Thomas Gavin and Deborah Bruynell
Deborah Bruynell and Thomas Gavin said they plan to run for 2 seats on the Bradley Beach Borough Council and have launched their “Progress Over Politics” campaign .
They are both long-time Bradley Beach residents and active members of the community. They collectively have experience on the library, zoning, and Land Use Boards, the Recreation Committee and the Shade Tree Commission.
All four seats on the Borough Council, except the mayor’s seat, are up for election Nov. 8.for three-year terms.The filing deadline is Sept. 6.
In a statement they released this week they said, “Our goal in running for office is to give our local government a reboot with less of the drama and divisiveness we have seen in the last several years. Bradley Beach is a wonderful small town, and we deserve a government that reflects that. When elected, we will always put progress for this community above politics; invest in critical infrastructure over pet projects; seek a sustainable future for Main Street; and listen to our constituents.”
Bruynell is a 25-year resident of Bradley Beach, and currently serves on the Land Use Board. She previously served on the Library Board and Board of Adjustment. She has bachelor’s degrees in English and Middle School Education from Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) and master’s certifications in Public Librarianship and as a School Media Specialist. She is the mother of two adult daughters, Melinda and Melody.
“I have witnessed the transformation of Bradley Beach over the last 25 years,” she said. “It has been moving in a positive direction since the days when DelPontes Bakery first opened its doors and when the bar formerly known as Barry’s became D’Arcy’s. The town has terrific potential to be the type of quintessential beach community that everyone talks about. Lately, it seems that the lack of cooperative leadership and a disgruntled minority are taking us down a different path”
Gavin has spent 15 years as a resident of Bradley Beach. He currently serves on the Recreation Committee and Shade Tree Commission. He has a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Seton Hall University. He has professional experience with Walt Disney World, was a senior executive in several logistics companies, and as a human resources consultant. He is the father of two young adults, Ethan and Sophie, and husband to Susan Stone.
“I lived in several different states growing up, yet I have never felt more at home than I do here in Bradley Beach,” he said. “From the neighbors walking by and saying hello to you on your porch, the different events in Riley Park, and of course all of the events at the Gazebo. Bradley Beach has grown, adapted, and changed throughout my years here, the wonderful sense of community has always remained.”
