulpin's answers:

Party affiliation:

Republican

Education:

Highest level - Bachelor of Arts in Literature and Theatre

Occupation:

I have been a Sales and Marketing professional in Diagnostic/Molecular Imaging and
Radiopharmaceuticals for over 21 years. Chrissa is currently employed in the Molecular Imaging
and Radiopharmaceutical division of a Globally recognized Healthcare and Technology
Company.

Family:

My husband Joe and I have been married for 21 years as of this July. He is a Sergeant with the
Cranford Police Department. We have two daughters, ages 15 and 12 who both attend
Cranford Public Schools.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My husband is a Sergeant with the Cranford Police Department. He has been with CPD for 20
years.

Age:

44

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

No

Why are you seeking this office?

As I sat down to write this answer, I revisited the same question that was posed to me when I
ran in 2020. Much of what I felt then is as true today as it was 2 years ago. I have lived in
Cranford for most of my adult life. My husband and I moved here over 20 years ago shortly after
getting married. We became involved in the community right from the beginning. After serving on various committees; the PTA Board, CBSL, Cranford Community Connection, Centennial Village Committee, as well as many local philanthropic organizations; jumping in wherever and whenever 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. I am that person. Reasonableness, common sense and professionalism are how I will lead.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is
___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is the issue of overdevelopment and its
effect on quality of life and flooding in Cranford. It is clear that due to the dramatic increase in
traffic, the significant increase in the cost of stormwater management, along with the already
deteriorating infrastructure, Cranford cannot afford to continue to pile on more and more high
density, large scale development. When elected to the Township Committee, I will advocate on
behalf of all Cranford residents for a pause on large scale overdevelopment within the
Township. This will give Cranford the opportunity to gain the upper hand on our infrastructure
issues as well as prioritize local flood mitigation projects that have been neglected and/or have
yet to be implemented, while retaining the character and desirability of Cranford.

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

I am committed to keeping partisan politics out of local government and making decisions based
on what is best for Cranford. All residents deserve respect and will be encouraged to share
their views without the risk of being criticized or disregarded. Cranford is a great place to live
with amazing people from diverse backgrounds. When elected, I will welcome open and honest
discussion and listen to all residents to determine the best way to move Cranford forward.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

I believe that the biggest failure in the community is the overall lack of transparency and
communication with residents. There are many issues facing Cranford that all residents should
have the opportunity to hear about and discuss. All residents should be invited to any meetings
regarding the major issues facing the town, such as development, traffic, flooding, etc. Sessions
where only select groups of residents are invited do not support overall transparency or a true
representation of the Township. Also, when it comes to governing, I will be inclusive of all
Township Committee members, regardless of party affiliation. Each member of the Cranford
Township Committee is holds equal power and should be treated accordingly by all fellow
commissioners. Commissioners may not always agree, but healthy discussion and respect is a necessity among them. I will always put Cranford first, and make the best decisions for our residents without political interference.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Other issues I intend to address during my campaign are as follows:

Maintain and continue to enhance Cranford's outstanding Public Safety services, promote the
vitality of our small businesses who are still struggling amid rising inflation, labor issues and
supply chain shortages and to promote and expand opportunities available in the Cranford
Business Park.

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

My past experience with several township appointed committees, including Cranford Community
Connection, Centennial Village Group, Cranford Business Park Committee and DMC Marketing,
has given me an insight to some of the inner workings of local government. In addition,
throughout my over 20 year career in diagnostic and molecular imaging sales and operations, I
have gained a diverse knowledge in budgeting, negotiating, contracting 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.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The best advice ever shared with me was “Don’t let the fear of making mistakes, prevent you
from making bold decisions.” The fear of making mistakes can often times prevent us from
stepping outside of our comfort zone and can inhibit opportunity for positive change and growth.
In reality, sometimes we learn the most from those mistakes or from past experiences. I have
always kept this in the back of my mind when accepting new challenges and opportunities.
<b>Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?</b>
I am a strong, compassionate and reasonable person. I am a full time working mother with an
extremely supportive family who has learned to balance my career with service to my
community. It is important for me set the example for my daughters to understand the value of
public service and giving back. I encourage any resident to reach out to me with any questions
or if you would like to get to know me better.