Election 2022: Julie Roth, Holmdel Township Committee

HOLMDEL, NJ — Independent Julie Roth is one of four candidates seeking two, full-term spots on the Holmdel Township Committee in the Nov. 8 general election.

In these profiles, candidates provide voters with background about themselves and their positions on the issues, as they see them. Patch is publishing individual profiles leading up to the election.

Julie Roth said she would make public safety a priority, given the recent rash of car thefts and break-ins in the township, and also would seek out ways to decrease taxes and preserve open space.

Read more from candidate Julie Roth:

Name: Julie Roth
Age: 44
Town of residence: Holmdel
Position sought: Township Committee
Are you an incumbent or previous governing member? No
Party affiliation: Running as an Independent
Campaign website: mohanroth4Holmdel.com
Family: Married to husband, Gregory, for over 15 years. We have three children in Holmdel schools
(ages 10, 7, and 5)
Education: Master of Music, Rutgers University; Bachelor of Music Education, University of Houston
Occupation: Former founding director of the Mason Gross Extension Division at Rutgers University and general manager for an LLC (music publishing, record label, and instrument manufacturer) with an international presence.

Name the top issues currently facing your town and how you plan to address them:

• Safety: Public safety must be a priority. Holmdel residents have recently been victim to auto-thefts and home break-ins. These are terrifying, as some criminals have entered homes during daylight hours while families are home, and on multiple occasions. Our law enforcement officials need our complete support and cooperation. I would collaborate with them to increase surveillance and ensure they have all necessary equipment and personnel. I would also work with our law enforcement officials to make sure we are doing everything possible to keep our schools secure and our children safe.
• Fiscal responsibility: Property taxes are a high financial burden to Holmdel residents. We must eliminate wasteful spending and the accumulation of short-term debt. Everything we do must be cost-effective. We need to seek out grant opportunities, explore ways to streamline expenses, and maintain current infrastructure. We cannot continue to raid swim club revenue and neglect the much-needed repairs to the facility. Fiscal responsibility relies on total transparency and we cannot afford to mismanage funds.
• Preserve and protect open space: Preserving and protecting our quality of life in Holmdel means preserving and protecting our open space, which is finite. The better job we do of protecting our watershed and preserving our farmlands and woodlands, the healthier the lifestyle we can enjoy. We must consult the township’s master plan and scrutinize all potential environmental implications when considering any development. This includes storm-water management. Holmdel must implement an effective storm-water management plan once the results of the current study are available. Our residents living in flood zones north of Route 35 are depending on this.

Identify one or more specific goals or ideas you have to enhance life in your town:

• Informed decision-making: Informed decisions require thorough research and consideration of all perspectives. If elected, I would ensure all members of the community have a voice in the decisions that are being made. My number one goal would be to listen respectfully to all sides of each and every issue in order to gain a thorough understanding.
• Multi-use trail and recreation: If elected to the township committee, I would work to continue the development of the multi-use trail Committeewoman (Cathy) Weber was spearheading. Recreation is an important component in our quality of life in Holmdel. We need to maintain our current recreational facilities and invest wisely in future projects, making sure all decisions are based on the town-wide recreation needs assessment survey and implemented in the most cost-effective and environmentally responsible way possible.
• Strengthen infrastructure: I would work with our Public Works and Parks and Recreation Departments to take an inventory of areas that have been neglected and are in need of repair or improvements. We must maintain what we have and budget for it accordingly.
• Engage the entire community: An engaged community is a happy and informed community. I would work to create a directory of resources and volunteer opportunities available in our town. Once this inventory is complete, we can examine it to see what else is possible, whether it be healthcare liaisons for seniors or programs to involve our youth. The diversity of Holmdel is one of its biggest assets. As residents, we have much to learn from and offer to others.

What in your experience or background prepares you for election to office:

• Creation and management of large budgets I served as founding director of the Mason Gross Extension Division at Rutgers University where I designed and implemented a revenue-generating division. Prior to working at Rutgers, I served as general manager for an LLC with an international presence.
• Oversight of all business, operational, and personnel aspects of the university division and the LLC
• Secured grant funding to develop innovative and educational community outreach programs for hundreds of students
• Artistic Director of the Mason Gross Presents Summer Concert Series
• Volunteer work on the board of CILU (Citizens for Informed Land Use), as VP Programs
• My professional experiences, as well as my work in the home with three children have taught me how to lead with humility, kindness, and respect. I enjoy research, learning from others, and making fully informed decisions. Marathon and distance running has taught me endurance. Leading children’s Bible classes has shown me there is something to be learned from everyone, especially children.

Candidates for the Holmdel Township Committee:

Full Term – Vote for Two:

• Kimberley LaMountain (Republican)
• Brian Foster (Republican)
• Rajesh Mohan (Independent)
• Julie Roth (Independent)

There are no Democrats running for office.