Politics & Government

Caldwell Council Election Candidate Profile: Thomas O'Donnell

Get a rundown of the local candidates running the upcoming election on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Four candidates are vying for two seats on the Caldwell Borough Council that carry three-year terms on Tuesday, Nov. 5. 

Incumbent Thomas O'Donnell (Republican) will seek re-election and is running with fellow Republican and challenger Pasquale "Pat" Capozzoli. 

Democratic challengers Grace Kerrigan and Maureen McNish are also contending for the two seats. 

Find out what's happening in Caldwellswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Councilman John Coyle is not seeking re-election. 

Every candidate was sent questions by the editor as part of The Caldwells Patch's Candidate Profile.

Find out what's happening in Caldwellswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The following are the responses submitted by Republican incumbent Thomas O'Donnell. 

Why are you running for a seat on the Caldwell Borough Council?

As a Caldwell Councilman I am running for re-election to once again introduce a zero percent tax increase as I had during my first term.
What makes you qualified for the position?

I have a proven track record. As the 2011 finance chairman I crafted a budget that resulted in a zero percent increase in our municipal taxes.

During my time on council the average yearly tax increase has been $18. Before I arrived the average annual increase was approximately $300.

As the chairman of the Caldwell Community Center, I invested in repairs and upgrades to the men's and women's locker rooms, the gym floor was resurfaced an aerobics room was created.

As the 2013 public safety chairman, the borough started an auxiliary police force, overtime was reduced from $165,800 a year to $53,400.00 a year.
What are the three biggest challenges facing the borough in your opinion?

If reelected, I intend to be the 2014 budget chairman and once again deliver a zero tax increase.

My running mate Pasquale "Pat" Capozzoli (Republican) and I are also working to resolve the traffic situation on Roseland Avenue.

We also have a solid plan to infuse excitement into our downtown business district.
What borough-related issues would you focus on if you were elected?

I intend to continue repairing our infrastructure. The borough paved 14 roads during my term.

Councilman John Coyle and I also addressed the urgent need to upgrade the water delivery system and develop a drainage system in the Cedars section of Caldwell.
What is the single-most important asset you can bring to the borough if you were elected?

My 30 years of business experience allows me to manage the operation of what is in essence a twelve-million dollar "business."

The Borough of Caldwell collects taxes and then we provides services. My job is to minimize the tax increases while maximizing the value of the services we provide the residents.

As the Caldwell Progress noted when they endorsed me, "O'Donnell knows how to get the job done".


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