Election Profile: Suzanne Viscomi For Red Bank Borough Council

RED BANK, NJ — Two seats are open on the Red Bank Borough Council and three candidates are running in the upcoming Nov. 2 election.

Incumbent Kate L. Triggiano, fellow Democrat Jacqueline Sturdivan and independent candidate Suzanne Viscomi are all vying for the two seats.

Viscomi, 44, is an accountant who has worked for nine years as a CFO for a $38 million in revenue company with 12 locations and 150 employees in New Jersey.

She also was also a Red Bank Borough Public school member for 10 years and served as finance chairperson for eight years. She was appointed to the Library Board as a trustee and has been finance chairperson for two years. Additionally, she currently serves as vice-president for the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee.

READ MORE: Red Bank 2021 Election: Who's Running, All The Ways To Vote

Are you running for local office in 2021? Contact Catarina Moura at catarina.moura@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate profile and submitting campaign announcements to Patch.

Why are you seeking elective office?

Watching the direction of this town for over 20 years, I have always believed that governance by one party has not been effective. I also believe in transparency. I don’t say that as a tagline. For over 10 years I have been recording many public meetings (council, zoning, planning board, and redevelopment agency) and I have the videos posted on my YouTube channel and Facebook so that everyone has the ability to see for themselves what is happening. I think there has been such a push for non-partisan elections this year so I am hoping to show that an independent can be a viable candidate and bring some common sense to the conversation on the council. I want to bridge the gap between residents who feel they are being left out.

Why should you be elected over other candidates?

There are two seats that three women candidates are seeking. I believe that all of us possess different assets, skill sets and experience that would be of use to the council. I am hoping voters learn what makes us different and see our actions and support the candidate that they feel would represent the town in their best interest. My campaign is truly grassroots, no party money and no built-in organizational ties. It’s me in my mobile campaign headquarters (AKA my car) and organizing volunteers. I have people who I met over the years who believe in me because they have seen me stand up for people and issues.

I think my experiences from the many different positions I hold will be helpful along with my no-nonsense approach. I have learned over the years that no one person is correct 100 percent of the time and understand that different ideas will help with deliberations, to come up collectively with a great solution.

What is the most important issue facing the Red Bank community and what are you planning to do about it?

I plan to address over-development and the stress it places on our infrastructure. I would vote against the 30-year PILOT program. There are systemic issues in this town, for example the lack of transparency and council members not being approachable if you have a differing opinion. I have watched residents speak up while people on the council laugh at them. (And yes, there is video to support that statement). I want to bring the same mindset I have when I am in a school board meeting or a library meeting, to do what is right for the town, not a political party.

What are other important issues you are running on?

There is so much discussion about having nonpartisan elections. The mere existence of a charter study commission does not guarantee that nonpartisan elections will be successful. To elect an independent candidate this year will add veracity that nonpartisan elections are desired by residents, and it can be possible.

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

• An excellent attendance record for over 10 years of school board meetings. I have better attendance records to council meetings then some members of the council over the past 10 years.
• Being part of the team that helped Red Bank Schools achieve their “Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting” four years running.
• Worked nine years as a CFO for a $38 Million dollar revenue company with 12 locations and 150 employees in New Jersey.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

My positions and who I am is evidenced by my public record. When some people tried to defame my character earlier this year, the amount of support I received was amazing. I will always be grateful for people who defended and supported me during that trying time.

I have made video clips for years and have never been accused of being anything but above board (except for one person who is a strong supporter of another candidate) and I have always clipped video for whomever requested it. I don’t just talk about the need for transparency, I help bring transparency to the town. Fun fact: I love coming up with funny analogies.