Cranford Township Committee Candidate Profile: Kathleen Miller Prunty

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 incumbent Democrat Kathleen Miller Prunty's answers:

Office sought:

Township Committee

Party affiliation:

Democrat

Education:

William Paterson University

Occupation:

I retired in 2018 as Cranford Downtown Director. I followed with consulting work but now spend
my time as a Township Commissioner.

Family:

I have three sons in their 30s and two granddaughters growing up in Cranford. My husband passed away in 2001 but we were both active volunteers and felt so fortunate to raise our sons here.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

no

Age:

71 (by November election)

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Elected to Township Committee in 2019

Why are you seeking this office?

I was raised in a family that valued public service and you were expected to do your part. Not
everyone followed that route but I always enjoyed serving whether as a volunteer or an employee. I know we face several serious issues that require courage to make tough decisions about affordable housing, flood control, pedestrian safety and traffic issues and still provide the services people deserve. I'd like the opportunity to continue working on solutions

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

Flooding. Residents and business owners in the various flood zones deserve more than words.
We must continue to demand a major regional flood control project but after 10 years of talk we
still don't have the solution. That's why I advocate for local projects, like restoring dikes that have eroded, funding drainage improvement projects and requiring all developments, including
subdivisions adhere to strict stormwater management regulations. These are improvements that
can lessen storm impacts and be decided and implemented in Cranford while we fight for the
necessary regional flood control project.

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

Many of the issues Cranford faces have been lingering or unaddressed for years. These were
not my vision or goal but once elected became my responsibility and I take that seriously. No finger pointing or excuses just working to make sure that Cranford gets the best possible
outcome. I have been meeting with residents and keeping them updated about development,
traffic concerns, flooding, road projects, town pools and more since I was elected. Those are not always easy meetings but I am committed to give residents information they need even if it is
not what they want to hear. I do honestly believe if we are talking and listening we have the path to a solution.

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

I don't think my opponent has failed the community. I know Comm. O'Connor genuinely cares about Cranford but if you have been in office for nine years you have to take some responsibility for problems that still exist.

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

After 43 years, I still believe Cranford is a wonderful, exceptional community and I am so happy
that we are becoming even more welcoming to new residents and visitors. I believe we are a
stronger, more interesting community when young families to empty nesters want to live here.
And, those residents share the same desire for streets that are safe for pedestrians whether you
are pushing a stroller or walking with a cane; quality businesses, restaurants and amenities like
the Library, community pools, parks, playgrounds and range of housing options. We can respect
and preserve our treasured history while we progress to the future

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

I believe in public participation and debate and have held an unprecedented number of public meetings on various topics. But, once elected you can't just ignore or put off decisions because they might be unpopular. I served as Downtown Director for almost 21 years. A job that required interaction with more than 200 business owners, property owners and the public. Not every decision was popular but we listened and tried to find solutions for the best outcome. In 43
years, I volunteered with schools, sports, church, civic and community organizations. I had the
opportunity to meet so many people but the great experience of learning to find consensus.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
It's actually a quote that is on my desk and refrigerator. "It is not who is right, but what is right,
that is of importance" Thomas Huxley

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I don't think a difference of opinion or outlook means one is right and therefore one is wrong. It
is bothersome that it sometimes results in accusations of not caring instead of what it is - a difference of opinion. The real problem with that is it closes the door to any meaningful,
productive discussion.