In our last profile of the year, we’re getting to know Chris Tully, Council President of the Borough of Bergenfield, NJ.
Chris is the oldest of two children born to Philomena and the late Peter Tully. His parents both immigrated from Ireland, his mother is originally from County Roscommon and his Father was from County Meath. He was recently re-elected to his third term on council. During his time on the governing body he has served as the Finance Chairman and helped guide the borough to cut the municipal debt in half. Bergenfield’s recent progress has been recognized by numerous publications as one of the state’s safest communities and as one of the best places to raise a family.
Prior to serving in elected office, Chris served as an aide to Senator Frank Lautenberg, Governor Richard Codey, and former Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle. He is a cum laude graduate of Northeastern University. Learn more about his thoughts on Irish America, the 2016 election, and the future of the Democratic Party: 1.) What first got you interested in running for public office?
I have always had a passion for public service, but I never intended to run for any kind of political office. After working as an aide to Senator Frank Lautenberg, I witnessed firsthand the types of contributions that an elected official can make to their community that a private citizen cannot; it was this experience that inspired me to run for public office.
2.) How does being an Irish American affect your work in politics?
As a first generation Irish American I have always taken pride in my family and the contributions the Irish and Irish Americans before me have made to this country. I was raised to value church, charity, and my community which I have brought to my work as a Councilman over the past 7 years. My constituents are diverse, but they relate to the same values that I was brought up with.
3.) What are the most pressing issues facing your town?
I have dedicated my energy toward making Bergenfield a safe community, promote fiscal discipline, strong government oversight, and an administration that is dedicated toward serving all of Bergenfield’s wonderfully diverse community. My main issue has always been to ensure the economic viability of the borough. You cannot do anything with out a fiscally strong infrastructure. We have seen a lot of progress on this issue during my term and have worked hard to stabilize the tax base and cut the borough debt in half. We recently had our bond rating upgraded by Moody’s and now plan to invest our debt savings into more infrastructure repairs.
I have dedicated my energy toward making Bergenfield a safe community, promote fiscal discipline, strong government oversight, and an administration that is dedicated toward serving all of Bergenfield’s wonderfully diverse community. My main issue has always been to ensure the economic viability of the borough. You cannot do anything with out a fiscally strong infrastructure. We have seen a lot of progress on this issue during my term and have worked hard to stabilize the tax base and cut the borough debt in half. We recently had our bond rating upgraded by Moody’s and now plan to invest our debt savings into more infrastructure repairs.
4.) What issues do you think matter most for Democrats going into the 2016 elections?
The 2016 presidential campaign will be defined by economic and homeland security.While these are important issues where we are strong, I think it is important that we as a Party remember to stick to our core principals. Too often, National Democrats are afraid to fully embrace and forcefully defend their records. Public opinion on issues important to our party, such as affordable healthcare, immigration reform, marriage equality, and prison reform show the majority of Americans believe the values of the Democratic party and we should fully embrace our progressive agenda.
5.) What advice would you give to activists looking to get more involved around the country?
I have served on my local council at a time that the extent and responsibility of government have been debated locally and nationwide. This can make governing particularly difficult, especially when trying to implement any kind of changes that challenges the status quo. My advice to any activist would be to stay true to your principals and remember why you were drawn to your cause. There will always be critics and people looking to tear you down, but it is the individuals who have the resolve and dedication to make a difference in our society that are successful.