Election 2022: Jason Sena, Shrewsbury Borough Council

SHREWSBURY, NJ — Republican Jason Sena is one of four candidates seeking two full-term seats on the Shrewsbury Borough Council in the Nov. 8 general election.

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

Sena is an incumbent and points to a track record on the council of reducing municipal expenses and establishing more traffic-calming measures and safety measures for pedestrians. He would also like to encourage more community events, such as the PBA Food Truck event, in the town in post-COVID times. "I would like to encourage community participation in other events by raising awareness and to help set the stage for planning the celebration of Shrewsbury’s Centennial in 2026," he says.

Read more from candidate Jason Sena:

Name: Jason Sena

Age: 36

Town of residence: Shrewsbury

Position sought: Borough Council

Are you an incumbent or previous governing member? Incumbent

Party affiliation: Republican

Campaign website: Facebook site

Family: Married to Nina; son, daughter and new baby expected in February.

Education: Quinnipiac University, Criminal Justice (BA), Hofstra University Law School, JD

Occupation: Attorney

Name the top issues currently facing your town and how you plan to address them:

1) Reducing municipal operating expenses: Shrewsbury constantly faces increasing operating costs for various reasons. Despite that, since joining the Council in 2019, we have reduced the tax rate for four consecutive years through responsible budgeting and entering into multiple shared services agreements.

Moving forward, the primary way to achieve meaningful savings is to continue consolidating and sharing municipal services with the county and adjoining communities. I will always put the taxpayers first and will continue to do what it takes to obtain the best possible outcome.

2) Prioritizing public safety: Traffic has increased in recent years due to external factors outside the scope of the council’s authority and control. In response, the council has cul-de-sac’ed Monroe Avenue, successfully expanded the school zone down Broad Street, worked with the county to install a second crosswalk across Sycamore Avenue, established safe routes to school and taken a number of other steps to address traffic safety concerns with state officials.

As a councilmember, I will continue to explore the use of traffic calming techniques, community-based public safety awareness campaigns (ex: “slow down in our town) and other ways to maintain our quality of life.

3) Finding a solution for the Wardell House: The Wardell House is a historic monument in our
town. Sadly, it was neglected after the municipal offices moved to the current building and now
sits empty as another expense for the taxpayers and cannot safely be occupied unless major
repairs are performed. We have to think outside the box to obtain grants or private funding if the
structural integrity of the building is to be maintained.

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

1) Reinvigorating Community Events: the COVID-19 pandemic put a hard stop to the town’s social
and community events for over two years. This year’s PBA Food Truck event saw record
attendance as we spent time with friends and neighbors while and supporting our police. I would
like to encourage community participation in other events by raising awareness and to help set
the stage for planning the celebration of Shrewsbury’s Centennial in 2026.

2) Regular publication of print newsletter: In this impersonal digital age, receiving a print newsletter provides value to our residents by informing them of what happens in our town in a personal way. It is my goal to distribute a print newsletter quarterly using grant money, if possible.

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

Serving on council for the past 3½ years, on nonprofit boards and in various volunteer
positions in local government has provided invaluable experience and background.

In addition, my professional background as an attorney representing public entities
provides unique insight into the workings of government. I believe that these things show
that I am well suited to serve Shrewsbury for another term on council.

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)