Deans looks forward to serving Jamesburg

Works in real estate after retiring from UMDNJ

BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer

Local real estate agent Brenda Deans has taken the place of longtime Jamesburg Councilman Joseph Jennings on the borough’s governing body.

Brenda Deans Brenda Deans Jennings recently resigned after accepting a position with the state Department of Labor, part of the criteria for which is that he cannot also hold an elected office.

“It requires that he give up all politics,” Kostbar said. “We accept it with regrets, because he was a terrific councilman.”

Jennings was particularly close to Councilman John Longo — both were Democrats and served on the personnel and negotiations committee, taking turns as chairmen, Longo said.

“It’s just that Joe had a good way about him and the two of us were a good team, and I will miss him definitely,” Longo said.

Jennings was in the midst of his third Borough Council term, having served since 2000, and would have had to run again next November. Instead, Deans is expected to seek the full three-year term.

In finding a successor for Jennings, the borough’s Democratic Committee submitted three names, and after listening to the presentations from the nominees, the council selected Deans. Also suggested were Vincent Yearwood and Carlos Morales, a former councilman.

“The three were at the meeting and were asked to give a short presentation to council on why they should be considered,” council President Otto

Kostbar said. The council was impressed with all three but decided to go with Deans, appointing her to the unexpired term Nov. 12. “It was a very, very difficult choice,” Kostbar said. “We were splitting hairs between all of them. She was very engaging and interested in the town. She made a very good presentation and impressed us enough to choose her to fill the position.

“We encouraged all of them to stay involved,” Kostbar said.

Deans, who works as a Realtor with the Re/Max agency on Forsgate Drive in Monroe, has lived in Jamesburg for about 10 years. Longo said she presented herself very well to the council and has very good experience with budget management.

“She will give us another professional perspective on issues,” he said.

Deans said she moved to Jamesburg from Maplewood in 1998.

“I enjoy the small-town environment because everyone gets to know each other on a more personal level, which allows you to help each other,” she told the council in her presentation.

As a councilwoman, she said she can bring experience from her prior work with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, a state university with more than 12,000 employees.

“My role was to procure goods and services and save money for my company and the New Jersey taxpayers,” Deans said. “In this role, I had the privilege of interacting with people of all levels of the spectrum within my company, as well as outside the company. Being able to communicate effectivelywith others is very important as a council member.”

Deans said she chaired several committees along with department heads to purchase largescale technology systems, as well as consultant services for the university. She traveled to various parts of the country to conduct site visits and view other systems.

“I am certified in high-tech negotiation skills and contract management,” she said, adding that she has an associate degree in business administration. “These skills helped me in reviewing and managing contracts and negotiating the best deals for the university.”

Deans retired from the university after 26 years and pursued a career in real estate. She has been involved for the past four years in commercial, land and residential sales and purchases.

“I get a chance to work closely with the residents of Jamesburg and other surrounding cities,” she said.

Deans noted that she has learned a lot regarding land use, zoning requirements and the importance of maintaining home values.

She said that as a council member, she would like to help provide education on maintaining the values of homes and the area as a whole. She said she would also like to help secure grant funding to improve Jamesburg.

“I look forward to working with the mayor and the other council members during my term,” Deans said.