Bernards Township Committee Election 2021: Jessica Simpson-Cook

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Bernards Township's general election on Nov. 2 has four candidates running for two open seats on the Township Committee.

Jessica Simpson-Cook is one of two Democratic candidates running. The other candidates include:

• Sophia Chadda - Democrat
• Andrew McNally - Republican (Incumbent)
• Jennifer Asay - Republican

All of the candidates are running for the two, three-year seats on the township committee.

Are you running for office in Basking Ridge? Contact Alexis Tarrazi at alexis.tarrazi@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Basking Ridge Patch.

Jessica Simpson-Cook

Name: Jessica Simpson-Cook

Age: 40

Town of residence: Bernards Township

Position sought: Township Committee Member

Party affiliation: Democrat

Family: Married to Jared Cook for 10 years.

Education: Business Degree from Temple University, Attended Widener University Law School, Executive MBA from Rutgers University.

Occupation: Global Sourcing Manager/Contract Negotiations and Supplier Management

Previous or current elected appointed office: Appointed to Board of the Junior League of the Oranges and Short Hills.

Why are you seeking to run for township committee? I want to see positive change in our town. Let's revitalize our business districts by supporting existing local small businesses as well as attracting new ones. Let's have a vibrant downtown with special events, shop local initiative, and restaurant weeks. Let's have responsible development in our town and get rid of "builder's remedy." Let's talk transparency and have bi-partisan decisions. Let's ensure that all residents are represented regardless of race, ethnicity, religious affiliation, LGBTQ+, and any level of emotional or physical abilities.

What issues do you feel must be tackled in town? We have such a varied group of residents in our town. And Bernards Township has changed greatly over the past 20 years. Because of these changes, we must pay attention to the changing needs and dynamics of our town or we may lose our sense of community, along with our connections to surrounding towns.

Let's bring cultural, ethnic, gender, and cognitive diversity to create better and faster decision making. That is done by having a variety of different people on our boards and commissions. Let them give their input and see how diverse voices bring positive changes to a town. This town will flourish with new voices! And let's now forget about transparency. Transparency is the keystone of trust in local government. Better communication and input is needed from residents to the Township Committee and vice-versa.

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates? We all want the same things but we have different ideas on how to achieve them. We need more focus on what we can do to keep our small town suburban feel but continue to seek ways to evolve with our new residents and changing needs of the town. As a newer resident, I can understand what these new residents need and want. I will truly bring a fresh look at our town and fresh ideas.

What else would you like to share about yourself or your campaign? I am a newer resident and I love living here but I do think it’s time for a change in local government. We have to start thinking outside of the box and move forward with new ideas and away from the same old same old of the last 20 years. Change does not have to be viewed as bad and a new set of ideas and diversity in thought should always be welcome. I am looking forward to serving the needs of Bernards Township and ALL of the residents.