Why the Berkeley Heights Town Council Needs an Engineer

-Edmund Tom Maciejewski

I’m Edmund Tom Maciejewski, and I’m running for the Berkeley Heights Township Council.

Imagine a successful baseball or football team. It thrives not just on star players but on a mix of role players and generalists, each bringing their unique skills to the field. Similarly, our township council requires a diverse team where each member contributes something unique. As we face a myriad of challenges and opportunities, this diversity is paramount.

Two seasoned members, skilled in addressing technical issues, have chosen not to seek re-election. Their departure leaves a significant void in technical expertise on the council. Keeping that in mind,  here is why having at least one engineer on the council, like myself, is not just beneficial but essential:

Expertise in Infrastructure Projects:

As a Chemical Engineer with over 20 years of experience in finance and technology, I understand the intricacies of infrastructure. This knowledge is vital for planning, designing, and maintaining critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and water systems. With current challenges like sewer and drainage problems, and river flooding, my expertise becomes indispensable.

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills:

Trained to analyze problems systematically and devise efficient solutions, engineers can bring these skills to various aspects of town governance, from strategic planning to budgeting.

Risk Management:

Understanding risk assessment and management is crucial for public safety and resource management. As an engineer, I can help the council make balanced and informed decisions.

Sustainability and Environmental Considerations:

With a focus on sustainable practices and environmental protection, an engineer can provide valuable perspectives crucial in today’s environmental landscape.

Project Management Experience:

Many engineers, myself included, have extensive experience in project management, ensuring that town projects are completed effectively, on time, and within budget.

Technical Understanding and Communication:

As technology becomes increasingly important, having someone who can understand and communicate technical details is essential. This ability allows for informed decisions about technological investments.

Innovative Thinking:

Engineers are trained to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions. This mindset can introduce new ideas to town governance.

Education and Community Engagement:

An engineer can educate other council members and the public on technical matters, aiding in more informed decision-making.

Long-Term Planning:

Considering the lifecycle of projects and infrastructure, engineers are adept at long-term planning, crucial for sustainable and beneficial decisions.

Our current council already has valuable players: a real estate agent, an ex-police officer, a teacher, and a strategist, each bringing their expertise to the table. Steve Mondragon and I (Column B) are the key missing pieces, adding badly needed expertise. We are not just about showing up at town events and shaking hands. We are about bringing a combination of technical acumen, financial savvy, and municipal experience, which positions us to effectively fill the expertise gap left by the departing council members.

Voting Information:

• Early Voting: Open now through Sunday, Nov 5, at the DeCourso Center, 15 East 4th Street, New Providence, NJ.

• Election Day: Tuesday, Nov 7, 2023, from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM at your local polling location.

Your participation is crucial. Please come out and vote for Mondragon and Maciejewski (Column B) for a technically adept, knowledgeable, and forward-looking Berkeley Heights.

Visit Our 2023 Berkeley Heights Candidates Page to Read More From the Candidates