Bernards Township Committee Candidate: John Surano

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — John Surano is one of the four candidates running for township committee in the contested Bernards Township election being held on Tuesday, Nov. 6.

There are four candidates vying for two three-year seats on the township committee including: Democrats Robert J. Mascia and Joan B. Harris and Republicans John Surano and Joseph Esposito.

John Surano

Description:

My name is John Surano and I am running as a Republican candidate for Bernards Township Committee. I've lived in Bernards Township for 37 years and I'm a 1989 graduate of Ridge High School.

Why are you running?

I'm running for Bernards Township Committee because I want to give back to the community that I was raised in. Bernards Township is an amazing community in which to both live and raise a family. We are the second safest town in New Jersey with beautiful parks and more than 770 acres of preserved open space and great schools. I will work to keep it that way. In addition, I plan to continue our fiscally conservative policy of pay as you go while still providing exemplary services to our residents without increasing the municipal portion of taxes.

What experiences do you have that would help you serve?

I graduated from Widener University with a bachelor degree. I spent 10 years as a regional sales manager before becoming an insurance agent. As a manager, I oversaw a staff of 60 employees and was responsible for all company operations from profit management, lease negotiations and hiring and training. As an insurance agent for the last 15 years, I provide asset and liability analysis to my clients and offer suitable coverage packages.

I've gained valuable land use law experience serving on both the Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Planning Board. I've enjoyed balancing the township's ordinances with the needs of the residents. Making sure the township, individual residents and neighbor’s interests are protected is not always easy, but is rewarding.

Most recently, I joined the Rotary Club of Bernardsville/Basking Ridge. In a short time, I've accomplished a few items on my personal bucket list, including giving blood, assisting in highway clean up, officiating a track meet and volunteering for working in a soup kitchen.

What issues would you like to see addressed if elected?

An important issue facing Bernards Township, as well as many other New Jersey municipalities is the affordable housing mandates forced upon townships through the court system. Bernards Township has always met its affordable housing obligations and the township master plan includes affordable housing. The dissolution of COAH (Coalition on Affordable Housing) has given rise to builders remedy lawsuits and in turn, led to over-development and profiteering by the builders. I plan to be active in finding more reasonable solutions that avoid negative impacts upon open space, traffic congestion and school overcrowding.

— (If you are a candidate and would like to participate in the profile, please email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com)

(Image provided: John Surano)

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