Election 2022: Erik Anderson, Shrewsbury Mayoral Candidate

SHREWSBURY, NJ — Republican Mayor Erik Anderson is running unopposed for re-election to the post in the Nov. 8 general election.

In these profiles, candidates provide voters with background about themselves and their positions on the issues. Patch has been publishing individual profiles leading to the election.

Although unopposed, Anderson provided profile information to discuss issues in the borough and how he and the Shrewsbury Borough Council have responded to them.

Read more from candidate Erik Anderson:

Name: Erik Anderson

Age: 46

Position sought: Mayor of Shrewsbury Borough

Are you an incumbent, and do you have prior government experience? I am completing my first term as Mayor of Shrewsbury. I previously served as a member Shrewsbury’s Council from 2016 to 2019. Prior to joining Council, I served six years on the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Party affiliation: Republican.

Campaign website: Facebook site

Family: Married to Melissa. We have three boys who are 15, 12 and 9 years old.

Education: The Catholic University of America, Political Science (B.A.); Rutgers School of Law, Newark, Juris Doctor; Vermont Law School, Masters of Studies in Environmental Law.

Occupation: I am an owner and partner with the law firm Reardon Anderson, LLC.

The top three issues currently facing Shrewsbury are:

(1) property taxes

(2) pedestrian safety

(3) mental health/well-being.

Property taxes: New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the nation. Shrewsbury Council only controls the municipal budget which accounts for 27 percent of the total property tax bill.

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for Trenton to implement policies which do not take local taxpayers into consideration. For example, most recently the state (without notice) increased public employee health insurance premiums for municipalities by 23 percent. What this means for Shrewsbury taxpayers is an unanticipated $85,000 bill that must be paid.

To counteract many of the state’s ill-conceived polices, the borough must continue to explore ways to reduce spending, while still providing excellent services to its residents. Over my term as Mayor, we have done this by negotiating new vendor contracts, eliminating unnecessary municipal spending, and increasing efficiencies of borough operations without reducing services provided to the town.

Additionally, the borough must continue to explore shared and consolidated services with other municipalities and the county. Again, during my time as mayor we have done this by entering into shared service agreements which have resulted in over $100,000 a year in tax savings for Shrewsbury residents.

Pedestrian safety: One of the top responsibilities of government is to ensure the safety of its residents. In order to do this, we have undertaken many safety projects over the past four years. These have included the extensive expansion of Safe Routes to School for our children (which has resulted in the town receiving awards from the state for these efforts); the installation of a new signaled crosswalk on Sycamore Avenue; lowering the speed limit on Broad Street; and placement of digital speed radar signs throughout the town.

Also, the council reconfigured and installed safety features on Obre Place and White Street, which has greatly increased pedestrian safety. In the years to come, we must continue to build on these accomplishments to protect our town.

Mental health and wellbeing: The challenges created during the pandemic have been profound on our community. Work from home, virtual learning and separation has created issues for residents of all ages which are just now coming to the surface.

As Shrewsbury returns to “normal”, we must recognize the needs of our residents and promote, advocate and where possible provide assistance for mental health and well-being. An example of our support of mental health and well-being is exemplified by the council’s vocal opposition to the state’s plan to defund The Source at Red Bank Regional. This organization is a school-based program which provides mental health and other counseling services to RBR’s students. It is a valuable resource for not only Shrewsbury, but all RBR communities. Our council has been fighting to save this very important program and continues to push the governor to keep funding in place.

Going forward we must continue to support programs such as The Source and promote activities that emphasize mental health and overall well-being.

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

The last two and a half years have been difficult for our town. During the that time, Shrewsbury was unable to gather and celebrate all the things that make our town such a great place to live. Slowly many of these events are coming back online. If re-elected as Mayor, I plan on renewing a push for greater community involvement in traditional activities our town has hosted in the past and institute new events and activities designed for all residents of our town.

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

I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to serve a community that has provided me so much over the years – the place where I grew up and where my wife and I are raising our three boys. I believe that my experience and results as mayor over the past four years demonstrates that I am prepared to continue serving our great town.

Candidates for Shrewsbury Borough Council:

Mayor: Full Term – Vote for One

• Erik Anderson (Republican)
• No Nomination Made (Democrat)

Borough Council: Full Term – Vote for Two

• Jason N. Sena (Republican)
• Deidre DerAsadourian (Republican)
• Carol P. Loeffler (Democrat)
• Donald J. Sena (Democrat)

Borough Council: One Year Unexpired Term – Vote for One

• Jaclyn R. Woehnker (Republican)
• Judith A. Kramer (Democrat)