SOUTH BRUNSWICK – A Democrat appointed six months ago and a Republican newcomer will face off on Nov. 7 for a seat on the South Brunswick Township Council.
Democrat incumbent Ken Bierman was elected to the council in April to replace Chris Killmurray, who assumed the role of mayor after the passing of Mayor Frank Gambatese.
A lifelong South Brunswick resident, Bierman is a facilities manager for Agile Data Sites in Princeton. He has been part of the Monmouth Junction Volunteer Fire Department for six years, coached baseball on and off from 1978 to 2006 for the South Brunswick Athletic Association, coached soccer continuously from 1998 to 2015 for the South Brunswick Soccer Club, served on the Soccer Club’s Travel Board as director of Scheduling and director of Coaching, and was a member of the South Brunswick Zoning Board from 2012-17.
“Having lived in South Brunswick all my life, and having enjoyed the recreational and educational benefits of this township, I wanted to help ensure that the township grows while still ensuring these same benefits are available to present-day residents,” he said.
Bierman said since South Brunswick’s tax rate is the lowest in Middlesex County, “it is important to stay fiscally responsible so the taxpayers won’t be unduly burdened by excessive taxation.”
Another issue that every town is facing is the affordable housing mandate set by the state.
“Presently, our township is taking legal measures to address the mandate. Understanding zoning issues and the affordable housing mandate, I will work closely with our professionals to meet state requirements while not reducing the quality of life for our residents,” he said.
He also said, if re-elected, he would like to preserve quality of life in town by maintaining and upgrading parks and recreational fields, as well as infrastructure.
Republican Julie Ferrara has lived in town for 29 years. She works as a substitute teacher, and is a lector for her church, has volunteered for CASA of Mercer County’s 5K run. She sings and plays guitar, entertaining music in her spare time.
“I would be in favor of reducing traffic congestion in our town through the lobbying of our state legislators,” she said of issues she will address if elected to her first term. “I’m also interested in having a town center built to meet the retail needs of our residents. To do this, I would hire a town planner who is familiar with the current styles of town centers. Finally, I would like to reduce opioid use in our town. I would strongly favor mandated rehabilitation for those residents who have been treated with Narcan upon heroin overdose,” she said.
Election Day is Nov. 7.