Election Profile: Brad Cohen For Mayor, East Brunswick

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — The mayoral seat in East Brunswick is up for grabs on Nov. 3, and incumbent Brad J Cohen (D) is running for re-election.

A physician by profession, Cohen received his medical degree from Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, followed by an MBA from Rutgers Business School. Cohen was previously on the East Brunswick Board of Education from 2010-2016.

Four years ago, Cohen ran successfully on a promise of effective financial policy with more community services, programs and opportunities. “This was the promise made by me, Councilmen Sterley Stanley and Michael Spadafino four years ago when we ran together, and it is one I strongly believe we have kept,” he said.

Cohen hopes to continue with his work, saying there is more to be accomplished in the coming years, especially since the pandemic ravaged local businesses and economies across American towns.

Read below to learn more about Cohen and his platform for the upcoming elections in East Brunswick.

Name - Brad J Cohen

Age (on election day) – 59

Town – East Brunswick

Position sought – Mayor

Party Affiliation – Democrat

Family – wife, Penny; daughter, Rachel 32; Daniel 30

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
Rachel Cohen, Middlesex County-Economic Development

Education

BS - Muhlenberg College

MD – Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School

MBA- Rutgers Business School

Occupation - Physician, 30 years

Previous or Current or Appointed Office - Mayor of East Brunswick seeking re-election

East Brunswick Board of Education 2010-2016.

Campaign website – eastbrunswick2020.com and FB- EastBrunswick2020

Why are you seeking elective office?

I want to continue to move East Brunswick forward by continuing to enrich the lives of our residents through effective financial policy, balanced with a broad array of services, programs, and opportunities. This was the promise made by me, Councilmen Sterley Stanley and Michael Spadafino four years ago when we ran together, and it is one I strongly believe we have kept. But while we have accomplished a great deal, much more remains to be done. With the pandemic as a backdrop, my most important goal remains the health and safety of every resident who calls East Brunswick home.

The single most pressing issue facing our community is________, and this is what I intend to do about it.

In the face of a national financial collapse and healthcare crisis, the most pressing issue is to keep taxes under control while continuing to provide for the safety and services we need in a fiscally responsible manner. We will achieve this by following the same strict financial controls that have kept our tax rates at or below state and national averages (East Brunswick’s average increase is 1.94 percent). It will also require working with our Township Council, county, state and federal partners, upon whom we depend for much needed financial assistance. It is in times like these that we must work together to make difficult decisions and to level with our constituents forthrightly. We are blessed with a great working relationship between our Township Council and my administration. The value of this “team” has been immeasurable during this pandemic.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have a track record of strict financial management, a strong record of supporting and attracting new businesses to East Brunswick, and an ongoing commitment to increasing civic engagement from all corners of our diverse community. We are well underway on our redevelopment projects. These represent a significant down payment on the future health of East Brunswick from a financial, community, employment, and cultural standpoint.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

• Fiscal Responsibility- While I already spoke to the importance of strict financial management, it is important to note that our fiscal policy has been recognized by the independent credit agencies. This has resulted in the best possible bond rating. Access to capital at such low rates saves an enormous amount of taxpayer money and will be critical in the difficult times ahead.
• Commitment to the future – This will continue to be accomplished through our redevelopment projects, the influx of new businesses, the arts, and our top-rated public schools. Our redevelopment projects will help revitalize vast sections of the Route 18 corridor that have fallen into blight and disrepair. Besides bringing new businesses, new jobs and a “downtown”, it will bring much needed tax revenue to the township.
• Community Building – This is already well underway and is occurring through all our services, community programs, civic engagement and community policing. In the past four years we have been able to fill all our positions on boards, commissions, and committees. Additionally, new organizations have been formed or reformed in response to this renewed interest in community. These include the Arts Coalition, the Sustainability Committee, the Beautification Committee, the Clergy Council, the Redevelopment Agency, the Redevelopment Advisory Committee, and the East Brunswick Regional Chamber of Commerce. There is an air of excitement and vitality that is palpable and organic. This comes from all segments of our community, and offers everyone an opportunity to be part of our future.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence that you can handle the job?

• Keeping the township safe, well informed and connected during the pandemic and worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.
• Tax rates have remained stable and increases are below national and state averages. All of this was accomplished while maintaining the highest possible credit rating.
• Over 300 new businesses have come into East Brunswick during my first term in office. My team and I have re-established our Chamber of Commerce.
• More community involvement in Township Boards, Commissions, Council and Committees. This commitment draws upon all segments of our diverse community.
• Roadwork continues at record pace. More roads have been repaired and resurfaced in the past three to four years than in any similar period in the past decade. This commitment has also extended to securing vast improvements to our miles of county and state roadways as well.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

The best leaders do not have all the answers and cannot accomplish their vision alone. Find the best advisors, hire the best employees, give them the tools they need to succeed, and let them ignite your vision.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

As a physician and Mayor, I have had a chance to view this pandemic through a slightly different prism. Your personal views and political party had no bearing on who got COVID-19 or who succumbed to the virus. I signed an oath when I became a physician and upon taking office as Mayor. I have never lost sight of what is most important, and I am appreciative of the opportunity this community has given me to serve our residents. I do not take that honor for granted, as I humbly ask for your support again this November. Let’s build on what we have started.

In anticipation of the upcoming election, Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns. We will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com

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