Carolyn Williams. (Click to enlarge.)
The mayoralty and three seats on the Fair Haven Borough Council are up for grabs in the November 6 election.
On the ballot are Republican Mayor Ben Lucarelli, who is running unopposed; incumbent Republican Councilwoman Betsy Koch and her Republican running mates Jim Banahan and Jacquie Rice; and Democrats Evan Hughes, Cameron Spector and Carolyn Williams.
Here are Williams’ written responses to questions posed to all Fair Haven candidates recently by redbankgreen.
Name: Carolyn Williams
Age: 65
Address: 34 Cedar Avenue, Fair Haven
How long have you been a resident of Fair Haven? 50 years
Where did you grow up? Fair Haven
Where did you go to high school? Rumson Fair Haven
Did you graduate from college? If so, which school, with what degree?
Attended Brookdale Community College & Delaware Tech (Received certifications for employment)
Have your served in the military? If so, which branch and when? NO
What do you do for a living? Administrator for Visiting Nurses Association – Nurse Family Partnership Program in Four Counties.
Please tell us a little bit about your community involvement efforts, if any.
Former two-term BOE Member in Matawan, including one- term as president.
Former youth coach & current local NJSIAA credentialed sports referee.
Volunteers at Local Health Fairs, FH Fireman’s Fair, and Oktoberfest. (My dad Luther Jackson was a long-time Fireman’s Fair Volunteer and I am following in his footsteps)
Party affiliation: Democrat
How important is party affiliation to you? What does it mean to you to be a member of your party?
Being a Democrat means working collaboratively with a diverse group; however, I am friendly with people from any and all parties as long as they are honest and hard working.
Do you have a role model in public life? Who and why?
My cousin Cory Booker, current New Jersey senator, whom I admire because he came from nothing who worked hard to achieve personal success while also supporting the common person.
Why are you running for office?
I am fed up with the government and the world today; I don’t know what else to do, so I am running to represent people that have similar values which include fairness, transparency, and offering new ideas.
What’s your opinion of the proposed borough acquisition of the former Sunoco station for the purpose of constructing a new borough hall?
I have mixed feelings about this, but I realize something has to be done to update the police station, which is infested and does not comply with the American with Disabilities Act. Like most residents, just learned about this plan recently, so my biggest problem is that the community has not been informed and updated about the plans. It may be that this is the best solution, but, like most members of the community, I would like to know the various steps that were taken to come to this decision as well as details about how it will be paid for.
What are the most pressing issues facing the town, and how do you plan to address them?
By listening to residents via canvassing for this council position, I have heard my neighbors’ Fair Haven pride as well as their concerns which includes issues outlined below. I believe we need to create more opportunities to hear from residents so we can be more transparent in our process.
Concerns include:
Evaluate over-building – this concerns every district in Fair Haven. People worrying about the unique character of our town being compromised. People moved to Fair Haven and wonder if it is becoming a totally different place.
Seniors & young families: We are concerned about the affordability of Fair Haven, which includes both my views and those of my own adult children. I will be an advocate for multi-generational community issues.
Environment: Concerns about old trees, due to so much new building. This is a concern both aesthetically and environmentally. Also invite residents from William Street and Hendrickson to hear about their concerns with the DPW dumping. Also evaluate the health of Fair Haven ponds- evaluate both dredging and cleaning.
I will address concerns about out-of-date DPW building, police department & borough hall – and local roads- but also take the time to work with the community – a series of meetings to get the input of residents and explain the process so people can understand and work together for the betterment of our community.
Meet the Affordable Housing Quota – which is long overdue!
What if any specific initiatives can voters expect from you if you are elected?
Meeting the Affordable Housing Quota and improving communication and transparency are priorities.
If there’s anything you’d like to add, please do so here:
As a second-generation Fair Haven resident, I have seen Fair Haven develop and change. I celebrate Fair Haven’s attributes, including its beautiful natural areas, like the Fair Haven fields and the dock, as well as the community spirit which has provided great events. One favorite is the Fireman’s Fair, which I loved as a child and now my grandchildren look forward to every year. My father Luther Jackson, Jr., volunteered for many years at the fair. I also lived for a few years outside of Fair Haven, including Matawan, where I served as a BOE member and ultimately as president; I can use this point of view to serve Fair Haven.
Find the ballot here. According to the Monmouth County Clerk’s website, all six districts this year will vote at the Church of the Nativity, 180 Ridge Road.
