Parsippany Township Council Election 2023: Bernie Clarkin

PARSIPPANY, NJ — Election Day 2023 is near, and Parsippany voters will be going to the polls to cast their ballots for candidates at the local, county and state levels.

This year, there are six candidates vying for the three seats up for grabs on the council.

Patch sent questionnaires to all candidates, seeking their responses. Here is the response from candidate Bernie Clarkin.

Editor's Note: Patch emailed all candidates at the email addresses listed for their campaigns in the clerk's office. The responses will be revealed between now and the general election on Nov. 7. These comments will be published with just minor stylistic changes. Candidates who wish to participate but did not receive an invitation should email [email protected].

Name: Bernie Clarkin

Age: N/A

Office sought: Parsippany Town Council

Party affiliation: Democrat

Education: Graduate of Georgetown University and MBA Faireigh Dickinson University

Occupation: Business Consultant, CPA, formerly Chief Financial Officer of a large company

Why are you seeking this office?

I am concerned about runaway taxes and mismanagement of the township. My financial background and expertise in successfully managing budgets larger than Parsippany's will be a valuable asset to the council as we work to reign in these outrageous tax increases.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

As I have knocked on many doors canvassing throughout the town over the last 3 months the biggest single issue I hear about is the huge municipal tax increases in the last two years and the current administration's unwillingness to do anything about it or listen to people, everything is done behind closed doors.

My extensive financial management background will allow me to fight to improve this situation by providing better oversight. My like-minded running mates and I will have the voting majority on the township council and will be able to force the administration to make changes.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My running mates and I are ready to confront the mayor about his failures and serve as a check on his ability to further mismanage the town budget and raise taxes. Our three Republican opponents consider themselves as part of "his team," and it's clear that they will do nothing to challenge him on taxes or anything else.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this post?

I have spent a lifetime working in financial management, developing the budgets of large organizations and ensuring efficiency in their finances.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have lived in Parsippany for over 35 years, raised my family here, and really love this town.