Cranford Township Committee General Election 2025: William Thilly

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: William Thilly

Age: N/A

Town of residence: Cranford

Position sought: Township Committee

Party affiliation: Independent

Family: N/A

Education: BA Economics University of Massachusetts Amherst

Occupation: Genetics researcher

Previous or current elected or appointed office: N/A

Why are you seeking office?

To help our government work better for the residents.

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

Have someone come into the schools and teach kids some rules of the road and the dangers of riding near adults and automobiles, and of course, speak and brainstorm with the Cranford police to get their thoughts and advice.

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?

The problem is not necessarily starting new committees, it’s that our current committees are not being utilized the way they’re designed.

Too often, their suggestions are never taken into account, and so members begin to feel that they were created just for show.

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

I’m the only candidate working over the past three years to terminate The 30-Year Tax Exemption and Pilot deals that cost us over $150 million in lost tax revenue.

I’m Independent and I’m not politically influenced by either party.

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

Leading the three-year litigation against the 30-year tax exemption given to Hartz Mtn. At 750 Walnut, the nation's largest private developer. Also, organizing a team of pro bono attorneys and creating the Cranford Bar Association.

Serving as President and founder of Doppelgänger Genomics LLC, conducting frontline research on the discovery of genes responsible for personality types in humans.

What's a motto you live your life by?

Persistence. Courage. Never give up on what’s right.

What does it mean to you to represent Cranford?

It means an obligation and responsibility to earn the trust residents have put in me.

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