Election 2024: Washington Twp. Committee Candidate Brian Varela

LONG VALLEY, NJ — In the 2024 general election, Washington Township residents will be voting for local school board seats and Town Council members, as well as some Morris County offices. They'll also see candidates for the presidential race, and for their representatives in Congress.

Patch has asked local candidates in contested races to answer some questions about their campaigns, which we've included below.

As a quick note, early voting begins on Saturday, Oct. 26, and the general election is on Tuesday, Nov 5.

Here is the candidate profile of Brian Varela, candidate for the Washington Township Committee on the Democratic ticket.

Editor's Note: Patch sent out the same questions to all candidates, using the email addresses listed for their campaign on the county clerk’s office. The responses received will be published between now and the Nov. 5 general election; any questions that the candidate did not answer will be left out. Local candidates who would like to participate but did not receive an email (for whatever reason) can contact Michelle.Rotuno-Johnson@patch.com.

Name: Brian Varela

Town of Residence: Washington Township

Education: MBA from UNC, currently pursuing a Master's in International Relations from Seton Hall

Occupation: Entrepreneur, Activist

Candidate Website: hv2024.com

What inspired you to seek public office?

I have always been driven by a desire to give back to my community. My diverse life experiences, from founding successful businesses to engaging in grassroots initiatives, have equipped me with unique insights and skills that I believe can contribute positively to our community’s governance.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

My track record as a successful entrepreneur and a grassroots organizer demonstrates my ability to transform vision into action. As an entrepreneur, I have built several successful business. As an activist, I am fighting for ballot empowerment and democracy overall. Our efforts here have led to successful results across several municipalities that have embraced Ranked Choice Voting as a Trigger Ordinance or a Resolution. I bring a pragmatic approach to problem-solving and a deep commitment to our community, ensuring that I not only envision change but make it happen.

In your opinion, what is the biggest issue facing Washington Township, and how would you address it?

While I deeply appreciate the efforts of our current public servants, I believe that our township has potential for fiscal improvement. The primary issue I aim to tackle is the tax burden on our residents. I plan to spearhead efforts for a proven shared services models among neighboring municipalities, which have been shown to reduce costs effectively while maintaining high-quality public services.

Name one thing about Washington Township that always makes you smile.

The coexistence with nature here is truly heartwarming. There’s nothing quite like returning home to a family of deer on my lawn. Just this spring, I was delighted to see that their family has grown—a gentle reminder of the beauty and tranquility that our town offers.

Is there anything else you would like to tell voters about your goals for this position?

Whether you support me or another candidate, I urge you to exercise your right to vote. It’s not just our privilege; it’s our responsibility to contribute to our democracy and make our voices heard. Let’s ensure our community continues to thrive by participating actively in its future.

More info on election deadlines and early voting

For new voters, New Jersey’s deadline to register for the Nov. 5 election is Oct. 15. This is also the deadline for people who need to update their registration to change their name or their address on their voter record.

In-person early voting for the general election will be Oct. 26 through Nov. 3. Hours are Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.to 6 p.m.

Here's where to vote early in Morris County.

If you are already registered to vote and want to check your registration status or see where your polling place is, you may do so online.

Any New Jersey voter may apply for a vote-by-mail ballot by completing the application by Oct. 29, and returning it to their county clerk's office.

Then, they may return their ballot by mail, in a secure ballot drop box, or at the county Board of Elections office.

New Jersey voters will also select a U.S. Senator to replace Democrat Bob Menendez, who resigned from office after being convicted in a high-profile bribery trial. All of the state's seats in the House of Representatives are also on the ballot, and you can look up which district you live in here.

Related articles:

• See Early Voting, Candidate Info For Election Day 2024 In Long Valley
• Contested School Board Races Kick Off In Long Valley