Election 2022: Dana Winston For East Brunswick Township Council

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ – Small business owner Dana Winston is running for a seat on East Brunswick town council. Winston is also on the Township’s Zoning Board and is the founding member of the East Brunswick Arts Coalition

With redevelopment a big topic of conversation, Winston says that although change is uncomfortable, “growth with a vision is common sense.”

Below is Winston’s candidate profile:

(All candidates were given the same questions. Answers are candidates' own.)

Editor's Note: Patch sent out the questionnaire to each candidate's email address provided by the County clerk's office. All responses received will be published between now and Nov. 8 general election. Local candidates who did not receive the questionnaire from Patch can contact sarah.salvadore@patch.com.

Name: Dana Winston

Age: 57

Town of residence: East Brunswick

Position sought: Town Council

Family: Husband Jeff, children Noah 21, Simon 17, Josh and Zach 15

Education: BA Communications, Rowan University

Occupation: Small Business Owner

Previous or current elected appointed office: Vice President and Founding Member of East Brunswick Arts Coalition 2018-2020; Zoning Board Member 2022

Campaign website: https://eastbrunswick2022.com/

What makes you the best person for this position?

As a second-generation resident raising the third, my roots here run deep. My family and I have actively volunteered here for years because being part of the solution to problems is simply the right thing to do. I look to represent all of East Brunswick - each neighborhood has its own uniqueness as well as its issues. I will lead with sensibility, integrity, and respect. I will seek stability and consensus but will always stand up and defend what is right for our residents and for our future. Our national culture is a mess - but East Brunswick is our home. Here we should enjoy the safety and trust that comes with a united and thriving community, a place where ego and agenda are readily and regularly put aside for the ultimate goal of a peaceful and enriched quality of life. Having been exposed to governance through my years of volunteer service, I have a healthy humility for the complexity of municipal leadership but my experience has readied me for this task.

Property taxes are always a big topic in East Brunswick. What’s your plan to keep taxes low for residents?

Over the past three years, our municipal taxes have remained relatively flat and that’s due to stable and smart governance on the part of the current leadership. To replace blighted eyesore properties on Route 18 with multi-use developments all the while fulfilling our legal obligation to provide more workforce housing to our area is a no-brainer. East Brunswick hosts an exit off of the most important highway from Maine to Florida between NYC and DC. We are a gateway to the shore. Growth is coming here whether we like it or not and private landowners have a right to sell to whomever they choose. Change can be uncomfortable but managing it ourselves versus allowing it to manage us is the right thing to do. As such, commercial rateables will continue to increase to feed our tax base and lessen the burden on homeowners. Grants and state and federal endowments are plentiful and we must relentlessly seek funding from outside our municipality to enhance our infrastructure. Within, our fundraising non-profit groups and volunteer entities regularly fill in gaps traditionally left to town budgets. Shared service agreements with our neighboring towns are smart and cost-effective. It is our imperative and priority as leaders to do all we can to protect our residents from crippling tax increases and balance that with quality of life.

Development is also a big talking point in town. How would you address it?

Again, change is uncomfortable, but managing growth with a vision (versus allowing it to manage us) is common sense. Imagine continued blight, no rateables, and more of the same contributing little if anything to our tax base! Do we have more work to do to shore up questions of population growth, traffic and school capacity? Of course, and that requires work on behalf of our leadership that I am motivated and willing to take on. Our work should never be done.

What are the major challenges facing the community and how would you address them?

Walking door-to-door in town for the past few months and speaking with so many residents I know that taxes, growth and redevelopment are what is on people's minds and I agree with them 100 percent. How we got here and how we're addressing it is not always a simple discussion but communication and transparency should always be the norm. Our mayor regularly hosts informational town halls to field questions from residents and explain how and why the administration is doing what they're doing. I currently am always available to anyone who wants to better understand or simply be heard and that will not change once I'm elected.

What sets you apart from other candidates?

My record of volunteerism and consistent community involvement stands out as an example of my leadership. I show up not only to make a difference but to relay respect and gratitude to others doing the same. Service is not part of my career or job but rather an active personal choice. I prefer to spend my extra time being part of something far bigger than myself and know that as an example, that mindset sets a framework for happiness for our five kids. Solving problems is far more gratifying than complaining about them. From the PTA to Booster Clubs to the Arts Coalition, Fastbreak Basketball and the Zoning Board, my family and I fill in the areas between with humanitarian efforts and social causes. Whether donating over 5,000 masks during a pandemic or putting together a pop-up driveway meal center for the needy during the holidays, we continually seek ways to say yes and make a difference. I've taught painting to seniors and extra needs adults. I've assisted my husband in coaching close to a dozen sports teams over the years. Being continuously connected helps me to know how people are feeling...along with what concerns them. I currently know they've had enough of divisive politics, lies and hate. They are far too smart for empty promises. They need to know there are people locally who care enough about them to rise above and give them the comfort of sound leadership and commitment with integrity. They're tired of feeling they can't trust anyone. They need leaders who take it all on so they can sleep peacefully at night. I'm that leader. My running mates Dana Zimbicki, Jim Wendell and Kevin McEvoy are no different.

What according to you is the best part about living in East Brunswick?

Easy - the people. Our community is wonderfully diverse and friendly and giving.

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

My Team (Column B) has what it takes to ensure a future of stability and nonsense-free governance. With a long record of problem-solving service to East Brunswick, we are the leaders you need. We've got your backs and we've got this.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com