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Slogan
United We Stand Together We Can
“The essence of community, its heart and soul, is the non-monetary exchange of value, things we do and share because we care for others, and for the good of the place.” – Dee Hock
I am running for Councilman of Middlesex Borough because I truly have a heart for people, our community, and our way of life. This position is not about money, it is largely a volunteer role, but about service.
I have lived in Middlesex Borough for close to seven years, and I am deeply invested in the well-being of our town and its residents. I also serve as a Pastor, and my ministry is rooted in service. We serve the members, and the surrounding community as well. This has allowed me to walk alongside families, address real-life challenges, and work to bring people together.
I have served in many leadership capacities that qualify me for this role. In the Housing Authority of Newark, one of the largest in the country. I served as Director of Operations and Management, overseeing 200 employees, and as Director of Resident Services and Recreational Affairs, where I was responsible for serving 16,000 residents. These roles equipped me to manage large teams, handle complex challenges, and create programs that positively impact communities. I also have a deep understanding of federal policies, and I have worked directly with developers and business owners to address community needs. In the public sector, I have served as both a teacher and a community relations specialist in the school system. Currently, I serve as Board Chair for the Marion P. Thomas Charter School District. I work closely with political leaders who have made a tremendous positive impact in their communities. Additionally, I have had the privilege of serving with nonprofit community development corporations, helping to create opportunities for growth and equity.
It is my desire to ensure that every resident has a voice in our local government. Currently, there is no representation for Democrats, Independents or minoroties.
During my term in municipal government, my priorities will be:
1. Promote Financial Responsibility and Ease the Tax Burden
I will advocate for fiscally responsible solutions that help ease the tax burden for residents. This includes implementing annual property reassessments (2–3% per year) to keep values fair and up to date. Residents should also be empowered to file appeals if they disagree with the municipal assessor’s findings.
2. Improve Infrastructure and Prioritize Community Safety
I will work to improve our borough’s infrastructure for both safety and quality of life. This includes creating comprehensive education and awareness initiatives to foster a community-wide emphasis on safety. I will partner with law enforcement to conduct crime prevention training, emergency preparedness workshops, and clear response protocols to protect our residents.
3. Strengthen the Partnership Between Council and Board of Education
I believe that a strong connection between the Council, the Board of Education, and the community is key to building pride in Middlesex. I will work to empower citizens through informed participation in local governance, and collaborate with local businesses and stakeholders to create more resources that support students, families, and the entire community.
Together, these priorities will foster a safer, stronger, and more connected Middlesex Borough where every resident feels represented and valued.
When groups of residents disagree on issues, I believe it is critical to create space for dialogue and work toward solutions that benefit the entire community. Beyond listening to both sides, here are the steps I would take to build consensus:
Acknowledge and Affirm Concerns
Publicly affirm that residents’ concerns are valid and worth listening to. Every voice should be respected and heard.
Provide Clarity and Transparency
Clearly explain the issue or policy, including the reasons behind the decision or its intended purpose, so residents have all the facts.
Identify Shared Goals
Look for common ground and shared priorities, then frame possible solutions around those interests.
Involve Residents in the Process
Invite residents to participate in working groups or committees so they can actively help shape the outcome.
Encourage Compromise
Create opportunities for both sides to give a little and gain something, fostering fairness and collaboration.
Report Back and Keep Communication Open
Once a resolution is reached, report back on progress and keep lines of communication open for ongoing feedback and improvement.
Above all, I will remain respectful even when discussions become heated and ensure that every resident feels included in the decision-making process.
As a Councilman, I will take seriously the concerns of residents about how immigration enforcement impacts families and the overall community. My approach will be to:
Listen to Residents’ Concerns – Create a safe and respectful space for residents to share how immigration enforcement affects them.
Work with constiuents to develop policies and guidelines that uphold legal requirements while also protecting the rights and dignity of our residents.
Advocate on Behalf of the Community – Communicate Middlesex Borough’s concerns to state and federal government officials to ensure local voices are heard in larger policy decisions.
Strengthen Community Trust – Work closely with local law enforcement to make sure immigration enforcement tactics do not erode the community’s trust in those who serve and protect them.
My goal is to ensure that Middlesex Borough remains a place where law, justice, and compassion work hand in hand to support the safety and well-being of every resident.
Some of my concerns as a prospective Councilman include:
Lack of Transparency – Clear systems are not always in place to keep residents informed about decisions and how they are made. I am committed to promoting transparency so that the community understands and participates in the decision-making process.
Decisions Not Serving the Majority – Policies and actions should benefit the greatest number of residents. I will work to ensure that Council decisions are fair, equitable, and in the best interest of the entire borough.
Economic Development – I will actively work with businesses to encourage investment in Middlesex, creating new opportunities that increase municipal revenue and help reduce the burden of high property taxes.
Avoid Nepotism – I will maintain integrity in government, ensuring that appointments, contracts, and decisions are based on merit and fairness, not personal relationships.
My goal is to build a transparent, accountable, and financially responsible local government that serves all residents, strengthens the economy, and fosters community trust.
