Bridgewater Primary Election 2023: Michael Kirsh

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater's primary election on June 6 has two candidates running for Mayor and four candidates running for two open seats on the Township Council.

Incumbent Michael Kirsh is one of three Republican candidates running in the uncontested primary. Kirsh is running with incumbent Timothy Ring for council and incumbent Matthew Moench for Mayor.

Additionally, there are three Democratic candidates Saad Toor who is running for Mayor along with Marguerite Baranowski and Gigi Ksalak who are running for council in the uncontested primary.

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

Michael Kirsh

Age: N/A

Town of residence: Bridgewater

Position sought: Township Council

Party affiliation: Republican

Family: Wife Nicole, Daughter Phoebe, Son Robert, Dog Lily

Education: BA Brown University, MBA Rutgers University

Occupation: Marketing

Previous or current elected appointed office: Bridgewater Township Council 2020-present, Vice President 2022, President 2023; Bridgewater Planning Board 2020-2021; Bridgewater Zoning Board of Adjustment 2012-2019; Green Brook Township Committee 2005-2007, Deputy Mayor 2007

Campaign website:

Why are you seeking re-election to the Township Council?

Serving on the Township Council and being a leader within our community has been an honor and privilege for the last four years. Our team has worked well together and accomplished a lot — fiscally responsible budgets, necessary and historic investments in our roads and sewer system, prevention of undesired development, unwavering support for our Police — all while facing severe economic impacts due to Covid-19 and widespread damage from Hurricane Ida. There is still much more to do. We need to maintain fiscal discipline, continue and expand our commitments to infrastructure, and be ready to manage through any unforeseen circumstances. Our present course, with steady hands in charge, is Bridgewater’s key to continued success.

Balancing the township budget becomes more difficult each year with inflation and the loss of revenue since COVID. How do you plan to address this?

Regardless of outside economic conditions, the Mayor, Administration, and Township Council continually scrutinize operations and spending to ensure that necessary services are delivered at the lowest possible cost. As a member of the Budget and Finance Committee, while facing both revenue and cost pressures, I took a lead role in delivering a budget that is both fiscally and operationally sound for 2023. A budget reflects the priorities of the community. Sometimes we have had to say “No” or “Not Now”. I expect that will continue as we work through a fundamental shift in the proportion of the municipal budget (roughly 12% of your total tax bill) that is funded directly by both residential and commercial taxpayers (currently just over half of that total).

Having trust and transparency in the township government is important to residents. How has the township improved on this or how would you improve this?

Our email newsletter to residents, which keeps them informed of Township happenings, expands with every issue. A recent supplement, which I championed, is a separate distribution featuring agendas for land use matters — our Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment. Township Council agendas are posted to our website and our meetings are broadcast. Under the leadership of Police Chief Mitzak, our outstanding Police Department is continually focused on community relations, enhanced by the SHIELD (Security, Honesty, Integrity, Loyalty, Discipline) Program that features a Citizens Police Academy. The hard-working men and women of our Police Department are key members of what we affectionately term the Bridgewater family and have the 100% support of the Mayor and Council. They provide all of us with the safety and security we rightly deserve. They protect us from the chaos and lawlessness that has been seen elsewhere, including locations that are only a short car ride away. On a personal level, I maintain utmost transparency and availability through widely available email and personal phone number— mkirsh@bridgewaternj.gov and (908) 722-9240. I welcome discussion on any Township matter with any resident.

How do you feel about the current state of the township's parks and playgrounds, such as KidStreet? Is there anything you would like to improve and how would you propose doing that?

Our hardworking DPW staff lovingly cares for all of our parks and playgrounds, delivering outstanding options for active, passive, or even very passive recreation within beautiful surroundings. KidStreet receives regular inspections, repairs, and minor replacements. It is an aging facility, opened in 1995. The good news is that a whole second generation of children is now enjoying this treasure. The challenge is that the facility is showing that age. We are in the process of completing a Master Plan for our parks. We addressed the condition of our roads and sewers in a methodical and cost-effective way. With those critical items now in dramatically better shape than compared to the start of the current administration, we will be able to turn attention to parks with a similar approach, including a determination of the appropriate funding level.

How do you feel about the current status of township roadways and the current road improvement plan?

Mayor Moench and the Township Council adopted a very different view toward improving our roads compared to the past, which was generally characterized by chronic underfunding and seemingly the loudest complainers got their roads repaired. We initiated an evidence-based approach, with a comprehensive roads study that characterized the condition of all 215 miles of municipal roads. We are now in the 3rd year of a 5 year, $40 million commitment designed to dramatically improve road conditions, while enabling cheaper repair costs in the future because the baseline condition will be much stronger. I support this plan 100%. Our key is to continue on this successful course.

What other issues do you feel need to be tackled in the township?

The issues that the Moench-Kirsh-Ring ticket campaigned on in 2019, and have delivered on in the time since, remain front and center. We provide needed services in a fiscally responsible manner while maintaining a low municipal tax. We oppose overdevelopment and are extremely careful when considering even the smallest change to the character of Bridgewater. We strategically invest in our future to make sure the Bridgewater of tomorrow can be even better than it is today. We support our Police to make sure our community remains secure and safe. A lot of work has been completed in these areas, yet more time and attention are continuously needed. Bridgewater is the wonderful place we all call home through careful planning and management. None of what you see happened by accident. Now is the time for continued steady leadership.

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates?

I have been involved in local public affairs for 30 years, throughout my entire adult life. That commitment has been based on my genuine desire to help make the places I have lived better after I leave than when I arrived. When elected to Council in 2019, I was provided the direct opportunity and responsibility to help make Bridgewater even better. Mayor Moench and the Township Council never rest on our laurels and will never reach a point where our work is done. We have the necessary vision and a track record of positive action. The Moench-Kirsh-Ring Team humbly asks for the opportunity to continue our progress through election to another 4 year term.

What else would you like to share about yourself or your campaign?

The Moench-Kirsh-Ring ticket draws its strength from the people we serve. Your inputs guide us. Your compliments about how great a place Bridgewater is to live re-enforce that we are moving in the right direction. I remain available to speak with any resident on any Township matter. Please reach me at mkirsh@bridgewaternj.gov or my personal phone at (908) 722-9240.