Cranford Township Committee General Election 2025: Dr. Terrence Curran

NEW JERSEY - The general election season is in full swing in the Garden State and Patch has asked local candidates to share their thoughts before Nov. 4.

Editor's Note: 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. Contact edward.callahan@patch.com with any questions regarding coverage.

Name: Terrence Curran

Age: 55

Town of residence: Cranford

Position sought: Township Commissioner

Party affiliation: Democrat

Family: My wife, Kathy, and I moved to Cranford 20 years ago looking for a town with a great community spirit, and we absolutely found it here. Kathy and I met in Jersey City when I was a police officer, and she was a teacher in the Jersey City Public Schools.

Our connection was immediate. We were engaged just six months after we started dating, and nine months after that, we were married.

That was 29 years ago. Since then, our careers have evolved.

Along the way, I went to medical school and am now a physician, while Kathy is currently in graduate school pursuing a master’s degree in social work. Despite these professional changes, one thing has remained constant: our deep commitment to each other, to our family, and to serving our community.

We’ve raised our two children, John and Jessica, in Cranford. John holds a master’s degree in Data Analytics and is currently pursuing a second in Cybersecurity. Jessica, a lifelong Irish dancer, recently began her first year of college at Boston College.

Education: I graduated St. Peter’s Prep in 1988 and joined the United States Marine Corps, where I began my education in the importance of service and leadership. I then served seven years with the Jersey City Police Department before my passion for service led to a career in medicine.

I earned my medical degree from UMDNJ in Newark and subsequently completed a six-year surgical residency at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, followed by a fellowship in Surgical Critical Care at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Children’s Hospital.

Occupation: I am a trauma/critical care surgeon at a large hospital in New Jersey.

Previous or current elected or appointed office: I am currently a Cranford Township Commissioner.

Why are you seeking office?

I’m running for office for one simple reason: to serve the people of Cranford by improving how our local government delivers services to residents.

What additional measures would you suggest to build on what Cranford Police have rolled out regarding safety on electronic bikes and scooters?

The Cranford Township Commission recently passed an ordinance to regulate e-bikes and scooters, which gives the Cranford Police the ability to impound e-bikes and scooters being operated carelessly. This has been in the works for some time. Comments and ideas from citizens were considered as it was developed.

It is also vitally important that those who are riding those vehicles to be aware of the rules and the dangers of operating them. The Cranford Police have taken the initiative to provide that information to parents and kids to help do just that, and there will be further efforts on that front.

If you were to start your own Cranford board or commission, what would it be for and why? What issues would you want to address, or areas would you want to highlight?

I advocated for and wrote the ordinance for the creation of the Shade Tree Commission which has been a very successful initiative to address the tree canopy in Cranford. In the first two years, over 300 trees have been planted around town, a plan to remove tree stumps is in place, and the equipment to do that has been purchased with capital funds.

This has been a very successful and productive commission and I’m confident this work will continue to positively impact Cranford.

Cranford already benefits from the service of many dedicated and sincere volunteers on multiple boards, committees, and commissions. Rather than advocate for another board, I would like to reinvigorate the efforts of the Cranford Prevention and Wellness Alliance to create meaningful opportunities to educate Cranford’s youth about the realities of substance abuse.

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

I can only speak for myself and won’t compare myself to the other candidates. I began my career in public service as a United States Marine at the age of 18, followed by seven years with the Jersey City Police Department.

My passion for service led to a career in medicine and I earned my medical degree from UMDNJ in Newark. I completed a six-year surgical residency at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, followed by a one-year fellowship in Surgical Critical Care at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Children’s Hospital.

Throughout my different careers, I’ve learned the value of staying calm under pressure, listening to people with respect, and working with individuals from all walks of life. I believe these skills are just as important in public service, and I’m committed to bringing that steady, service-driven approach to Cranford.

Most importantly, I believe in confronting issues head-on and being honest with people when a difficult issue arises and not leaving it for someone else to handle.

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

My past three years on the committee have shown that I have the best interests of Cranford as the basis of my decisions and will continue to make that the main factor in any decision that I make. I know that.

What's a motto you live your life by?

I believe in treating people the way I would want to be treated.

This is a simple motto that represents a commitment to service and an understanding that everyone has a different perspective on issues.

What does it mean to you to represent Cranford?

It is both an honor and a great responsibility to represent the people of Cranford. This is a special community, where neighbors look out for one another, and step up to pitch in when a need arises.

As a representative of Cranford, it is my duty to reflect those values in every decision I make.
Whether the issue is traffic, recreation, public safety, or affordability, I understand that the choices made by the Township Committee and the services we provide have a direct impact on the daily lives of our residents and a responsibility I take very seriously.

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