Pat Hurley Hopes to Bring 75 Years of Institutional Knowledge to Council

Patrick Hurley may not be a Summit native, but he might as well could be.

His wife of 23 years is born and raised in Summit and his in-laws provide him with 75 years of perspective and insight on the Hill City.

Hurley graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1987 and served as a helicopter pilot in the Carribbean and Desert Storm. Hurley than worked int he insurance industry for several companies including now for Goldman Sachs in the Office of Global Security.

Because of his military experience as a pilot, Hurley began his life of public service as a member of the Union County Air Traffic Noise Advisory Board before serving on the Environmental Commission in 1999 and on the Summit Housing Authority. Hurley has also coached several youth sports teams including soccer and baseball.

But the idea of running for office isn't new to Hurley either. He seriously considered a run in 2003 and challenged Andy Lark for the Republican nomination for council at-large in 2009 but was defeated.

But last year, in the heat of debates about the municipal budget, Hurley says he started to think seriously again about a run.

Hurley said one of the issues on his mind in the school budget and the type of school board Summit has.

"School budgets have skyrocketed," he said. "I'm not not sure those are in check."

Hurley says as a father of four, he's a parents that asks questions and pushes the teachers. He says as a member of common council he would like to take a deeper look at the district's administration and have a serious debate in the community about whether or not Summit should move to an elected school board.

The rising county taxes is another topic on Hurley's mind. But while the conversation has centered mostly on trying to get more back for the taxpayer's money, Hurley said he's afraid of what message that sends to the Freeholder Board.

"We run the risk of validating their ridiculous spending," he said.

Hurley said he would love to hear from residents in Ward II. You can call him at (908) 598-0512 or email patrick.hurley@me.com.

Editor's Note: This is the latest article in a series of profiles on candidates for council and mayor this November.