Election 2024: Stafford Mayor Candidate Barbara Crystal

STAFFORD, NJ — The 2024 general election will likely be a high-turnout year with a presidential race on the ballot, along with candidates for New Jersey's U.S. House and Senate seats. But there will also be local decisions to be made in Stafford Township, with both school boards, municipal and county elections on the ballot.

Ahead of Election Day on Nov. 5, Patch sent questionnaires to all candidates seeking their responses. Here is the response from mayoral candidate Democrat Barbara Crystal.

Editor's Note: Patch sent out emails to all candidates to the email addresses listed for their campaign provided to the office of the clerk. The responses received will be published between now and the Nov. 7 general election. These responses will be published edited only for style. Candidates who would like to participate but did not receive one (for whatever reason) can contact veronica.flesher@patch.com

Name: Barbara Crystal
Age: 60
Town of residence: Manahawkin
Education: Bachelor of Science in Education, University of Virginia, 1986 Master of Education, George Mason University, 1988
Occupation: Retired Southern Regional High School and Arlington Public Schools Teacher

What drove you to seek public office?

I served as a teacher for Arlington Public Schools, in Virginia from 1988-1993. Then I moved to NJ in 1993, and began teaching at Southern Regional High School, retiring in 2021. I love our community and raised my daughters here. I would like to continue to serve Stafford and our residents, and to give back to the township that has given so much to me and my family.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

My lengthy record of public service to our community and families sets me apart from my opponents. Over my 28 years of teaching at Southern, I have had the privilege of working for our wonderful children and families. I will continue to dedicate myself to serving the people of Stafford to the best of my ability.

What is the most pressing issue facing Stafford?

Our township has serious spending and debt issues. Stafford’s debt has increased 35% from $56 million in 2019 to $75 million in 2023. This level of spending is unsustainable, especially since property reassessments are on the horizon, and the 2017 TCJA’s large standard deductions will end in 2025. The next mayor and town council need to become more fiscally disciplined and responsible. The economic welfare of our residents needs to become a primary factor with regard to fiscal decisions.

How do you plan to keep taxes low while still maintaining services for Stafford?

Maintaining our high level of township services is a necessity and requires funding. My team and I intend to be far more selective than the current governing body, when it comes to assessing the need for proposed projects. We will then thoroughly review the plans for the programs. Finally, we will perform a cost analysis of the proposals’ elements, and determine if the undertakings could be reduced, delayed, eliminated or funded. Doing away with unnecessary spending and borrowing will definitely reduce taxes, and make Stafford more affordable for all of us.

In your opinion, what is the best part of living in Stafford?

In my opinion, the residents in our township are the best part of living in Stafford. I am originally from McLean, Virginia and began teaching at Southern in 1993. I moved to Manahawkin in 1997, and I am so grateful to live in a close, caring, safe and strong community. I believe that it is time for our governing body to listen to the needs and concerns of our residents, and to operate in a more accountable and transparent manner. Together, we can take Stafford in a better direction, where everyone can play a part in our township’s success.