Politics & Government

Meet Theresa Mullen: SP Democrat Council Candidate

A profile of those running for office this November.

As part of our series on Election '09, today we bring you a profile of Scotch Plains Democratic Council Candidate Theresa Mullen. This is Mullen's second time running for council. She is currently up against councilman, Dominick Bratti, who we also profiled recently. 

Name: Theresa Mullen

Age: 42

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Address: 2091 Oak Hill Road, Scotch Plains      

Years lived in town: 6

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Family info: Husband, Scott, Kenilworth Police Captain; three children, ages 3, 5 and 7.

Educational background: J.D. Albany Law School, 1993; Lehigh University, Cum Laude Graduate, Double Major Biology & Psychology, Minor Health and Human Services, 1989.

Occupation: Attorney, maintain own practice in Union County-Law Offices of Theresa E. Mullen, LLC.

Community/political background: Member Scotch Plains Day Memorial Committee; Board of Directors Local Counseling Center; Nominated to Board of Directors Paralegal Studies, Union County Community College; Coach Children’s Basketball and Softball Teams; Democratic Committee Member

Web site: www.scotchplainsdems.org

Contact info: ssp-9@comcast.net

What do you think are the three biggest issues facing Scotch Plains this election? 

  • Creation of sewer utility/payment of taxes
  • Keeping spending down
  • Shared services

 Please explain where you stand on each issue.

The Republican administration’s tax and spend policies led to the creation of the sewer utility this year — yet another tax imposed on an already over-taxed community. For business owners and not-for-profits, some numbers are astounding — in the thousands of dollars — and many may be forced out of business. Others may have to relocate because they can no longer afford to stay.  

Millions of dollars have been needlessly spent by the Republican administration.  These spendthrift policies need to stop. The net effect of these policies has been the most troubling because the solution has been to visit the shortfalls on the residents by increasing taxes. These policies cannot and should not be allowed to continue and will eventually force many of our residents out of town.

One of the ways to keep cost and expenditures down is to increase shared services between towns. In this way, services can be maintained at a reduced cost to residents. I believe we need to see even better cooperation between the towns, so that through shared services, expenses are reduced and the end result is less of a tax burden on the residents.

What skills would you bring to this position? 

My present and past professional experience, which includes managing my own business and overseeing budgets in my service as treasurer on various boards, will be instrumental in helping Scotch Plains through these tough economic times. Also, as an attorney, I am working on a daily business to help people resolve their differences and to solve their problems.

Why are you running?

 I am running for Township Council because I want to serve the people of Scotch Plains. I see the election as a job interview in which I tell the citizens how I would like to improve the Township and if they like what I have to say, I hope they will vote for me in November.

How do you intend on balancing the responsibilities of elected office with your personal and professional obligations? 

My family has been very supportive of my decision to run for public office. I am lucky to have a strong support system, so that, if elected, I will be able to devote all of the time necessary to serve the people of Scotch Plains and still meet my professional obligations and spend the necessary quality time with my family.

Is Scotch Plains better off than where it was 3 or 4 years ago?

I do not think Scotch Plains is better off than it was 3 or 4 years ago. Taxes continue to rise, more for-sale signs are going-up in neighborhoods, and business owners and our residents are facing mounting rising costs. This cannot be allowed to continue. If elected, I pledge to do everything in my power to stabilize taxes. I will not hesitate to make the tough decisions and will question every dollar that is spent. We need to keep Scotch Plains affordable so our cherished seniors, loyal business owners and many long-time residents are not forced to leave town.

 


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