By Councilman Sean Keagan Foley
Last year, I ran for office in Garwood with a promise to connect with residents and strengthen our community. After the election, I didn’t stop there. I launched the ‘Walking Garwood’ initiative—not as a campaign tactic, but as a genuine effort to engage with my neighbors, reduce polarization, and build trust through face-to-face conversations. Since then, I’ve walked over 100 miles (thank you, smartwatch). And now, as I run for re-election, winning an unexpired term last year, each mile represents my commitment to ensuring that every resident feels heard, valued, and represented.
Every mile I’ve walked, whether during last year’s ‘Walking Garwood’ initiative or this campaign, symbolizes more than just physical distance. It represents the dedication and perseverance required to serve Garwood with the care it deserves. I’ve walked door-to-door, street-to-street, meeting residents where they are, one step at a time. For me, covering this distance isn’t about endurance; it’s about demonstrating that true leadership is earned through consistent effort, honest engagement, and showing up—even when no one is looking. I believe that what keeps a healthy democracy alive is conversation, and as a local politician, I see it as my responsibility to be on the front lines of that conversation, building and maintaining the trust that is the bedrock of our community.
The ‘Walking Garwood’ initiative has always been about more than just miles; it’s about connecting with people on a personal level. Every mile is a new opportunity to listen to concerns, share ideas, and build relationships. Whether it’s through casual conversations on doorsteps or deeper discussions at community events, each step I’ve taken is a reminder that leadership starts with listening. But it’s also about something larger: meeting every resident—Democrats, Republicans, and Independents—face-to-face, to bridge the divides that often hold us back. Each mile represents my commitment to breaking through the barriers that have divided us for too long and proving that our local government can be a place of shared purpose, not partisanship.
In an era where too many politicians speak in echo chambers, engaging only with those who already agree with them, every mile I’ve walked has been a conscious choice to do the opposite. Every step has been a commitment to inclusivity, to listening to every resident’s voice, and to serving everyone in this community. Whether it’s having a cup of coffee with a lifelong Democrat, talking public safety with a conservative neighbor, or brainstorming ideas with an Independent who wants to see real progress, I’ve made it my priority to meet with every resident. Because each mile I’ve walked represents my belief that leadership is about serving everyone—not just those who share your views. I believe that as local politicians, we are the frontlines of our democracy, and it’s our responsibility to build the trust that keeps our democratic institutions strong and respected.
By the time this campaign ends, I’ll have practically covered the equivalent of walking the entire length of New Jersey. But I’m prouder of what each mile represents: the connections I’ve made, the stories I’ve heard, and the relationships I’ve built. In an age where many politicians rely on social media soundbites and flashy ads, every mile I’ve walked shows that I’ve chosen a different path—one of real work, real conversations, and real engagement. No other politician in New Jersey, I can confidently say, has gone this distance—physically or emotionally—for their community in such a short span of time, while simultaneously being blessed with the birth of my daughter and starting my own mental health practice in the same timeframe. Each mile is proof of the investment I’m making, day after day, in Garwood’s future.
As I continue this re-election campaign, I’ll keep walking—because every step I take strengthens the bond between our residents and our local government. Each mile represents the trust I’ve built with the people I serve, the challenges we’ve faced together, and the progress we’ve achieved. And for my constituents, my town, and my country, I would gladly walk 1,000 more. Because leadership isn’t about titles or positions; it’s about showing up, putting in the work, and building trust with the people you serve. I’ve done that one mile at a time, and I’m ready to keep going step by step, for Garwood.
Garwood Councilman Sean Keagan Foley
Candidate for Reelection
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In a world where technology and social media dominate our daily interactions, it can be easy to forget the importance of building connections in person. However, in New Jersey, a group of dedicated individuals are proving that face-to-face interactions are still crucial for strengthening our community.
Insider NJ is a networking group that brings together professionals from all corners of the state, spanning over 100 miles. Despite the distance between them, members of Insider NJ make a concerted effort to meet in person on a regular basis, whether it be for networking events, conferences, or social gatherings.
The benefits of building connections over such a large distance are numerous. For one, it allows individuals to expand their network beyond their immediate surroundings and tap into new opportunities that they may not have otherwise been exposed to. By connecting with professionals from different industries and backgrounds, members of Insider NJ are able to gain fresh perspectives and insights that can help them grow both personally and professionally.
Furthermore, building connections over 100 miles helps to break down geographical barriers and foster a sense of unity among individuals from different parts of the state. By coming together in person, members of Insider NJ are able to form strong bonds and establish a sense of camaraderie that transcends distance.
In addition, building connections over 100 miles can also lead to tangible benefits for the community as a whole. By fostering collaboration and cooperation among professionals from different regions, Insider NJ is able to work towards common goals and address shared challenges facing the state. This collective effort not only strengthens the community, but also helps to drive positive change and progress.
Overall, Insider NJ serves as a shining example of how building connections over 100 miles can have a profound impact on our community. By prioritizing face-to-face interactions and fostering relationships across geographical boundaries, members of Insider NJ are able to create a more connected, united, and vibrant community that benefits all who are a part of it.
