Election 2024: Steven R. Simon For South Brunswick Council
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — Retired law enforcement officer Steven R. Simon is seeking a seat on the South Brunswick Council. In a conversation with Patch, he talks about his vision for the township.Election is on Tuesday, Nov. 5.Patch has sent out a questionnaire to all candidates. They will be published as we receive them. If you are a candidate and haven’t heard from us, please contact Sarah Salvadore at [email protected] for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements. Name: Steven R. Simon Age: 56 Party: Republican Town of residence: Monmouth Junction, South Brunswick Education: Bachelor of Science, Business Management Occupation: Retired, Law Enforcement 1. What drove you to seek public office? While watching our taxes increase, traffic on all roads getting worse, the loss of retail business along with my desire to make the quality of life for my family and neighbors better, I needed to decide between complaining or taking action. It’s always about taking bold, positive, informed steps that build a stronger community for everyone. 2. What sets you apart from the other candidates? I have been committed to the servant leadership doctrine even before I learned what that meant. This has been reflected in my belief in G-d, country and community through my various forms of service. My military, volunteer emergency medical service, and law enforcement career have provided countless experiences that built my ability to proactively identify issues, the fortitude to complete difficult tasks and develop the skills needed to build cooperative efforts with local stakeholders for the mutual benefit of all. 3. What, according to you, is the biggest issue facing the township right now? The quality of life is an encompassing problem for our current and future generations. The loss of small retail businesses and entertainment centers, along with the lack of a town center of any sort, prevents younger generations from wanting to stay or return to the township. Besides guiding the day-to-day functions, elected officials must have their eye on the future to ensure that the township is growing the right way. Being the warehouse capital is not something anyone should be proud of. Instead of looking at bringing in these ratable generating buildings, we need to entice family-oriented opportunities and small businesses that cover all the needs of our residents. Otherwise, it becomes a commuter town where people have to spend their hard-earned money somewhere else to get what they lack here. 4. The township had to increase taxes due to $1.8 million overspending in the past. What are your plans to ensure no overspending occurs in the future? While some may state that overspending is prohibited by state law or that we are not allowed to overspend the budget, either way, the township had to go to the state’s Local Finance Board to get approval to exceed the 2 percent spending cap to make up for the shortfall. Those responsible need to be held accountable for the failures that caused this unfortunate and preventable situation. Concurrently, systemic review and oversight that includes active communication with all department heads will ensure everyone is strictly adhering to their budgets and continuously preventing any waste in their sections. 5. Several redeveloped projects are taking place in town. What’s your take on this? Poor execution and drawn-out, unrealistic lawsuits committed to by the current and prior administrations around the mismanagement of affordable housing shows exactly what we have gotten: nothing positive. We will see the continued growth of warehouses (because it’s easy) and affordable housing, which our town has little to no say in the development or placement of. This will add to hardships that already exist in local traffic, overburdening of schools and stresses on township resources. 6. Even as recession fears fade, cost of living continues to be a nationwide problem. What are your plans to keep South Brunswick affordable for young families and seniors? Total budget review, responsible allocation of funds and cutting out the waste are immediate steps for responsible governance. After completing the reviews, other areas that can be investigated would include shared services, working with the county/state for grants or other funding avenues and promoting the growth of family-oriented small businesses that benefit those who live here. 7. What is your favorite part about living in South Brunswick? I have loved living in South Brunswick since I moved here in 2008. We had been blessed with great neighbors and friends whom we have shared many memories with. My wife and I have enjoyed taking our boys to the library, the police department’s community events and the multitude of school activities. 8. Favorite place to visit with family in South Brunswick? My family and I have enjoyed many of the parks for their jungle gyms, soccer programs and playing with our dog, Duke. Have a correction or a news tip? Email [email protected] The article Election 2024: Steven R. Simon For South Brunswick Council appeared first on South Brunswick, NJ Patch.
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