Bridgewater Township Council General Election 2025: Megan Moench

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater's general election on Nov. 4 has six candidates running for seats on the Township Council.

Republican Megan Moench is running for one of three, three-year open seats on the Township Council, along with incumbents Allen Kurdyla and Filipe Pedroso.

Democrats Ridwana Isla, Andrew Bucko and Joan Geiger are running on the Democratic ticket.

Are you running for office in Bridgewater? Contact Alexis Tarrazi at alexis.tarrazi@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Bridgewater Patch.

Megan Moench

Age: 41

Town of residence: Bridgewater

Position sought: Bridgewater Township Council

Party affiliation: Republican

Family: Son - Logan 12

Education: BRHS 2002 - Rutgers 2006

Occupation: small business owner

Previous or current elected appointed office: N/A

Why are you seeking election as a Councilmember in Bridgewater?

In a word… Logan. I’m seeking election because I care deeply about the future of Bridgewater, not just for current residents, but for the next generation growing up here. My son is being raised in the same town where I grew up, and that makes this work personal. I want him, and every child in Bridgewater, to inherit a community that is safe, strong, and full of opportunity.

The Council recently approved its fourth-round affordable housing plan that includes 421 housing units. What do you think of this plan?

The State of New Jersey has placed an unreasonable and heavy mandate on towns like Bridgewater. While I believe this mandate is excessive and undermines local control, Township officials have a responsibility to step up and find a solution that protects our residents and preserves the character of our community.

Instead of letting Trenton dictate what Bridgewater should look like, the approved plan meets the state’s legal requirements in a way that works for Bridgewater. It spreads out the units, prioritizes responsible development, and avoids overwhelming any one neighborhood. Most importantly it does not sacrifice the quality of life, open space, and community character that make Bridgewater a great place to live and raise a family.

The Council approved a budget in June with a 1.077 percent increase over last year. How do you feel about the Township's handling of the budget?

One of the most important responsibilities the Council has each year is reviewing and approving the township budget. Taxpayers trust us to ensure that their hard-earned money is spent wisely, and that is a responsibility I will take very seriously.

The administration is ultimately responsible for creating the budget, but if elected, I pledge to work closely with them to make sure spending stays within reason, keeping any increases as minimal as possible and only where absolutely necessary to meet the needs of our residents. Families in Bridgewater must live within their means, and the government should do the same.

The 1.077 percent increase that was approved this year is modest, but every dollar matters, and we must continue to be vigilant. I believe in a careful, conservative approach to budgeting that balances fiscal responsibility with maintaining the quality of services our residents expect. Bridgewater families deserve nothing less.

The Camp Cromwell property has been a topic of discussion for years. How do you feel about the Council's handling and plan for the property?

Like so many residents, I’m eager to see Camp Cromwell open to the public. It’s truly a diamond in the rough for our town — full of potential but unfortunately left in very poor condition. While the Council has limited control over the property and the pace of the project, I’m encouraged by the progress that’s being made.

I’m especially grateful to Congressman Kean for securing $4 million in Community Project Funding for Bridgewater. That support is a big win for our community, and I look forward to working with the administration to make sure every dollar is stretched as far as possible so Camp Cromwell becomes the gem it should be for our township.

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and it’s more important to do it right than to do it quickly.

What other issues do you feel need to be tackled in the Township?

Overall, I believe Bridgewater is a well-run township, but there are always areas where we can do better. My priorities will be supporting our police and enhancing our township parks. I intend to be a strong voice for law enforcement, advocating for the resources they need to continue protecting our community effectively.

If elected, I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and finding new innovative ways to enhance our parks, working with community partners and exploring out-of-the-box funding sources, so we can improve these valuable resources without placing an additional burden on residents.

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates?

What sets me apart is my deep connection to Bridgewater combined with a fresh perspective and new ideas. I grew up here, and now my son is growing up in the same town, so the decisions I make on the Council are personal—they affect my family as much as everyone else’s.

While I respect the experience of others, I bring energy, innovative thinking, and practical solutions to the table. I’m committed to fiscal responsibility, supporting our police, and preserving the character and quality of life in Bridgewater. I want to help move our township forward in ways that honor our community’s values while embracing smart, new ideas for the future.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself or your campaign?

N/A