Election Profile: Edison BOE's Mohin Patel For Senate In NJ-18

EDISON, NJ — The upcoming Democratic primary in the state's 18th Legislative District is between two groups - The Middlesex County Democratic Organization (MCDO) and the Democrats of Middlesex County (DMC).

All the incumbents in District 18 are seeking reelection, endorsed by the MCDO and they are challenged by a full slate of Democrats from Democratic of Middlesex County. NJ-18 includes East Brunswick, Edison, Helmetta, Highland Park, Metuchen, South Plainfield, and South River.

Lisa Salem and Maurice Alfaro Sr. are challenging Assemblymen Sterley Stanley, of East Brunswick, and Robert Karabinchak, an Edison resident.

Incumbent Democratic State Senator Patrick J. Diegnan is being challenged by Edison School Board Vice President, Mohin K. Patel.

Patel, 46, has been a small business owner and has a degree in finance from Rutgers State University. He lives in Edison with his wife Rechal and two sons aged 14 and 11.

Read more about Patel’s platform in this Patch Q&A:

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am seeking office because that status quo is not working. Our district sees massive amounts of commerce, yet our property taxes are still quite high. We get very little in return for the amount of taxes we pay. In my hometown of Edison, I hardly even had a proper park to take my sons to when they were growing up. We need a Senator who will fight for the residents and their interests, which I promise to do. The incumbent works for the party and does his best to placate us come election time and I firmly believe that deserves better.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing our district is the serious lack of development. The pandemic accentuated many existing issues, but it is not the source of all of our problems. Even before COVID-19, in towns like Highland Park, there is a vacant storefront after a vacant storefront. In Edison, there is not even a downtown, to begin with! If we pay such incredibly high taxes, why are we not benefitting from it? Our municipalities need to equally benefit from our tax dollars, not just one or two gems chosen by party bosses.

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

The critical difference between me and other candidates is that I am not a rubber stamp. I will not blindly go along with the positions of the powerful and well connected. I will not fall in line when the county tells me to like my opponent does. I will represent the people and only the people. Their interests are my interests, not lobbyists and donors. Middlesex has its darling municipalities that get all the funding and downtown development, meanwhile, the rest of us suffer. The incumbent does not fight for us, he just lets party bosses use our communities as an ATM to make his own backyard nicer. I will fight for all my district, not just the town I live in. I want to see every township thrive; have fantastic businesses with commerce and prosperity. But I will not allow the prosperity of one township to come at the cost of another.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

I was recently canvassing in the beautiful town of Highland Park. One of the citizens I spoke with confessed to me that they do not even know who their State Senator is despite being informed in politics. That is a complete and utter failure of the current officeholder. A state senator should be someone who is able to represent their constituents and make a meaningful difference in their lives, so much so that the citizens know who they are and how they have made an impact. The incumbent has been in the State Legislature for nearly two decades yet has nothing to show for it.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

There are many issues that I think affect the people of my district. The most important issues to me are improving county services, getting more out of our taxes, preserving our downtowns, protecting the environment, and increased government transparency. Of course, this list is not exhaustive, there are many other issues I plan to tackle in Trenton, but I believe these issues will make the most meaningful difference in my constituents’ lives.

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

In the few months, I have been on the Edison Board of Education, I have been able to deliver on a Zero percent budget increase. I have done this by reviewing the budget of the school district and cutting, renegotiating, and balancing spending. I have been able to do this in four short months since my inauguration. If elected, I would get to work immediately to make a tangible impact in my constituents’ lives, just as I have as a member of the school board.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"In the joy of others lies our own." In this effect, if we strive to make a positive impact to better humanity in turn we become a positive force of change for society.

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

I will be a representative of the people. I will be your direct line to Trenton, making sure that every last member of my district is heard. As your State Senator, you will have my own personal cell phone number and I can guarantee that if you have an issue, you can use that number and we will work to solve it together. I will never take you or your vote for granted.

Thank you for reading. Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com

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