Why are you running for mayor of Spotswood? 

I’m running to be the next Mayor of Spotswood because I believe we can do better. We need to get out of the media spotlight and get back to being the friendly community we can all be proud of again.  If elected, I would focus on culture, town infrastructure, and traffic control as primary issues. 

 

What professional qualifications would you bring to the position? 

My professional experience includes a career in public service as a Federal Law Enforcement Officer/Postal Inspector for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Assistant Director of Investigations for the NJ Office of the State Comptroller. These positions have given me experience in criminal investigations, auditing and examining local government operations. I hold a Master of Science in Management and the designations of Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Financial Crimes Investigator and Certified Master Facilitator. 

 

What contributions have you made to the community while living in Spotswood? 

Over the years I have been blessed to be a part of many great organizations within Spotswood, including the Recreation Department, Soccer Club, Knights of Columbus, the Spotswood Youth Baseball & Softball League, The Community Team New Jersey, and the Board of Education. What made them so special was the sense of team; a group of committed people working together in service to others. 

 

As a volunteer, a particular focus of mine has been coaching. Whether on the ball field, in the classroom, teaching the Rutgers SAFETY course, or at the Office on Aging instructing technology classes, I valued the chance to help people of any age master new skills. 

 

What are your priorities if you’re elected mayor? 

If elected Mayor of Spotswood, I would seek to improve relationships with our employees, neighboring towns, the school district, and our community organizations. I would listen to the residents, the Borough Council, and the staff to make the best decisions possible.  

 

I was on the Spotswood Board of Education as President and elected member, for eight years, winning two elections in that time.  My team delivered two budgets with zero tax increases to our residents during my tenure. I was the chief negotiator for the Board in two successive and successful contract cycles with the teachers’ union. I would use those experiences to develop budgets exercising fiscal restraint. 

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There has been excessive litigation in Spotswood recently.  How will you address this? 

Spotswood deserves a more positive environment where the police focus on protecting and serving our residents, without political interference, and where all borough employees feel safe to come to the administration with their concerns that will be addressed before they become the subject of lawsuits. 

 

The next administration should provide the Police Department with clear guidelines and expectations and then leave the police leadership to hire, promote and discipline the officers under their command without interference. If those same 

police leaders are not meeting the highest standards in exercising their authority, they should be held accountable by the administration, according to ordinance and state statutes. Finally, the Mayor and Borough Council should work in collaboration, not oppose each other in courtrooms.  

 

What do you like to do when not working or volunteering? 

I love the beach, my dog Shea, my grand dogs Benson and Harry, and a good cigar. I’m a long-suffering Mets fan, and root for the Giants and Rangers too.  I read a lot, and like to grow tomatoes.  If you know a new local restaurant to try, please email me.   

 

Will you be holding public campaign events? 

Yes, we will be holding public events as the campaign continues. 

 

How can I receive updates on your campaign? 

Please visit my website richobrien.us to follow our campaign.  You can also like us on Facebook at Together For Spotswood: Rich 4 Mayor or on Instagram at Togetherforspotswood 

 

How can I donate to your campaign? 

Go to the banner at the top of this page and click on the gold "Donate" button. AND THANK YOU! 

 

How can I register to vote? 

To register to vote online, you can click on this link to visit NJ Voter Registration 

 

When is the election and where do I vote? 

The election will be Tuesday, November 5, 2024.  To find which of the seven voting districts you belong to in Spotswood, please visit  Spotswood Voter Information. You can also vote by mail.   

 

How can I obtain a mail-in ballot? 

Registered voters can apply for a vote-by-mail ballot by following the instructions found at VOTE.NJ.GOV or by contacting their County Clerk.