What does South Brunswick Township Want in This Election?

To begin with, let’s put some statistics together. With 46,649 people, South Brunswick is the 44th most populated city in the state of New Jersey out of 565 cities. The largest South Brunswick racial/ethnic groups are Asian (46.6%) followed by White (38.8%), Black and African Americans (7.9%), and Hispanic (7.4%). In 2020, the median household income of South Brunswick households was $124,070. However, an estimated 2.9% of South Brunswick families live in poverty. The median age for South Brunswick residents is 40.8 years young.

Source: https://www.census.gov/quickfa...

We should recognize that Asians are not just Indians (India), but also Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Nepalese, Bhutanese, Thais, Vietnamese, Indonesians, Chinese, Japanese, and Saudi Arabians...to name a few. There are 48 countries in all. On a deeper level, Asia’s rich historic past dictates much of its religious and cultural values, especially in the Indian-Sub Continent region.

How does this concern us?

It does. We as voters and residents must recognize the diversity and assess its impact on our township.

According to census data, Asians are by far the majority, but does that mean they are all of one ethnicity? It is important to note here that ethnicity and religion are often interchangeably used in these regions, especially in the sub-continent (India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh). Hindus are not just from India, as Muslims are not just from Pakistan. The subtextual political narratives between these two religious ethnic groups exist in this township. It is not uncommon for subcontinental relations to manifest cryptically in this township. At times, the effects of tumultuous relationships emerge silently.

BOE must have an equitable representation of the population. However, the current board is kind of skewed towards one ethnicity (also read religion). Think through when you cast your vote this year and look hard at the composition of this current BOE.

What do we need?

1. An Inter-Generational Composition:
The median age of our township is 40.8 years which truly means we have a younger population. However, it's proven that inter-generational collaboration brings in experience, learnings, ideas, and fresh perspectives. Voters should abandon this ideology of voting out all experienced board members. Attention first-time voters - with experience comes knowledge, experience, relationships, and connections that are beneficial to any organization and this board is no different.

2. Role Models:
We all need positive role models. We want a team player. A team player is someone who can work on and with a team. Instilling ethics, honesty, transparency, integrity, and commitment in our children; making sure they are respectful and responsible is one of our top priorities. Evaluate the role of the incumbents this past year on the board. Amid ethics violation charges against her, the incumbent Board President is seeking re-election. The unexpected display of muscle power and show of strength by bringing in unruly supporters from other townships portrayed a breakdown in communication between the Board President and other members of the board. The case is still to be heard by DOE School Ethics Commission. In our quiet, respected, and award-winning school district, the verdict is pending, but this isn't what we hoped for.

3. No Political Agenda:
The debates within school boards have historically been intense, whether it is the teaching of evolution, the removal of offensive sports mascots, or the requirement in the 1950s that educators take loyalty oaths. The difference is that many of these debates now appear to be increasingly common, increasingly political, and less clearly centered on the specific needs of students. Whether it is Critical Race Theory or the Sex Ed Curriculum cannot be assessed at the local level alone. A school board may not have the liberty to outright reject theoretical concepts developed by researchers over the years and their introduction into a school curriculum. There are guidelines and directives from the Department of Education which also play a critical and significant role in their adoption in a school district. Based on their political beliefs, some candidates are trying to create a false narrative about the implementation of these concepts in our school district. Supporters of CRT bans often quote Martin Luther King Jr’s proclamation that individuals should be viewed by the content of their character instead of the color of their skin, ignoring the context of the quote and the true meaning behind it. Board of Education elections are bipartisan and should be free of biases and prejudice. Keep this board free of candidate who is using this as a stepping-stone into the big political arena.

It is time for South Brunswick to stake a claim and define its identity. Hopefully, the results of this November's elections reflect a community that values diversity and inclusiveness. It's the land of the free and home of the brave - let's celebrate America for it stands.

Make your vote count this election.

Disclaimer: This is a personal view of a common man and is not affiliated with any candidate, political party, or an organization.