Meet Harold Bauer, Democrat Running For Re-Election To Woodbridge Council

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — Nov. 4 will be an election for Woodbridge town Council.

All six current Woodbridge Council members, all Democrats and backed by Mayor John McCormac, ask voters to re-elect them. They are challenged by six Republicans.

In Ward 2 (Fords/Hopelawn), Republican Paul Lund challenges current Councilman Harold Bauer, Jr., a Democrat.

Patch asked all the candidates a set of questions, and all 12 got back to us. Here are Bauer's answers:

Your name, age and office you are running for. Do you currently hold this office and if so, for how long? Both years and terms.

Harold “Howie” Bauer Jr., 60, running for re-election 2nd Ward Councilman in Woodbridge Township. I currently held this position for the last eight years. Finishing out my second term, seeking re-election to my third.

What is your occupation?

Elizabethtown Gas Co. Foreman Distribution & Maintenance Department. Secondly, current Volunteer Fire Chief Fords Fire Co. District 7 in Woodbridge Township.

Have you ever run for elected office before? Please list all races and their outcomes.

This is the only elected office I ever ran for, and won both times.

What are accomplishments you're proud of having served on the Woodbridge Council?

Here are some proud accomplishments while serving on the Woodbridge Council:

- Investing in our schools, new & improved classrooms
- Public Safety advancement police & EMS
- New state-of-the-art Senior Centers and senior residential housing complex
- New & upgraded recreational facilities
- Partnering with local businesses and churches for our annual Back-to-School Backpack giveaway.

Why should voters vote for you again?

I focus on what voters care about most — public safety, education, taxes, senior housing, government efficiency and transparency. I’ve been in touch with our local community way before I won my seat on the town council. I’ve been a volunteer firefighter for over 20 years, currently volunteer Chief for my sixth one-year term.

Involved in recreational, high school and travel sports teams either as a coach, manager or executive board member, thus building a strong social connection with our community.

Republicans challenging you say the Woodbridge Council and Mayor McCormac have allowed too many apartments to be built in Woodbridge, and given too many PILOTs. They say the McCormac team has allowed Woodbridge to become too developed and too crowded. What is your response?

Without PILOTs, the school children of Keasbey and Hopelawn would not be looking forward to a brand-new School #10 on Clyde Avenue. No longer will they travel over 30 minutes each way to schools #9, #19 and #25 and they will be more likely to participate in after-school activities with a school so close to home. Their educational experience will be greatly enhanced.

What's your favorite part about living in Woodbridge?

Why I like living here in Woodbridge Township? For one, it’s the town where I grew up in and developed strong bonds and lifelong relationships with family and friends.

Woodbridge offers a vast amount of services, amenities and each neighborhood has its own unique character. From the diverse cultures and ethnicities, which influences everything from our restaurants, arts and local events, thus shaping our lives and fostering a strong sense of community.

Early in-person voting begins Oct. 25.