Election 2021: Washington Township Candidate Joanne Schlesinger

LONG VALLEY, NJ —In a few short weeks the first wave in election season 2021 reaches the Garden State and Patch has asked local candidates to share their thoughts before the June 8 primary election.

Patch sent out emails to all candidates to the email addresses listed for their campaign provided to the office of the clerk. The responses received will get published between now and the primary election.

Here is the response from Washington Township Committee candidate Joanne Schlesinger.

Name: Joanne Schlesinger
Age: 52
Town of residence: Washington Township
Position sought: Township Committee
Party affiliation: Republican
Family: Married to Aaron for 23 years, two children ages 15 and 18.
Education: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Bachelor of Science; Fordham University- Master in Business Administration
Occupation: President of consumer products manufacturing company
Previous or current elected appointed office: Washington Township Economic Development Committee, Washington Township Republican County Committee Member and Treasurer, Director of Youth Outreach Morris County Republican Committee, Adult Advisor Morris County Teenage Republican Club.

Why are you seeking elective office?

I have lived in Washington Township for 15 years, raised my family here and plan to live in our township for many more years. Washington Township is already a great place, but I want to help make it even better and continue to have a positive influence on our community. I attend township committee meetings and I’m on the Washington Township Economic Development Committee. I want to give back in bigger ways and keep serving this community that I am so fond of. I believe it is also important to have new people participate in the process so our township can benefit from new perspectives and fresh ideas. Isn’t it time Washington Township has a fresh new voice on the Township Committee?

The single most pressing issue facing us is recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. What do you intend to do about it?

I am so proud of how Washington Township as a community responded to the Covid-19 pandemic. Our residents came together to provide healthcare workers with care packages that included a range of items. The request for help was made and we all rallied together in a big way to make a positive impact on our community. However, Covid is still an issue affecting many in our township, especially our small businesses. Managing a manufacturing business myself, I understand the hardship the restrictions have put upon business. If elected, I will ask our business owners what challenges they are still facing and what can we do to help. I will share these concerns and work with our State Assembly and State Senate Representatives to work towards the goal of rebuilding our businesses. I will also work hard to promote the “shop local” philosophy and encourage our residents to seek out goods and services from Washington Township businesses.

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

A critical difference is I am a mother, a woman, and a business executive. I have different perspectives, knowledge, and experiences than the other candidates.

I’ve found I share those perspectives with many people here after knocking on many doors and talking one-on-one with residents.

I will represent them. Listen to them. Serve them.

I am a fresh new voice and a fresh new choice for the residents of Washington Township.

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

I have 20+ years running a consumer products manufacturing business. This real-world experience has prepared me with the skills needed to help run a township. I manage different operating units as well as people I inspire to work hard for a common goal. Relationships are important to effectively run a business. I have worked hard to build connections with employees, retail partners and outside vendors leading to the common goal of success. We experience growth and I help make the company better every year. Now I want to help make my home, Washington Township, even better. Throughout my years I have created efficiencies and processes that have led to cost savings. Our township runs much like a business. We have different operational departments, we have the first responders and we’re lucky to have volunteer committees, all of whom need to work effectively for the success of our township. My decades of experience in business translates well to the management of our township.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

My mother always told me to “Be true to yourself”. I have been asked why I am running, why I am doing this? The advice my mother gave me is the reason. I believe our community deserves a new perspective and a new voice representing them. I am being true to myself and my beliefs by joining the political arena and fighting for what I believe is best for my community. I love Washington Township and would love to see it be even better than what it already is. Don’t we all deserve that?