Election Profile: David Personette For Hazlet Twp Committee

HAZLET, NJ — Two seats are open on the Hazlet township committee and four candidates are running in the upcoming Nov. 2 election.

Incumbent Republicans Tara Corcoran-Clark and James "Skip" McKay are being challenged by Democrats David Personette and Carrie Virgilio.

Newcomer David Personette, 42, is a high school teacher and program director of OneGoal at John Dewey High School in Brooklyn, NY. He was previously elected as delegate to the Assembly for John Dewey High School at UFT Headquarters and a UFT executive board member of John Dewey High School.

Personette graduated with an undergraduate degree from SUNY Oneonta and a Master's Degree in Education from Touro College. He's lived in Hazlet for nearly five years with his wife of 15 years and three children ages 12, 9 and 2 - although his ties to Hazlet go back much further as he has had family in the township for almost 20 years.

He is running alongside fellow Democrat Carrie Virgilio.

READ MORE: Hazlet 2021 Election: Who's Running, All The Ways To Vote

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Why are you seeking elective office?

I am seeking office because instead of sitting on the sidelines I want to suit up and make things better. I love our town and the opportunities it affords my three beautiful children. Yet there are many areas where I feel we can do better for Hazlet families. I would like to be that voice on the Township Committee.

The single most pressing issue facing our community is:

The Township Committee needs to stop playing politics with adult and youth recreation programs. Specifically, I oppose the privatization of our summer camp and will work to bring back a camp that is affordable and able to accommodate every child who wants to experience the outdoors and a fun summer.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

As a parent of young children, I offer a unique perspective on how we can improve the services our community offers. As a homeowner, I also wish to ensure that we get more bang for the buck we pay in property taxes. As the son of parents living in the Middle Road Village Senior, I know how difficult it can be living on a fixed income. Respectfully, I disagree with my opponents on things like spending, privatization of our town recreation, and increasing rates at the pool club.

In what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community?

I don't agree with the premise of your question. My opponents and I have significant disagreements about the direction of our community and I look forward to a conversation that is focused on ideas and issues.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Less talk and more action. Stop making bad budget decisions that result in higher spending. Save residents money by negotiating with one garbage company to pick up our trash. Repair the roads correctly so that you do it once instead of around election time.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I am an educator who works with young people to realize their dreams of attending a four-year college or technical school. I know what it's like to struggle towards a goal and I know what it takes to get results: discipline, attention to detail and empathy for where people are and where they want to be.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Don't just see the change, be the change.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

It's truly a privilege to call Hazlet home. My wife and I are blessed to live beside great neighbors in a town where people care about what kind of community this is. I want the government of Hazlet to represent the people and work for their needs.

As a teacher for 20 years, even in a union, I'm on a fixed salary, I can't just ask my principal for more money when my taxes go up. I am Hazlet; I open and close my own pool, I mow my own lawn, I am an Uber dad, driving my kids to all sorts of practices. I'm just trying to find ways to make this town better that don't break the budget and raise my taxes. I think it can be accomplished we just need people that are willing to go the extra mile and make it happen. I will be an advocate for the people of my town, I will fight to make sure they are given a fair shake from Monmouth County and they should know that our town will always have their back.

Additional reporting by Nicole Rosenthal