Election 2021: Washington Township Committee Candidate Ken Short

NEW JERSEY - 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.

Editor's Note: 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 be published between now and the primary election. Candidates who would like to participate but did not receive one (for whatever reason) can contact Russ.Crespolini@patch.com.

• Name: KENNETH W SHORT (KEN)
• Age: No answer
• Town of residence: Long Valley
• Position sought: Washington Township Committee
• Party affiliation: Republican
• Family: Married for 51 years to Susanne Short, Two children: Lisa Short LaPella (teacher at Flocktown School) resides in Long Valley Michael Short (owner of Short Family Insurance Agency) resides in Mendham Three Grandchildren: Joseph LaPella (age 15), Jack LaPella (13), Grady Short (9)
• Education: Livingston High School, Fairleigh Dickinson University (BS), Majors in Business Management and Economics (1971)
• Occupation: Retired owner of an Allstate Insurance Agency for 40 years in Long Valley, NJ
• Previous or current elected appointed office: Environmental Commission (25+ years, Chairman for 11 years) Planning Board (20 years, Chairman for 6 years) Morris County Open Space Committee (3 years) appointed by Morris County Washington Township Committee (20 years, 8 as Mayor, 4 as Vice Mayor) Police Commissioner (6 years) Liaison (various years) Library, Board of Education, Environmental Committee, Recreation Commission, Dept. of Public Works, Health Dept. ,Open Space Committee, Economic Development Committee, Shade Tree Committee, Trail Committee, Cable TV Committee, Historic Preservation Committee, Farmland Preservation Committee, Fire and First Aid, Shared Services Committee, Senior Citizens, and Veterans. Founding member and past Trustee of The Washington Township Land Trust Trustee of the Washington Township Republican Club Republican Morris County Committee representative (12 years)

Why are you seeking elective office?

I have been extremely active in numerous aspects of the community since
the day I moved to the Township. I am extremely familiar with Township ordinances and
regulations. I have seen other candidates run for the Township Committee with their own
personal agenda and not for the benefit of the Township. It is disturbing to see candidates run
for an elected position never having attended a public meeting, attended a public event or
volunteer for a position. We have to expand our shared services with surrounding towns. With
limited growth potential (Highlands Act), we have to work smarter to keep our Township
affordable, safe, and desirable. It is important to have an amicable relationship with our
schools to assure they retain their excellence.

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

The pandemic has caused many local businesses to suffer or close. I have always encouraged residents to use local businesses. Many of the Covid issues are caused on a State level with various unfair mandates. I will continue to work with our representatives in Trenton and encourage them to lift or ease the restrictions. All of the senior events, catering events, and dinners use local businesses.

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

Experience, personal conviction, and knowledge.

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

Began the recycling program in the Township while chair of the Environmental Commission. Author of the Township’s “Right to Farm Ordinance.” Moved our dispatch services to Morris County saving the Township over a million dollars annually. Kept our municipal tax rate below two percent (third lowest in Morris County). Preserved over 42% of the Township for open space. Involved in the approval and construction of over 20 athletic fields. Negotiated with the owners of Black Oak Golf Course to construct six athletic fields at no cost to our residents. Involved in the negotiations and approval of over 15 miles of trails. While in the position of Mayor/Police Commissioner, Washington Township has remained one of the safest municipalities in New Jersey and the United States. Gave up all stipends and benefits offered to elected officials. This saves the Township over $125,000 annually. The savings were used to hire a recreation director and for senior citizens. One of the original founders and Trustees of the Washington Township Land Trust. Shared services agreements with surrounding towns which brings in almost one million dollars of revenue.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

“Whatever you do, try your hardest and never take away a person's dignity”. This was given to me by my father at a young age.

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