A Ward System: Real Representation for Every Neighborhood

Right now, Edison elects all council members “at-large,” which means they are supposed to represent the entire township. While that may sound fair in theory, in practice it leaves neighborhoods without a true advocate. No single council member is directly accountable for the unique concerns of any one area, and residents are often left wondering who is really responsible for their local issues.

We will put the ward system on the ballot, allowing residents to decide whether council members should instead be elected by neighborhood. Under a ward system, each part of Edison would have its own dedicated representative, someone who lives in the community they serve and knows its challenges firsthand.

This change would make council members directly accountable to the people of their neighborhood. If a problem goes ignored, residents would know exactly who to call and who to hold accountable at election time.

A ward system also ensures that every neighborhood, not just the most politically connected or populated ones, has a voice at the table. Instead of competing for attention, each area of Edison would have someone pushing for its needs, from road repairs and traffic safety to flooding, zoning, and quality-of-life concerns.

Most importantly, the ward system brings government closer to the people. Residents gain a council member who is not just a name on a ballot but a neighbor who shops in the same stores, attends the same schools and houses of worship, and shares the same daily experiences. With this system, Edison will have a council that is more responsive, more balanced, and truly representative of the people it serves.

A Government That Works for Residents

Edison’s government should serve its residents, not developers or political insiders. That begins with reforming how decisions are made and ensuring that residents have a real voice.

We will work with the council to change the town code in accordance with state statute to bar individuals with real estate or developer ties from serving on the zoning & planning board. This reform will stop backroom deals and prevent conflicts of interest that too often put developers ahead of residents. More zoning officers will also be hired to enforce ordinances and keep development aligned with community standards.

By reforming the boards, We will build a government that is more accountable, more transparent, and more focused on the people it serves.

The Governor of New Jersey is the head of the executive branch, responsible for enforcing state laws and administering state government through departments and agencies. Key roles include signing bills into law, proposing the state budget, appointing judges and agency heads, and having the power to veto legislation, grant pardons, and call the legislature into special session. The governor also acts as the commander-in-chief of the New Jersey National Guard and is the state's chief executive officer, ceremonial head, and political leader.

Executive and administrative duties

Upholds and executes laws: The governor ensures all state laws are faithfully executed and enforced.

Administers the executive branch:

Oversees state agencies, boards, and commissions, and appoints heads of these departments, subject to Senate confirmation.

Manages the budget:

Prepares and presents the state budget to the legislature for allocation of funds across state programs and services.

Issues executive orders:

Has the power to issue executive orders to direct the operations of the state government.

Legislative and political roles

Signs bills into law:

 Can sign bills passed by the legislature into law.

Veto power:

Can veto bills passed by the legislature, though a two-thirds vote in both houses can override a veto.

Calls special sessions:

Has the authority to convene the legislature for special sessions to address urgent issues.

Proposes legislation:

Can propose legislation to the legislature.

Other powers and responsibilities

Judicial appointments:

Appoints all state judges and prosecutors, subject to Senate approval.

Pardons and reprieves:

Has the power to grant pardons and reprieves for state-level crimes.

Commander-in-chief:

Is the commander-in-chief of the New Jersey National Guard, which includes commanding the militia.