Brian Wojaczyk is seeking a seat on the South Brunswick Town Council this November. Read about his vision for the township:
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — Council candidate Brian Wojaczyk has a varied professional and academic background.
A former soldier in the NJ Army National Guard and fire commissioner of SB Fire District 3, Wojaczyk is currently a data operations manager.
In a Q&A with Patch, he talks about how his overall academic and professional background can help him take South Brunswick forward.
The election this year is on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Patch has sent out a questionnaire to all candidates. They will be published as we receive them. If you are a candidate and haven’t heard from us, please contact Sarah Salvadore at [email protected] for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements.
Name: Brian Wojaczyk.
Party: Republican
Age: 52
Town of residence: Monmouth Junction, South Brunswick
Education: MBA: Finance, Bachelors: Political Science, Associates: Computer Science
Occupation: Data Operations Manager, Horizon BCBSNJ
1. What drove you to seek public office?
I never proactively sought public office; rather, I have been encouraged by others to get involved in politics and have been presented with opportunities to serve my community. This encouragement has inspired me to take on this responsibility, as I believe that my diverse background and perspectives can contribute positively to our township. I’m committed to representing the voices of our residents and addressing the issues that matter most to them. I have a proven track record of public service as a soldier (honorably discharged, NJARNG) and as fire commissioner (SBFD3). I have also run for Middlesex County Sheriff. As a married father of four, I have personal stakes in improving the community for a better future.
A specific example of practical service to the community, about a decade ago I began a Facebook group to allow South Brunswick residents to share local information, views, and concerns. Under my leadership, this very active, and sometimes contentious community, has grown to over 14k members, and still growing.
2. What sets you apart from the other candidates?
I have an extraordinarily varied professional, personal, and academic background that allows me to bring a unique perspective to the council. My approach is both social-liberal but fiscally conservative. An example is that I am sympathetic to the challenges and adversities faced by the LGBTQ+ community while also being a strong advocate for traditional family values. This balance enables me to represent a broad range of voices in our community and work toward solutions that benefit everyone. I always try to find a win-win solution.
3. What, according to you, is the biggest issue facing the township right now?
Overdevelopment is suffocating our town. I grew up in Parlin and South Amboy and moved to South Brunswick to escape the crowding and overdevelopment I experienced there. Unfortunately, 20 years later, I’m seeing the same patterns emerge here. We need to address these issues before it permanently changes the character of our township, ensuring that growth happens in a responsible way that preserves our community's essence.
4. The township had to increase taxes due to $1.8 million overspending in the past. What are your plans to ensure no overspending occurs in the future?
Taxes are a necessary burden, but we must ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly. There are valid public needs for these funds, but the council and township employees must be diligent in identifying and eliminating waste and abuse. Despite increasing taxes, we've all seen services reduced over the past few years. I am committed to reviewing all programs/services and ensuring that every dollar spent is justified and maximized for the benefit of our residents.
5. Several redevelopment projects are taking place in town. What’s your take on this?
Redevelopment is crucial for the township’s economic vitality, but we need a more comprehensive plan to handle the growth that comes with it. While it’s essential for economic health, we must also address the congestion that grows year after year. Commercial businesses are also struggling, and we need to focus on attracting and supporting them. If managed properly, even warehouse development can benefit our community without overwhelming our infrastructure.
6. Even as recession fears fade, cost of living continues to be a nationwide problem. What are your plans to keep South Brunswick affordable for young families and seniors?
Affordability and quality of life are the greatest challenges facing young families and seniors in South Brunswick. I will advocate for policies that maintain efficient services, ensure that tax increases are as small as possible, and focus on economic policies that strengthen job opportunities locally. It’s critical that we support the younger generation while also protecting the seniors who helped build this community.
7. What is your favorite part about living in South Brunswick?
My favorite part of living in South Brunswick is the strong sense of community. Even though I may be in the political minority, I have been given many opportunities to serve this town, and I’m grateful for that. We have a close-knit atmosphere where neighbors genuinely care for one another. It’s this sense of connection that needs to be nurtured, and it’s something I deeply value and want to preserve for future generations.
8. Favorite place to visit with family in South Brunswick?
One of my favorite places to visit with my family in South Brunswick is our local parks. They offer a perfect blend of nature and community, providing a peaceful retreat from the busy day-to-day life. Whether we’re enjoying a walk, playing sports, or simply having a family picnic, these green spaces remind us of the importance of preserving the natural beauty that makes South Brunswick special.
I would also love the opportunity to advocate for a more bicycle-friendly and walkable infrastructure, like the recent extension of the Freedom Trail. Right now, we are isolated island communities, but expanding paths between developments would allow us to enjoy every corner of our township without relying on an automobile. Imagine a safe way for Kendall Park residents to travel by bicycle/foot to Kingston and even Princeton or having the ability to safely cross Route 1 or Route 522 to travel to Dayton. This is my personal dream.
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