Ocean County Commissioners GOP Primary 2021: Kenneth Seda

TOMS RIVER, NJ — With Primary Day for the 2021 general election coming up June 8, Patch is sharing profiles of the candidates for local office.

Kenneth Seda is one of four candidates seeking the Republican nominations for the two, four-year seats on the Ocean County Board of Commissioners on the Nov. 2 general election ballot.

Patch asked each candidate the same questions. Here are Seda's answers.

Your name: Kenneth Seda

Age: 61

Town of residence: Manchester

Position sought: Ocean County Commissioner

Party affiliation: Republican

Family: Widower. Father of 3 Daughters — Maria Lauren Seda Cortez, 32; Melinda Seda Gomes, 31, and Michele Seda, 24 — all grown and independent. Two of the three daughters are married with children and are homeowners, and five grandchildren. Parents are both living ages 82 and 90 and I'm keeping an eye on their health and well-being. They live in Crestwood Village III in Whiting NJ.

Education: Graduate of New York Military Academy, Youth Ministry Certificate, La Salle College, Completion of Landmark Educations Curriculum for Living.

Occupation: Retired

Previous elective office, if any: None.

Do you or anyone in your family work for the state, county or local governments? None.

Why are you seeking office? I am seeking this office of County Commissioner because I care about you and all Ocean County residents. I am seeking office because I want to help rebuild and revive Ocean County with values, principles and respect for all people. Uniting our communities with respect for all human beings regardless of their race, nationality, color, creed, political affiliation, socioeconomic status or gender. I want to establish a task force of hospitals, pharmacies, medical health clinics, senior citizens, church and community organizations which will study what happened during this pandemic which slowed down the availability of vaccines and/or medical treatment. From this task force we will establish policies which will quickly address health crisis like the COVID pandemic. We must study what happened during this pandemic and learn from our mistakes so we can be better prepared for future health crises. When elected, I will work for all the people of our county and not for party bosses.

What do you feel is the most pressing issue facing the community, and what do you want to do about it? 1. Protecting and taking care of county residents affected by this devastating COVID pandemic. Especially senior citizens and people with underlining health conditions. 2. Restoring the county's economy. Creating a task force of business owners and religious communities in creating a plan to restore small businesses in the new reality of post-COVID. 3. Creating jobs for the poor and middle class. 4. Supporting health institutions such as hospitals and health clinics in enhancing the betterment of health for all people. 5. Creating a county task force to study the consolidation of schools and best practices using for internet learning. 6. Advocating on behalf of all county employees who find themselves out of the cliques where promotions and opportunities exist. Pro labor. 7. Eliminating abuse of power, racism, antisemitism and any other social injustice.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking to serve? I am a person who will work for you, the people of Ocean County. You will be my boss. My job will be to serve you the residents, businesses, churches and synagogues and community organizations. I will be available to meet and talk with you, no matter how busy I am. I will come to your communities and meet with you. I want to meet with you and listen to your thoughts and ideas. Together we can accomplish a lot.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform. A leader who will work for all residents of Ocean County. Working with and respecting all religious organizations and their leaders in Ocean County.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you will be effective in office?

In the past 40 years I have served on many nonprofit boards and commissions:

Past District Office Manager of the 30th Legislative District.
Past Board Member United Way of Mercer County.
Past Youth Minister, Lower East Side Catholic Area Conference;
Founding member of an Ocean County Charter School in Lakewood, NJ
Member and Vestry Member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Whiting, NJ
President of Puerto Rican Civic Association of Central and Southern NJ
Board Member Creative Change Counseling
Board Member OCEAN Inc.
Delegate of the Latino Leadership Alliance of NJ

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

Resident of Ocean County for more than 30 years. I will work to establish policies which will eradicate all abuse of power, racism, antisemitism and any other form of social injustice.

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