Election 2022: Judith A. Kramer, Shrewsbury Borough Council

SHREWSBURY, NJ — Democrat Judith A. Kramer is one of two candidates seeking a single one-year unexpired term 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.

Kramer says she would like to see more diverse voices on the Borough Council, and notes that the borough has many Democrats and Unaffiliated voters not represented on the council. "Democracy requires honest debate and different points of view," she says. She also cites other important issues in the town that need to be addressed, such as traffic and safe routes for bicyclists and walkers, among other issues.

Read more from candidate Judith A. Kramer:

Name: Judith A. Kramer, Ph. D.

Age: 73

Town of residence: Shrewsbury Borough

Position sought: Borough Council

Are you an incumbent or previous governing member? No

Party affiliation: Democrat

Campaign website: Facebook

Family: Married, no children

Education: Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology

Occupation: Licensed psychologist in private practice

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

1. Diverse voices on the council. For over 40 years, Shrewsbury has had one-party GOP rule even though over half of our residents are registered either Democrat or Unaffiliated. Democracy requires honest debate and different points of view. It is so important that our borough council truly reflect various positions on local, state and national issues so that we can "think globally and act locally."

2. Most residents appreciate the friendliness, convenience and beauty of our town. However there are growing concerns over a variety of important issues: traffic speed, noise and accidents on Broad Street (a state route and a residential street ); development at Fort Monmouth that will impact local water ways (e.g. Parker Creek pollution); updating our town's Master Plan; safe routes to school for walkers and bikers; protection of our beautiful historic area. A number of residents would be interested in our local government working on these issues.

3. We need to increase opportunities for residents to hear about what the council is doing and to have input and involvement in issues such as use of our remaining open space; coordination between our council and the schools (Shrewsbury Borough school and Red Bank Regional High School); energy-saving measures throughout town. I would like to explore new ways to share ideas and learn about what other towns are doing, possibly in small interest groups or council-sponsored programs.

Goals:

One of my personal goals is to learn more about our budget and the funding patterns of other small New Jersey towns. I will also dedicate some time every month to listening to residents in different sections of town, and in various age groups, about their needs and interests. We are fortunate to have many resources here that might be utilized in new ways.

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

I have worked with a variety of community organizations and groups such as the Girl Scouts, the League of Women Voters, AAUW, environmental groups, Running and Winning for high school students. I have taught and supervised graduate students at Rutgers and served on departmental committees. It has been inspiring to see the individual talent, commitment and energy in each group, committee or class. I believe that I work well with others as a listener, a volunteer and a leader.

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)