Election 2024: Ateka Gunja For East Brunswick Mayor

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — Physician Ateka Gunja is seeking public office for the first time. A longtime township resident, Gunja decided to move back to East Brunswick to raise her family here.

In a Q&A with Patch, Gunja talks about why she’s running for Mayor and her plans for East Brunswick.

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 sarah.salvadore@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements.

• Name: Ateka Gunja
• Age: 42
• Party: Independent
• Town of residence: East Brunswick
• Education: Medical degree, Tulane Univ. School of Medicine
• Occupation: Physician, Cardiologist

1. What drove you to seek public office?

I actually never considered public office before, even though I’ve taken on other leadership positions. Things changed a lot for me a year ago, as it did for so many around the world, when we bore witness to the tragic attack on civilians in Israel, followed by a year-long genocide in Gaza. As a concerned U.S. citizen, I have been writing to all my elected officials including Mayor Cohen to demand a ceasefire. I haven’t received a response yet, and my attempts to meet with him and the Town Council have been turned down. So, I started going to town council meetings and drafted a ceasefire resolution, as a way for us to apply local pressure to our state and Federal government to pass an immediate, permanent ceasefire. The Town Council refused to even bring up the resolution for a vote, citing that they don’t get involved in foreign relations. However, in 2022, we passed a resolution in support of a sisterhood in Rivne, Ukraine that condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine. So, our town council has taken a stand on foreign issues before when it feels it’s important to the residents of our town, and I believe this issue of Palestine is no different.

2. What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I think all the candidates have strong qualifications and backgrounds. I grew up in East Brunswick and I know this town. I love this town and decided to move back here to raise my family. I am a physician and single mom, so I am used to making hard decisions and handling challenges. It’s very important to me that we keep our town a safe, happy, and healthy place to live and raise our families.

3. Has the current administration delivered on its promise to redevelop the Route 18 corridor? What more needs to be done?

I think a lot of progress has been made, but it’s still very much a work in progress. I would definitely work hard to support the construction and redevelopment efforts and make sure that they’re completed efficiently.

4. Even as recession fears fade, cost of living continues to be a nationwide problem. What are your plans to keep East Brunswick affordable for young families and seniors?

I think this issue is so important. So many people and families are struggling financially although the economy may be strong. Affordable housing, schooling, and childcare are important, and I am a firm believer in universal healthcare. As Mayor, I would like to pursue universal pre-K for our township, continue to strengthen our community recreational and library services, support our farmers and conserve land, and take the financial concerns of all our residents seriously.

5. What, according to you, is the biggest issue in East Brunswick right now? How do you plan to tackle it?

I think there is a lot of discord around the Board of Education election. I would want to make sure as Mayor that we maintain the highest standard of education and that the public schools always remain the gem of our town.

6. What is your favorite part about living in East Brunswick?

I love the diversity of East Brunswick. Having the opportunity to grow up with friends of different races, religions, and backgrounds helped me grow into someone who values diversity. I have always felt safe and valued in my community, and I hope it stays that way for generations to come.

7. Favorite place to visit with family in East Brunswick?

Butterfly Park is our go-to.

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