Tom Goodwin

Background: Trenton-born Republican Tom Goodwin moved to Hamilton when he was 8. He holds an Associate's Degree from Mercer County Community College, a Charter Financial Consultant’s Degree from American College, and a Charter Life Underwriters’ Degree from American College. The 56-year old family man and president of the Hamilton Township Council in 2006, Goodwin is a financial planner who makes the claim, "I know what a small business goes through." His term as a councilman expires in 2009.

Taking Trenton to task: "The dual office holding has got to go. You can’t serve two and three and four masters. You have an abuse of power."

On being an aggressive fiscal conservative: "This state has made mistakes. You have to look at taxpayer dollars as your dollars. That’s the approach I take in Hamilton."

Signature issue: Goodwin says he wants to focus on reducing the state budget. "You always have to look at spending versus your revenue coming in. You can’t spend more than what you take in, and the trouble is that Trenton has a credit card going with no accountability."

Psychological edge: Elected to the Hamilton Township Committee in 2005, Goodwin defeated his fellow Hamiltonian Wayne D’Angelo. Now he’s facing D’Angelo in a rematch.

Pet issue in key hometown: Klockner Woods. When he ran for council, Goodwin and the Republicans chastised Democratic Mayor Glen Gilmore for engineering the town’s $4.1 million purchase of the Klockner Woods property from a Gilmore campaign contributor. Of D’Angelo’s role in the purchase, Goodwin says, "I would have asked more questions and done more homework. I would not have been part of a rubber stamp council."

Position on asset monetization: The candidate opposes the sale and/or lease of state assets. "How can you sell assets that are revenue producers?" Goodwin asks. "You don’t sell crown jewels. What legacy are you going to leave to your kids?"

Position on death penalty: Pro, only in extreme cases.