Bernards Township Committee Election 2021: Sophia Chadda

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

Sophia Chadda is one of two Democratic candidates running. The other candidates include:

• Jessica Simpson-Cook - 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.

Sophia Chadda

Name: Dr. Sophia Chadda

Age: 51

Town of residence: Bernards Township

Position sought: Township Committee Member

Party affiliation: Democrat

Family: Married to Dr. Konstantine Trichas for 25 years; 3 children, Daughter at Cornell University, Son at Middlebury College, and 6th grade son.

Education: Columbia University, SUNY Buffalo Dental School, Periodontal residency at Rutgers Dental School (formerly UMDNJ), Leadership Somerset.

Occupation: Board-certified periodontist for 21 years and owner of her own practice since 2004.

Previous or current elected appointed office: Appointed to The Bernards Township Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Bernards Township Domestic Violence response team which works in conjunction with the Bernards Township Police Department, Bernards Township Board of Health, Somerset County Commission on the Status of Women.

Why are you seeking to run for township committee? I chose Bernards Township 22 years ago as the place to raise my family and 5 years later chose to build my business here. With my love for the town and my scientific evidence-based approach to problem solving, I am confident I can increase transparency, reduce waste, and encourage greater participation from more of my fellow residents in our civic affairs. My background in healthcare, experience owning and running a business in town, and being a parent gives me the understanding and perspective to lead — especially after the last 19 months. My objective unbiased approach, business acumen, and compassion makes me uniquely qualified to help us navigate the challenges faced from the pandemic. I would be honored to serve my township, neighbors, and work to improve our future together.

What issues do you feel must be tackled in town? The single most pressing issue facing our community is the ever-rising property taxes. For decades, residents have seen property taxes continually rise under the Republican Township Committee. I intend to help control property taxes in several ways. First, by taking a proactive approach to township issues (development, infrastructure, municipal services), we can plan to sensibly fulfill state mandates while minimizing impact on residents and eliminating lawsuits from developers. The township committee needs to be proactive and not reactive. Second, by partnering with our township’s business community and residents, we can encourage the growth of our businesses which would increase business tax revenue while reducing the homeowner property tax burden and increasing the convenience to residents. One way to accomplish this is to establish an Economic Development Commission to help grow our business community, thus increasing tax revenue from businesses while reducing the reliance on homeowners. I have also proposed a “shop local” social media campaign and a restaurant week along with outdoor shopping nights. Third, I intend to ensure all township departments are operating efficiently and eliminating waste. I will help ensure consulting projects are engaged only when necessary so we don’t have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on unnecessary projects and studies.

Other issues that define my platform are effective planning development and improving our roadways and infrastructure. I will work with business owners and residents to provide prosperous business districts that increase convenience, satisfaction, and tax revenue as discussed above in my plan to form an Economic Development Commission. I will collaborate with regulators and developers by planning for our future and eliminating unnecessary legal action/expense while enforcing zoning laws or creating new zoning laws to maintain the charm and desirability to live and work in Bernards Township. I am committed to both the physical and digital security of all residents and township assets. I want to work with the new Utility Advisory Task Force concerning power outages/disruptions and internet service. I want to revitalize infrastructure with solutions for our roads and sidewalks with better safety in mind for our residents and bicyclists.

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates? I have a scientific background and am driven by data, numbers, planning, and a tactical approach. Having been a long term (22 years) resident and a business owner for the last 17 years, I am uniquely qualified to be on the Township Committee. I understand all facets of running a business and can apply those skills along with my many other qualifications to improve our township. The opposition, on the other hand, does not seem to have any plans in place other than leveraging personal and professional relationships they may or may not have in Trenton. Their platform is pretty much "keep everything the same" but we know that properly planned changes to a town can create a better place to live.

What else would you like to share about yourself or your campaign? As a small business owner and periodontist in Basking Ridge, I am well versed in managing and running a business. After visiting more than 100 businesses in town and listening to their concerns, I am uniquely qualified to address how to develop and revitalize our township businesses to ultimately increase our rateables and decrease the tax burden on homeowners.

I am a graduate of Leadership Somerset, have been on the Bernards Township Board of Health, and am a member of the Bernards Township Domestic Violence Response Team. I currently am and have been involved at my child’s school and have served as class mom for several years in the past. In addition, I am a member of various dental societies and held numerous officer positions including president of the Tri County Dental Society of New Jersey and vice president of the New Jersey Society of Periodontists, and assistant professor of periodontics at Rutgers Dental School. I have also been named Top Dentist by New Jersey Monthly magazine.