Parsippany Township Council Election 2023: Judy Hernandez

PARSIPPANY, NJ — Election Day 2023 is near, and Parsippany voters will be going to the polls to cast their ballots for candidates at the local, county and state levels.

This year, there are six candidates vying for the three seats up for grabs on the council.

Patch sent questionnaires to all candidates, seeking their responses. Here is the response from candidate Judy Hernandez.

Editor's Note: Patch emailed all candidates at the email addresses listed for their campaigns in the clerk's office. The responses will be revealed between now and the general election on Nov. 7. These comments will be published with just minor stylistic changes. Candidates who wish to participate but did not receive an invitation should email vianella.burns@patch.com.

Name: Judy Hernandez

Age: 60

Office sought: Parsippany Town Council

Party affiliation: Democrat

Education: BECE from Manhattan College

Occupation: Environmental Engineer

Why are you seeking this office?

I have been a resident of Parsippany for 23 years. I raised my family here while participating in the community both socially and civically. I am an environmental advocate and I believe that local politics and civic action impact our daily lives. I have volunteered for over a decade on township committees, local campaigns and advocated for stronger environmental policies. I have run for this position in 2019 and 2021.

The Town Council works on legislation to implement goals and plans on development and policy for the township. The decisions on budget, taxes and development are controlled by one party without balance and transparency.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing constituents is taxes and then I would add unsustainable growth, as it pertains to schools, traffic and development. We have had an 18 percent municipal tax increase over two years, while necessary green infrastructure projects are not prioritized.

These challenges could be tackled by taking advantage of economic and environmental opportunities that will bring dollars to Parsippany. There are ample state and federal resources and grants that could benefit Parsippany economically and environmentally but are not being sought. While other municipalities are embracing smart growth policies and sustainable development opportunities, Parsippany risks not being prepared for the challenges of the future.

How I would address the challenge? There is a national impetus to prepare our nation for a future of extreme weather and the resulting economic hardships, and building a resilient infrastructure. Now is the time to embrace the many opportunities and advantages that are being offered by the state and federal governments and myriad agencies. As a volunteer on the Parsippany Environmental Advisory Committee and the Parsippany Green Team, we began working toward implementing storm water management and engineering solutions to mitigate residential economic damages, improve water quality and create an economic opportunity with renewable energy infrastructure. We had begun the process to decrease carbon emissions thereby slowing the speed of climate change. The current administration has not continued these projects.

Parsippany must start planning for the future to meet the pressures of development while maintaining the quality of life that we cherish in our town. That includes preserving our open spaces and being part of the planning of how our town grows. It also means growing sustainably (economically, environmentally, socially) so that future generations can enjoy the same benefits we have.

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

We will represent the people of Parsippany while our opponents will do the bidding of the mayor. We believe in adopting a platform of building a sustainable economy if we want to keep our taxes realistic and our town resilient. My opponents do not advocate for sustainable economic or environmental initiatives. Elected officials pledge to work for all residents but there is a very partisan resolve in Parsippany that does not welcome all from getting involved.

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

I have experience in planning and contractual work on design and construction projects in NYC projects. I have lived in this town and participated in the process for many years. As a volunteer, I have sat on the Open Space Committee, the Parsippany Environmental Advisory Committee and the Planning Board. I am on the Board of Trustees of the Parsippany Child Day Care Center and I have started and co-led the Parsippany Green Team.

While on the Planning Board working on the new Master Plan, I heard what residents want from their municipality. At that time, Parsippany had the recognition of leading in the area of environmental progress and sustainable development and striving to proactively protect our open spaces, natural resources. I am proud to have been part of that progress.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am inspired by our natural world and what it means for all of us and our futures; our state of mind and good health depend on our natural resources. I have met many wonderful people while running for council. We share many of the same goals, dreams and concerns. These goals are not partisan. Civic engagement is crucial and I would like to contribute to engaging more people in the process. As Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has”.