By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
Sadaf Jaffer, who is a five-year resident of Montgomery Township, has formally announced her candidacy to run for the lone available seat on the Township Committee on the Democratic Party ticket.
Jaffer, who won the Democratic Party nomination in the June 6 primary, will square off against David Cheskis, the Republican Party candidate, in the Nov. 7 general election. The term is for three years.
Cheskis was tapped to run for Township Committee after incumbent Township Committeeman Richard Smith withdrew his candidacy several weeks after winning the Republican Party primary.
Jaffer has gained the endorsement of the Montgomery Township Democratic Organization.
Cookie Acot, who chairs the group, praised Jaffer and said she "combines strong judgment on local issues like development and environmental protect, with a keen interest in community-building and civic engagement."
"Sadaf’s practicality and vision for Montgomery would make her an excellent addition to Township Committee," Acot said.
Jaffer, who is a Princeton University research associate, has also worked for the U.S. Marine Corps Center for Advanced Operational Culture Learning and for the U.S. Department of State.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in foreign service from Georgetown University and a Ph.D. from Harvard University.
"To me, Montgomery is all about the people that make up our vibrant community," Jaffer said.
"I love attending local events, from the South Asian Charity Organization’s ‘Ootsave’ celebration to the strawberry festival hosted by the Boy Scouts," Jaffer said.
Jaffer is the Somerset County director for the South Asian American Caucus of the New Jersey State Democratic Committee, and also serves on the board of directors for ARTE, which is a nonprofit group that promotes innovation and activism through the arts.
"I look forward to serving the interests of our great community and bringing people together in the spirit of civic engagement," Jaffer said.
