Councilwoman Kathy Mitchell for Re-election

I love and care about Fanwood. I have been and am committed to a better quality of life for all our residents. I am proud to be part of our Democratic team and the many committed volunteers who have helped realize this goal. I strongly believe in giving back, and this is what I have tried to do.

 

This year, we continue to strive to keep the lid on taxes without compromising any of our municipal services. It’s getting harder to do this every year as costs rise. But we have been successful at securing grants, which have helped us pay for road repairs and upgrade our nature center, parks and historic areas. At the same time, I feel it is important that we make sure our police, fire, and rescue squad all have the necessary tools, education and equipment to keep us all safe.

 

I am a retired Registered Nurse. My last jobs were as a Visiting Nurse and an MDS coordinator at Runnells Specialized Hospital. As an MDS coordinator, I was responsible for all the assessments for Medicare reimbursement. This required much organization, medical knowledge and patient/family interaction. If I had to do it all over again, I would still be a nurse in some capacity.

 

I am pleased to see how Fanwoodians stepped up and followed the science in getting vaccinated and boosted against the deadly COVID-19 infection. The fight isn't over yet, but the disease is on the decline.

 

I have been active at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church for the past 30-plus years. The ongoing need right now is food. It is sad that in the year 2022, food insecurity plagues so many people around us. I volunteer at the church every week to collect, pack and distribute food to those who need it.

 

I’m looking forward to this year’s campaign and hope the voters of Fanwood return me to my 8th term on the Council.

 


Gina Berry for Fanwood Council

Fanwood is such a great place to live and raise children. It has been home to me and my husband and our 3 children for the last 17 years. Our oldest son is a graduate of SFPHS and graduated college with a degree in Mathematics. Our two younger children are currently in the SPF school system.

 

As a longtime resident I have seen the progress our town has made and the great work done by the Mayor and Borough Council that makes Fanwood one of the best places to live in New Jersey. I am honored to be on the ballot for Council Member, to serve Fanwood and give back to the community I love.

 

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and a Master’s in Business Administration. My over 20 years of professional experience in the public sector, consists of  managing full life cycle projects and multiple departments and budgets. 

 

I've been a consistently active participant in our schools. I've served on PTA Boards as Treasurer at School One Elementary School and Nettingham Middle School. I am currently the VP of Fundraising at the Nettingham Middle School in addition to supporting various community committees and events (such as being part of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Board of Education Racial Equity Task Force, the 2022-2025 Strategic Plan process, a volunteer parent for Girl Scout Troop 40982, supporting the book drive for all of the elementary schools in the district through my role as a Co-Leader of Lessons for the Representation, Equity, Anti Racism, Literary Diversity Parents of Scotch Plains-Fanwood group). I am also a Co-Leader on the Fanwood-Scotch Plains Committee for Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Policing Subcommittee which seeks to strengthen community engagement and enhance relationships with residents.  My work on the Subcommittee has allowed me to collaborate with town Leaders to organize community events such as National Night Out and Police & Pumpkins to engage citizens and our law enforcement and Council. 

 

I’ve always been passionate about giving back and supporting my community. I am actively involved in the community and have been for many years which gives me a better understanding of how to help address the changes occurring in our area. I believe that community engagement and inclusiveness are integral to continued progress. Public service is a responsibility that is important to me, and I am willing to contribute my time and best effort toward the well-being of our great town of Fanwood.

 

I like to operate in a common-sense approach, keeping an open mind and listening to multiple viewpoints. I am running for Council to support our community, promote positive ideas and build relationships that will ensure that Fanwood continues to be a place where families want to live, where businesses want to invest and where people can shop, dine, and play and where all our neighbors feel welcome and safe.