Meet Viru Patel, Democrat Seeking Re-Election To Woodbridge Council

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — Nov. 4 will be an election for New Jersey governor and 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 4 (Iselin, Menlo Park Terrace), Gnanarani “Rani” Devaraj challenges current Councilman Virbhadra "Viru" Patel. We interviewed both.

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.

My name is Virbhadra (“Viru”) Patel and I am a 65-year-old councilman in Woodbridge Township, NJ. I am serving as the 4th Ward Councilman. I have just completed nine years. I was nominated to this position in 2016, then ran to complete the one-year leftover term in 2016, and later ran for full four-year terms in 2017 and 2021.

What is your occupation?

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in traffic and transportation engineering. I designed roads, highways and service areas. I surveyed and oversaw civil engineering projects. I developed 15 new retail sites in New Jersey. I worked for 10 years in New York City as a traffic engineer, creating bus lanes, pedestrian malls and HOV lanes in the Holland and Lincoln Tunnels.

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

I was nominated to the 4th Ward Councilperson seat in August 2016, then ran in November 2016 to complete the remaining one year of that term. I subsequently ran for full four-year terms in 2017 and again in 2021.

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

There are many projects to list, but here are highlights of development we supported during my tenure:

Revitalization of the downtown Oak Tree Road and Green Street business districts with additional parking and traffic improvements to enhance public safety for vehicles and pedestrians.

Helped attract stores from the four largest jewelry chains in India, the only place in the country with all four.

Worked to improve the infrastructure of John F. Kennedy High School, Iselin Middle Schools and elementary schools 24, 26, 18 and 29.

The Fourth Ward has two senior centers, a senior housing complex, six schools, multiple parks and thriving businesses and I am proud to be on the McCormac Team making Woodbridge the best town around.

Why should voters vote for you again?

I have been serving the community at large for about 35 years. As a civil engineer, I understand the importance and cost of essential infrastructure. I bring leadership experience not only from my role as Councilperson, but through service on about 100 boards in key positions. In the past three years, I have also been serving on the Planning Board. My education in civil engineering and traffic and transportation reinforces my capabilities. I do not hold any other employment; I dedicate my full time to serving on the Council and the Planning Boards. I have lived in Iselin for 45 years and truly understand the community and its needs.

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?

We need a PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) program, which is essential for supporting infrastructure projects connected to school districts without raising property taxes to finance them.

What's your favorite part about living in Woodbridge?

I have lived in Iselin for about 45 years and raised three wonderful daughters, each of whom is a medical professional with a graduate degree. They all attended the public schools in Iselin. We are among the best towns around. We are very safe, with excellent highway and public transportation access, proximity to airports and seaports, and closeness to New York City. Our community is multi-ethnic and lives in harmony. We offer great restaurants, many entertainment venues, excellent schools and strong political leadership. We essentially don’t lack any amenities.

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