Brick Township Council Election 2021: Mary Buckley

BRICK, NJ — The 2021 election campaign culminates when voters go to the polls Nov. 2 to choose Brick Township Council members.

There are three seats up for election and six candidates seeking those seats, which are four-year terms.

Patch asked each candidate to answer questions to give voters information about who they are and their stances on various issues. We are printing their responses in full, unedited except for spelling or punctuation.

Here are the answers from Mary Buckley.

Age: 71

Town of residence: Brick

Position sought: Town Council

Party affiliation: Republican

Family: 5 children and married with husband

Education: Bachelor's of science in Physical Therapy; Master's of Education in Science Education

Occupation: Physical Therapy

Previous elective office, if any: Committee Woman 18th District

Do you or anyone in your family work for the state, county or local governments?

Husband, daughter and son-in-law work for the state

Why are you seeking office?

I think it’s time for a change with the town council and mayor since they’ve been in power for eight years. I also think it’s very important to get involved locally in government with more conservative values to address and curtail progressive policies.

What do you feel is the most pressing issue facing the community, and what do you want to do about it?

There is a rise in violent crime in Brick as well as an influx of drugs in our community. Every day as you watch Patch you can see the many drug arrests that are occurring. This is taxing our police department. We need to support the police and give them anything that they need to make our town safe. I believe there are many police retirements this year and all the police that are needed should be hired. I also would like to increase the volume of community involvement and watch programs throughout the town. Also there should be an evaluation of all the lighting that is in our business centers in the town to provide increased safety for our residents.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking to serve?

I believe that I have more conservative values which would be beneficial against progressive policies that would trickle down from the national level.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

We adamantly oppose any marijuana retail outlets in our town. We are against the idea of becoming a sanctuary township and would officially oppose Governor Murphy’s position of immigration enforcement and declaration of a sanctuary state.

We believe in lower taxes and will audit each department of our government to screen for nonessential areas that can be eliminated or reduced which would cut taxes.

We would reassess the building department to address outstanding complaints.

We would like to improve public access and participation between the taxpayers and elected officials. We would do this by proposing a monthly Town Hall and also possibly reinstitute a bimonthly council caucus workshop thereby permitting residents participation.

Even though our connection with the BOE is only 30 percent we would appoint a liaison for the BOE. We would partner with them to provide appropriate curriculums which would not include Critical Race Theory or inappropriate sex education. We support free choice for masks and vaccinations.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you will be effective in office?

I have experience with initiating my own business. I also have held different administrative positions while working in the school system including therapy supervisor. I also was appointed to the NJ State Physical Therapy Licensing Board and held the position for 3 years.

I am also a District Captain for Convention of states which is a movement for term limits and a balanced budget amendment. I presently hold a trustee position in my church and lead the mission for Lexington House in Lakewood.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I love to initiate new ideas and projects. which are very stimulating for me as a challenge. I was also a trustee of my Property Owners Association . I co-chaired the craft fair at Brick Founders Day as well as the Antique Car Show that was held at Windward Beach. I would like to see Founders Day established again.

I am a people person and I am always busy. I have difficulty relaxing with nothing to do.

I sing at my church and occasionally sing at weddings etc. I love to paint and be involved in crafts. I am a member of the Brick Republican Club as well as a founding board member of the newly established grassroots organization the “Midnight Riders for Freedom.”