Cranford Township Committee General Election 2025: Kathleen Miller Prunty

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: Kathleen Miller Prunty

Age: 74

Town of residence: Cranford

Position sought: Township Commissioner

Party affiliation: Democrat

Family: Three sons, two grandchildren

Education: BA

Occupation: retired

Previous or current elected or appointed office: Previously served as Director of Downtown Cranford

Why are you seeking office?

I believe in public service

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

We need to have continued education about the responsibility of operating these bikes for both the user and the public. We need to respect that we all share the streets and sidewalks, and safety is paramount.

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?

A bipartisan committee to discuss local issues and make recommendations for solutions. We have to move past the accusations and vitriol. Without civil, respectful debate, we may miss opportunities and solutions.

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

I have spent 45 years as a community volunteer, town employee, and now an elected official, and have worked with people from both parties and independents with the goal of making Cranford an even better community.

In all these years, I have met and worked with residents who have different opinions, but we respected those differences without name-calling.

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

I am proud of several initiatives, but especially creating our public information work. I created a Township newsletter during COVID to keep residents informed and that has been expanded to reporting on meetings, policies, projects, news from departments, and committees.

We have a PT public information officer who works with TV 35 to reach residents using various methods, including social media.

What's a motto you live your life by?

“One person can make a difference, and everyone should try” (John F. Kennedy)

What does it mean to you to represent Cranford?

There isn’t a day that I don’t feel honored and humbled to contribute so Cranford remains a wonderful community for my granddaughters.

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