District 7 General Election Profile: Tom Kean, Jr.
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DISTRICT 7, NJ— Republican Tom Kean Jr. is running for election in the House of Representatives 7th Congressional District general election on Nov. 3. He is running against Democratic incumbent Tom Malinowski.
Kean Jr., 52, currently serves as New Jersey State Senator since 2003. Previously, he served on the General Assembly from 2001 to 2003.
He is married to his wife Rhonda and had two daughters, Elizabeth and Meredith and a Golden Retriever named Max.
Kean Jr.'s education includes a Bachelor of Arts from Dartmouth College (History) and a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy, Completed Doctoral Studies ABD, Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University (International Relations).
Campaign website
Why are you seeking elective office?
Right now, Congress is broken. At this pivotal point for our nation, I believe we need to send people down to Washington DC who can bring people together to deliver real solutions. Too many people in Washington only care about their own partisan interests, rather than working for all of us. We need a Congress that safely grows the economy and creates new jobs, fixes our broken healthcare system, gets tax fairness for New Jersey and finally builds the Gateway Tunnel. I will be a leader in the House that will work to achieve these goals.
The single most pressing issue facing our community is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
We need to safely grow our economy out of this COVID crisis. We need to find ways for kids to safely go back to school, moms and dads to safely go back to work — and actually have well-paying jobs for them to go back to. Families across New Jersey and across the country have made extraordinary sacrifices over the past year as the effects of this public health crisis have spared no one. We need to ensure that Washington DC is an equal partner in making New Jersey more affordable. Too many of our family members and friends have had to flee to other states because they simply can not afford the tax burden here in New Jersey. Restoring the full SALT deduction, as well as a more responsible tax code are key components to future affordability and job growth in our state and our nation.
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I have a long record of delivering real and timely solutions for the people of New Jersey. Throughout my legislative career, I have recognized the importance of finding common ground and piecing together bipartisan solutions that withstand the test of time. The gridlock we see in Congress is a symptom of failure and it's unacceptable. My opponent has stated time and again that he does not want to work with people with whom he disagrees. He has made it clear that the only way he thinks he can get things done is if he's in the majority party. That is not what this district needs. My opponent's thought process is both short-sighted and wrong. My opponent's lack of progress on the issues important to this district is evidence of his dereliction of duty. Constituents don’t care about majority or minority — it's the responsibility of an elected official to solve their constituents' problems.
If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)
Two years ago, Tom Malinowski campaigned as a moderate and told people that he would get things done. In two years time, he has proven to be very liberal and overtly partisan. He simply does not share or understand the priorities of the people of this district. Since his election, he’s fought to do away with freelancers and independent contractors, moved to stifle biotech and life science innovation, and even when a $2.2 trillion stimulus package was dispersed across the country; Tom Malinowski sat on the sidelines and as a result, our district did not get the resources we needed. Tom Malinowski has failed us at every turn in just one short term.
Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform
Let’s Fix Our Broken Healthcare System
I understand the importance of quality healthcare. I've been a leader on this issue in the New Jersey Senate, serving on both the Health and the Commerce committees. While there, I worked with Republicans and Democrats alike to find solutions to lower the cost of prescription drugs, improve maternal healthcare and increase access to mental healthcare. As your Congressman, I will continue to be a leader in fixing our broken healthcare system, while ensuring that pre-existing conditions are covered without exception.- Count on Tom to Fight for Affordability
I have a long record of standing up to big tax hikes and fighting for affordability in New Jersey. I've blocked billions of dollars in new taxes and wasteful spending. I was a leading driver of the 2% cap on municipal spending that helped stabilize property taxes. As your Congressman, I will always prioritize a responsible tax code that restores the SALT deduction.
Tom Kean is a Job Creator
I have been recognized as "Legislator of the Year" by numerous business groups for my work in helping make New Jersey a beacon for innovation jobs, technological ingenuity and development opportunities. In addition, my legislation on brewpubs transformed an industry and created thousands of new jobs. I know this district, as well as the small businesses and the larger industries that drive North Jersey and will always stand up for my constituents’ jobs in Congress.
Protecting the Environment is a Priority
Protecting the environment has always been a passion of mine. I began my career in public service working at the Environmental Protection Agency, where I met my wife Rhonda. I have built a reputation as an advocate for clean energy and open space in the New Jersey state legislature. I have sponsored funding for offshore wind energy development and passed laws that ensure open space and conservation are well-funded. As a prime sponsor of the Global Warming Response Act in 2007, I have long understood the urgent nature of climate change. As your Congressman, I will be an ardent defender of the environment.
A Commitment to Improving Infrastructure
We must elect a Representative with the ability to finish the job on the Gateway Tunnel project. On the state level, I worked with bi-state Governors and legislators, alike, to reform the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and help lay the foundation for this project on a bi-state basis that will ensure both states and the federal government pay their fair share. This issue is personal to me, I live along the Raritan Valley Line and have seen first-hand my neighbors miss kids' soccer games and dance recitals because of delayed, canceled or full trains. That was my motivation to negotiate the deal to secure the very first off-peak one-seat-ride on the Raritan Valley Line. I have both the knowledge and legislative skill to build upon those achievements as your Congressman.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I have worked with both Republicans and Democrats alike to pass laws that have protected the unemployed, lowered the cost of prescription drugs, expanded healthcare coverage and created new economies. The best legislation is born from bipartisan partnerships that prioritize constituents over politics. As a current elected official, I know the importance of delivering reliable constituent services where you’re a voice for those in need.
The best advice ever shared with me was:
The best advice ever shared with me was from my mom, who always told me the importance of a firm handshake and eye contact.
What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I love listening to people, learning about their issues and then having the opportunity to do something about it. As someone who’s served on the legislative oversight committee in the State Senate, I’ve had the opportunity to identify shortcomings in transportation, healthcare and human services issues and see solutions through that improve people’s lives. Identifying problems and delivering solutions has been the compass of my career.
This article originally appeared on the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Patch
