Meet Ken Gardner, Republican Running For Woodbridge Council Seat

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — Nov. 4 will be an election for Woodbridge town Council. Early, in-person voting starts this Saturday, Oct. 25.

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 1 (Woodbridge proper), Ken Gardner challenges Councilwoman Sharon McAuliffe. Here are Gardner's answers about why he's running:

Your name, age and office you are running for.

Ken Gardner, 59, 1st Ward Council.

What is your occupation?

Government Procurement Department, NJ Turnpike.

Have you ever run for elected office before? Please list all races and their outcomes, and now long you held past elected office.

Became the youngest Council President in the history of Woodbridge Township (25 yrs old) as a Councilman at Large (4 years). Served 8 years as a Fire Commissioner.

What are your accomplishments that would make you a good Woodbridge Council representative?

I am a 10+ yr member of the NJ League of Municipalities Educational Foundation (developing educational programs, in-depth policy papers on critical issues, funding for important projects and a resource for stakeholders who need to communicate on the critical public policy issues affecting local government and New Jersey.)

Current Chaplain, Ex-Fire Chief & Commissioner (35 yr Volunteer Firefighter). I have received the Key to the Township & a Life Saving Award.

The public and I are disgusted with the overdevelopment as well as the destruction of the character of our downtown. The public is frustrated that our Councilwoman (McAuliffe) is a representative of the mayor instead of the people.

I sponsored a law, which is still on the books, to give homeowners a five-year tax abatement on home improvements. Council Woman McAuliffe supports 30-year tax breaks for apartment builders.

As a Council President & Fire Commissioner I demonstrated the independence to support good and open-government issues for the public regardless of how big my opponents were politically.

I advocated, as a 22-year-old, to start a Main Street Special Improvement District. As Council President we enacted the law. The dedication plaque is still in front of the Woodbridge Post Office. While on Council, I led the effort to stop the mayor from privatizing our Senior Transportation & Sanitation Departments.

Since 2011, I advocated for changing the School Funding Formula. I also personally lobbied Gov. Christie & Murphy to enact the new funding formula. Both in a personal meeting prior to their election and in texts when the Governor was weighing the new legislation. Since its enactment, Woodbridge state school aid has increased from $28 million to $98 million.

My education: St. James Grammar School in Woodbridge, Woodbridge High School, Business Admin from Seton Hall University, Certificate in Government & Leadership from Rutgers, Certified in Government Supervisory Management from the National Certified Public Managers Program, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Series 7 & 63 when I served as a Managing Director of Public Finance & Government Banking over 10+ years.

I am confident that with my professional & civic accomplishments I can make a positive difference.

Why should voters vote for you?

I want to cut property taxes. While serving as a Councilman I voted against $40 million in expenditures. I will also end MonstrosCities (Large apartment complexes). As Council President, I lead the effort & successfully stopped the development of 3,000 condos. As a member of the public, I was one of the leaders who stopped the development of a four-story apartment complex directly across from Ross St. School. I will also serve as a check & balance. Asking questions to protect Woodbridge & Sewaren.

Please give 1-2 examples of how you think the current Woodbridge Council has failed residents.

Councilwoman McAuliffe recently made the motion to give a 30-year tax break to apartment builders on Main St. She refuses to oppose the mayor’s development plans.

Councilwoman McAuliffe also refuses to support a tax cut. She votes 100% of the time with the mayor. The Councilwoman has abstained from voting on approximately $40 million in township bills because of her business. The Council’s job includes reviewing bills, contracts & the budget. She has failed at her responsibility to be a check & balance.

What's your favorite part about living in Woodbridge? I am a Barron who bleeds Red & Black! I love the town that was great to grow up in and, along with my wife Janine, to raise our family in. It has been very rewarding to serve our neighbors as a 35 -year volunteer firefighter, Director of the American Irish Assoc (that puts on the parade), a member of the Finance Council in St. James Church as well a past PTO President, Little League & youth soccer coach.

Meet Sharon McAuliffe, Democrat Running For Re-Election To Woodbridge Council

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