Election 2024: Parsippany School Board Candidate Judy Mayer

PARSIPPANY, NJ —In the 2024 general election, Parsippany Township residents will be voting for members on their local school board, as well as for 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 Judy Mayer, a current member of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Schools Board of Education who is running for re-election.

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: Judy Mayer

Town of Residence: Parsippany

Education: BS in Early Childhood Education

Occupation: Retired teacher

What inspired you to seek public office?

I have been a resident of Parsippany for 46 years. My children went K-12 and received an excellent education. I taught in Parsippany for over 20 years and upon my retirement I decided I wanted to stay involved in the education of Parsippany's students. It seemed to me that the Board of Education would benefit from having an educator as a resource, especially one who was familiar with the district. I am proud to say I have served on the Board for 10 years.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

First, I am an educator. As I previously stated, I believe the Board of Education should have an educator to offer a different perspective. Second, I substitute in another district. This is a great way for me to keep current on new trends in education as well as to see practices used in other districts and if they might be a benefit to Parsippany. I firmly believe my 30 plus years make me the most qualified candidate. This is an excellent way to use my experience and serve my community.

In recent meetings, some residents and board members have expressed worry about how recent developments and housing projects in town will affect traffic and put a strain on resources. What is your stance on ongoing development projects, and what do you say to residents who believe it will cause overcrowding/traffic?

I agree this will be an issue on many levels. Certainly traffic will increase, how could it not? There is a very real potential that this will have an impact on our schools. The Board of Education is working very hard to be proactive to this situation. The Town Council and Administration need to come together with the Board of Education to find ways to find solutions to the possibility of overcrowding in our schools.

Name one thing about Parsippany that always makes you smile.

Even though Parsippany is quite large and diverse, there is a sense of community. For example, the Fall Festival, Farmer's Market, and Trunk-or-Treat are activities that bring people together.

Finally, do you want to tell voters anything else about you, or your goals for this position?

I have been involved in education my entire adult life. It is a responsibility I take very seriously. My decisions, as a board member, have always been guided by "what's best for our students." I am reliable. I have never missed a Board meeting or Committee meeting.

Goals:

• help find solutions to the potential overcrowding of our schools
• help create a respectful working atmosphere with the Town Council and Mayor
• continue working with the administration and the Teaching and Learning Committee reviewing curriculum
• continue to develop fiscally responsible budgets that limit tax increases
• support programs that help address learning loss due to the pandemic

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 can 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 Parsippany
• 5 Vie For 3 Open Seats On The Parsippany School Board