FARMINGDALE — Two three-year terms on the Farmingdale Borough Council will be up for grabs on Election Day, Nov. 6.
Listed on the ballot are Republicans James A. Daly and Patricia A. Linszky, 56. Linszky is currently serving on the council. Daly could not be reached for comment.
Democrat Beau Byrtus, 36, has announced he is seeking election as a write-in candidate.
This is a time of transition for the borough. Several months ago, every person on the council resigned from office. A new council was appointed. Every seat on the council is on the ballot in the Nov. 6 election. See separate articles for coverage of the races for the one- and two-year terms.
The candidates were asked the following questions:
What is your educational/professional background and how will it help you if elected?
Linszky: At the age of 35, I returned to school for an Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering due to my type of work. During my 34-plus years working for global industries and dealing with different government agencies, I have a working knowledge of business as such I feel that I can be an asset to the community.
Byrtus: I have a bachelor’s of science in parks, recreation and tourism management from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I have served on the Farmingdale Board of Education for three years and am currently president of the board. I have worked for 10 plus years in municipal government and have served on many local, state and national boards including the Howell Wrestling Club, New Jersey Recreation and Parks Association and the Mid- Atlantic Regional Council of the National Parks and Recreation Association.
In addition, I have been employed as an adjunct professor at Kean University. My experiences in municipal government have given me a broad knowledge of the mechanics of government such as municipal finance law. My experiences on various committees and boards have afforded me the opportunity to work with a diverse cross section of the population. Because of this, I am able to work effectively and efficiently with multiple individuals and agencies.
If you are elected to the Farmingdale Borough Council, what is one issue in the community you would like to address?
Linszky: If I am elected I would first and foremost consider the issues that are most important to the citizens of Farmingdale. Should any issues arise “we” as a team will seek to resolve them to the best of our abilities.
Byrtus: I would like to see the development of a Recreation Commission for Farmingdale. We already have a good working relationship with the Farmingdale Board of Education and could pool our resources to provide this opportunity. I envision a Recreation Commission that would provide opportunities to Farmingdale residents of all ages and that could incorporate a wide spectrum of interests.
Can you name one or two things in town that you believe are not working well and how would you address those issues?
Linszky: Having been recently appointed to the Council I have yet to be privy to any “not working well” conditions. Should any issues arise, again, “we” as a team will attempt to resolve them to the best of our abilities.
Byrtus: I feel like previous administrations have been focused on day-to-day operations of the town. I think that the time has come to really look at the future of Farmingdale and begin making the necessary preparations for a vibrant tomorrow.