Belmar Election Profile: Thomas Brennan For Borough Council

BELMAR – Two people have filed to run for election to one seat on the Belmar Council in the July 7 primary, and Democratic Councilman Thomas Brennan is running unopposed on Tuesday.

Brennan and Republican Jodi Kinney have filed to run for election in the July 7 Democratic and Republican primaries, respectively.

The primary was delayed from June 2 to July 7 because of the coronavirus outbreak. Absentee options are always available for voters if they choose.

Brennan, a retired music teacher and professional musician, says he wants to make sure Belmar is affordable, family- and senior-friendly, safe and secure "as we meet the challenges of this pandemic and emerge even stronger."

Patch submitted a question-and-answer form to Brennan, who provided information on why he's running again and what he's promising. Contact Tom Davis at tom.davis@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile.

Age (as of Election Day)

64

Position Sought

Council person

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Spouse - Merry Brennan, children - son Ciaran, 27, daughter Aislinn, 26, son Sean, 24

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

yes, my daughter

Education

Masters degree - Kent State University, Bachelors degree, Jersey City State College (New Jersey City University), Associates Degree, Brookdale Community College

Occupation

retired music teacher/band director, Belmar Elementary School; professional musician

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Council President, 2nd term

Campaign website

https://www.facebook.com/Brenn...

Why are you seeking elective office?

Belmar’s fiscal, environmental, business and community strength are all connected. I am committed to continuing to bring my values while I work across the aisle to ensure these are addressed in a way that keeps Belmar the best place to live, work and visit.
The single most pressing issue facing our community is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

It is more important than ever to make sure Belmar is affordable, family-and-senior friendly, safe and secure as we meet the challenges of this pandemic and emerge even stronger. We are one community and I intend to do all I can to make sure we come out fiscally, socially and environmentally healthy.

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

Along with my two terms of experience on the Council, I am gratified to have been involved in the Belmar community for nearly 3 decades. I taught hundreds of students as the long-time music teacher/band director at Belmar Elementary School until retiring last year. I serve on the Environmental, Harbor and Tourism Commissions and the Zoning Board and spent years as Belmar Arts Council treasurer/trustee, Belmar Avon Lake Como Little League treasurer/coach. I’m a member Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh of the Jersey Shore and have been part of dozens of community events over the years.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I will continue to bring a strong environmental voice to the Council, while ensuring we govern with fiscal and social responsibility to keep Belmar a wonderful place to live, work and visit for all ages.

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

I’ve spearheaded several environmental actions including native plantings to protect our boardwalk and Ocean Avenue structures from flooding, the reduction of plastic pollution in our sensitive coastal environment and elimination of invasive bamboo., I’ve also contributed to the effort to rebuild our beach pavilions, lower our debt and streamline our municipal government. I am committed to bringing my values to the table as I work across the aisle to keep Belmar moving in the right direction.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"Happy wife, happy life!" And also "Everybody deserves respect."

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

I am very approachable and always willing to listen. Like most residents, I love Belmar and I will continue to do my best for the borough and its community.