Sean Byrnes - Personal Statement
I love my country, and I believe in our form of government. I love our freedom, and I am thankful for a Constitution and laws that protect each American against discrimination and guaranty due process to all. This great democratic system works best when we engage it. From casting votes to running for office, we need to engage, because our government belongs to all of us. I seek elective office because I believe my experiences provide a solid framework for public service. I graduated from RBR and attended the United States Coast Guard Academy, earning a B.S. in Government. I served seven years on active duty with the Coast Guard and fourteen years as a reservist. I graduated from Georgetown Law in 1992, and my wife, Anne Clabby, and I moved to River Plaza in 2000, where we have raised our 5 children. I have practiced law in New Jersey since graduating from law school. I am a small business owner, having started my own law firm in 2004. I served on the Middletown Township Committee, on the Red Bank Board of Education, and as a Prosecutor in Atlantic Highlands. I was appointed as a Trustee for the Community YCMA, serving as Chair of both the Red Bank Branch Board and its overall Corporate Board. I currently chair the Board of the Monmouth County SPCA. I also served for ten years as a Board member of the Parker Family Clinic in Red Bank. I have coached soccer, basketball, and flag football in Middletown. In my law practice, I represent individuals and small business, helping them level the playing field against larger adversaries. I hope to use these experiences to improve the level of service Middletown delivers to its residents while reducing the excessive tax burden facing our residents.