Election 2022: Christopher Rodriguez, Fair Haven Mayoral Candidate

FAIR HAVEN, NJ — Democrat Christopher Rodriguez, the current Borough Council President, is one of two candidates seeking a full term for Fair Haven mayor in the Nov. 8 general election.

Also running is Republican Josh Halpern, currently serving an unexpired term as mayor to which he was appointed last October upon the resignation of the former mayor.

In Fair Haven, the mayor is directly elected and votes to break a tie among the Borough Council.

In these profiles, candidates provide voters with background about themselves and their positions on the issues. Patch is publishing individual profiles, leading up to the election.

Rodriguez said the long-term financial health of the borough needs to be a priority to continue to enhance the borough's services, and his background in finance allows him to apply those skills in the borough. He said he supports maintaining a strong sense of community through volunteerism, which he practices in many areas. Safety and security, with investing in police and fire departments, is another priority, he adds.

Read more from candidate Christopher Rodriguez:

Name: Christopher Rodriguez

Age: 49

Town of residence: Fair Haven

Position sought: Mayor

Are you an incumbent or previous governing member?: Six years of council, currently Borough Council President

Party affiliation: Democrat

Campaign website: https://www.fhdems.org/2022

Family: Married, three children in Fair Haven public schools

Education: MBA from Columbia and B.A., M.A. from Rutgers University

Occupation: Financial services, corporate bonds

Name the top issues currently facing your town and how you plan to address them:

After eight years of service to the Fair Haven community, I have found there are recurring themes that emerge regardless of the year or issue of the moment. People move here and stay here for three reasons:

1. Security and safety

2. Deep sense of community

3. Financial health

What can we do about them? I believe we need to focus on these always, not just in 2022.

We have to support our police and establish ordinances to maintain the safety and security for all which includes modern equipment and facilities for our police, fire and EMT personnel, traffic calming measures on our streets, and a focus on bike lanes walkways resulting in sharing of our roads safely.

Our town is built on volunteerism which includes our fire house, our parents' organizations for our schools and all of the rec sports we donate our time to. These also require resources from the borough to make it all happen. Investing in these organizations is fundamental to our success as a community and perpetuation of our traditions.

Lastly, we must always secure and enhance our financial health. This is straightforward but requires discipline and focus. We can do this by properly analyzing our annual budget, asking the question "is this a want or a need?" and of course, purchasing quality items that will last for our residents. Cheap isn't always best, it's just cheap at the end of the day.

Identify one or more specific goals or ideas you have to enhance life in your town:

If I had to pick one main goal, I would focus on our financial health. If we are a financially healthy town, then many good things flow from that. We have the resources to support our organizations and volunteers. With financial health, we can support our fine police force which serves to protect and keep our community safe. Financial health and security provides for the resources including equipment and facilities needed for all of our professionals.

What in your experience or background prepares you for election to office:

I focus on three experiences that qualify me for the role of mayor:

1. Extensive public service: Eight years total of service to Fair Haven including six years on Borough Council, which includes two years as the Borough Council president and two years on the Shade Tree Commission. I have also served on Finance, Engineering, Facilities and many other committees and commissions over the years.

2. 20+ years of financial experience: I have worked professionally in corporate bonds, interest rate swaps, and commodities in banks and exchanges, which provides a strong background in managing finances, budgeting and planning the financial security of our community.

3. Lifelong community service: As an Eagle Scout, adult leader in Scouts currently and a member of a community service fraternity in college, I have dedicated my life to service to others. This is a key ingredient for public service in my mind; as a public servant, it has to be all about giving back.

Candidates for Fair Haven Mayor, Borough Council:
Mayor (Full Term – Vote for One)

• Josh Halpern (Republican)
• Christopher Rodriguez (Democrat)

Borough Council (Full Term – Vote for Two)

• Kristen Hoey (Republican)
• Andrew "Drew" LaBarbera (Republican)
• Meghan Chrisner-Keefe (Democrat)
• Michael McCue (Democrat)

Candidates who have not received their request for profile information from Patch should check their spam folders or can contact Pat McDaniel at patricia.mcdaniel@patch.com for another email of our candidate questions.