Election Profile: Jay Bryant For Manasquan Council

MANASQUAN, NJ – Current Manasquan councilman Jay Bryant is running on the Democratic ticket with Charles Kelly for the two seats on the Manasquan borough council for election this November. Learn more about the incumbent candidate below.

Name: Jay Bryant

Age: 50

Town: Manasquan

Career: Teacher

Education: B.A. from Rowan University, Masters from Rutgers University, Awarded James Madison Memorial Fellowship (established by Congress in 1986 to promote Constitutional scholarship and knowledge of American government)

Family: Married to wife Sharon Bryant for 21 years, two children, daughter Lillian, 16-years-old and son Jack, 11-years-old

Why are you running for office?

I have a conservative and common sense approach to government that relies on three basic questions: Is it good for the community? Will it work? Is it cost-effective?

I am running for office because I am dedicated to keeping Manasquan a great place to live. My goal is to preserve the small-town quality of life in Manasquan and help make things better where I can. I am proud of the work I’ve done with the Mayor and Council and look back at a record of success in planning and providing for upgrades to the town’s roads and parks. I am running for a second term to continue working toward long-term planning and sustainable budgeting that provides upgrades to the town’s infrastructure and services without spiking taxes.

Whether at school or at the Little League field with fellow parents, working with the VFW, the Manasquan Beach Improvement Association, the Chamber of Commerce, the Sea Lavender Garden Club for a town-wide cleanup, or interacting with the Manasquan Police Department and first responders as a member of the Borough Council- I listen to and understand the needs of our community.

I plan to work with members of the community to determine the quality of life issues that need to be addressed.

What is your platform?

I want to continue to make smart and affordable upgrades to infrastructure and improvements to parks and recreational opportunities for all ages and focus on quality of life and enforcement issues that impact all residents.

Do you have previous experience in the world of politics and government?

I am currently completing my first term as a councilman. I teach courses in State and Local Government and National Government at Georgian Court University. Beyond those experiences, I am presently serving in my second term on the Board of Trustees at Historic Allaire Village. My work with the Board has given me additional experience working with state and community agencies, the grant process, and the management of resources and facilities.

My other experiences working with the community include:

• Manasquan VFW Coordinator Voice of Democracy Scholarship for 18 years
• Manasquan Environmental Commission
• Open Space Committee
• Manasquan Citizen Action Committee
• Manasquan Boy Scout Troop 59 Den Leader
• Spring Lake- Brielle Rotary

What is the most important issue facing your constituency, and how do you plan to deal with it?

My top priorities are fixing and upgrading infrastructure, expanding recreation programs and services for all ages, and focusing on quality of life and enforcement issues that impact all residents.

As our community shifts back to our normal day-to-day routines and away from immediate challenges of the pandemic, there are still individuals and businesses that are in need of help. The borough website and Covid 5-Star Program will continue to direct residents to needed services and resources and provide Internet links to support local businesses. The Main Street pedestrian retail and dining program will continue to support our local businesses and community wellness.
To improve infrastructure, I will continue to work on identifying areas of need, plan for the needed upgrades, and apply for grants to offset the cost to the town and taxpayers.

Why should voters vote for you?

I have a conservative and common sense approach to government that relies on three basic questions during the decision-making process: Is it good for the community? Will it work? Is it cost-effective? Specifically, I will focus on the issues facing the town today. The top of the list includes making smart investments in the town’s roads, sidewalks, and curbs. Additionally, where possible, upgrades to water and sewer systems to lessen the impact of flooding is a top priority.

Local government needs to reflect the values and concerns of the community it serves. I want to work with volunteers to expand our year-round outdoor and indoor recreation programs for all ages. Another significant goal is to work with residents to address quality of life issues that directly impact our streets and neighborhoods.