Get To Know Chester Boro Council Candidate Elizabeth Gugliemini

Editor's Note: Patch sent out questionnaires to every candidate who filed a petition of candidacy by the deadline. We sent them to the email addresses registered as the official campaign emails at the County Clerk's Office. We will run the responses in the order they were received with no edits. Those candidates who did not receive a questionnaire should double check their spam folders, or contact russ.crespolini@patch.com for a form.

Name: Elizabeth Gugliemini

Age (as of Election Day)

52 years young

Position Sought

Chester Borough, NJ Borough Council

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

Husband Vincent, Children Emma & Sophia

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Bachelor of Science

Occupation

Former Human Resources Director

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Chester Borough Council Member 2013-2018, Council President 2018

Campaign website

N/A

Why are you seeking elective office?

Growing up in Bergen County, New Jersey, then living in Hudson County for ten years after college, my husband and I wanted to raise our children in a more rural environment. We had always enjoyed driving to Chester during the Fall season. We ultimately purchased our home in Chester Borough in 2002 and are currently raising our children. Initially, I started to attend Council meetings in 2007/2008. I was not always happy with the way the Council was run or how our tax dollars were spent. In 2012, I decided to run against two incumbents. I was successful in my bid for office and was a Chester Borough Council Member from 1/2013 - 12/2018 and was elected Council President by my peers in 2018. I have utilized my Human Resources background to help with budget and policy issues.

The single most pressing issue facing our community is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing our community is Covid-19. It has impacted our daily lives, schedules, habits, work and educational environments, shopping and dining experiences. To some, it's meant dealing with the death of a friend or loved one. Our Main Street is so important to our community and "shop local" has never meant more, not only to our community, but every community.

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

The major difference between the three candidates running for office is that two of us (Gary Marshuetz and myself) have experience. I had been a Council Member for six years, (1/2013-12/2018) and frequently attended Council meetings prior to running for office.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Describe other issues that define your campaign platform: Sound policy and budget management have been cornerstones during my tenure with the Borough. I will continue to look for options in saving taxpayer dollars.

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

As an experienced Chester Borough Council Member, I have acquired the depth of knowledge in budgeting and policy making. As a former director of Human Resources, my professional experience has enabled me to effectively lead both the Personnel and Ordinance Committees.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

My former boss, (CFO) once told me, "Don't waste your time worrying about the unknown. Worry when you have the facts, then develop a plan to handle the problem."

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

What else would you like the people to know: Chester (Borough and Township) is a unique and close knit community. Together, we support each other during sad times and celebrate happy moments. How many times have you signed up to prepare (or donate) a meal for a neighbor or someone in need, donate to our local food pantry, or give a holiday gift to a community member. Not every community is like the Chesters. I am grateful to have found a home in our amazing community. I am grateful for the lifelong friendships that I (and my family) have created and I would be grateful for your vote on (or before) November 3.