Election 2022: Kevin T. McEvoy For East Brunswick Council

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ – Incumbent Kevin T. McEvoy is seeking another term on the council. McEvoy needs no introduction. He started his career as a social studies teacher and varsity coach, served on the Board of Education and was appointed mayor in 2016.

McEvoy said he is civic-minded, forward-thinking, involved and offers "trustworthy leadership." The councilman wants to make East Brunswick a place to "live, play and work" for all.

Below is McEvoy'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: Kevin T. McEvoy

Age: 68 years old

Town of residence: East Brunswick Township

Position sought: Councilman East Brunswick Township Council

Family: I live with my wife in East Brunswick. We have a son who is married and they have a young daughter.

Education: I have earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education from Seton Hall University. I have earned a Master of Arts Degree in General Education from Marygrove College. I hold a New Jersey Social Studies Certificate K - 12.

Occupation: Councilman, East Brunswick

Previous or current elected appointed office: Starting in 2012, I was elected to serve on two consecutive terms to the East Brunswick Board of Education until 2016, when I was appointed as the Mayor of the Township. I was elected to the Township Council in 2018 where I currently serve as its Vice-President. I am an incumbent currently seeking my second term on the Township Council in the General Election in November of this year.

Party affiliation: Democrat

Campaign website: eastbrunswick2022.com

What makes you the best person for this position?

This year's election is critical. In the ever-changing landscape, we need leaders like me who are experienced, trustworthy, and honest to move East Brunswick towards a new tomorrow filled with hope and promise where our young people will thrive; our mature people will work and feel fulfilled, and our senior citizens can age in place comfortably and with grace. We are a community that is diverse. We are ready for a leader like me who will bring honor, integrity and a willingness to listen and make decisions to provide municipal services, programs and outcomes through responsible budgeting, a record of service and trustworthy leadership.

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

Every year, the Mayor, Chief Financial Officer and Business Administrator, along with the Department Heads of our 19 municipal departments craft the budget in compliance with federal and state regulations. They are all experts at seeking out grants to help defray their costs. We are extremely proud of our Aa1 bond rating that our Township has been rated which helps us bond monies to defray costs. The budget is a year-long process that culminates every year with several presentations to the Township Council and the public whereby we are afforded the opportunity to ask questions and are provided explanations for all anticipated expenditures before the proposed budget can ultimately be approved. Always, the goal is to keep the residents' tax dollars in mind investing in programs to benefit the future of our families.

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

Bringing the development of East Brunswick's new Main Street to life is a creative, forward-thinking process. Because parts of the Route 18 South corridor were underperforming economically for nearly a decade, public forums were held throughout the Township and the Redevelopment Council was formed. With a Master Plan now in place, I fully support the Mayor's vision for the new Main Street of East Brunswick. New retail, community service and residential facilities will improve the quality of life trends and use of space for the properties in the affected zones. This is a very exciting time for the development of our Township. We can look to a brighter future of programs, facilities and services as the Township continues to flourish with our leadership.

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

My decades of professional experience as a social studies teacher and scholastic varsity coach have enabled me to make informed decisions as a Councilman. Weighing issues that affect the quality of our residents' lives forces me to be civic-minded, forward thinking and involved. It is my ethical responsibility to carefully investigate the resolutions and ordinances that come before me on the bi-monthly Council agendas. I critically utilize all of the resources available to me in my decision-making such that I know I've made my best possible vote moving forward. The best way for me to address any challenges moving forward as a Councilman is to remain informed, inquisitive and dedicated to making decisions for the public good and to promote knowledge and involvement in civic affairs.

What sets you apart from other candidates?

My record of service to the Township is wide and deep. I began my career in East Brunswick as a teacher and coach, with a record of scholastic championships and inductions into Halls of Fame. Soon thereafter, I served East Brunswick as a member of the Board of Education and had the distinct honor of holding the Office as the Mayor. Being elected to the Township Council in 2018 was among my professional and personal highlights as it has afforded me the opportunity to make a difference in the quality of life of our residents. I believe that we can make a life together that is desirable through remarkable programming and services by our departments such as Recreation and Parks, Aging, The Library, Water and Sewer, and Recycling; to name but a few. Our Township is ever-evolving and dependent on input from our residents. But what makes me most unique is my ability to work with my Council colleagues, the Mayor and his Administration to best serve the interests and needs of the ever-changing community we call home.

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

The best part about living in East Brunswick is that it's my "hometown." My family and I first moved here in 1988. It's where we raised our family, set down our roots, served the families and their children as public school teachers, supported our local merchants and businesses, established ourselves as "go-to neighbors" and now, I've dedicated myself in the next phase of my career, as a Township official, towards ensuring that others, like my family, have access to a quality of life that provides opportunities for housing, clean water, a good environment, great recreational activities, critical municipal services, and the best possible access for their needs to be met. I was trained to help young people make informed decisions for the public good in a democracy and my family and I live by that credo every day. Living in East Brunswick, a township that is consistently rated as having a high quality of life by national standards is just that. As Councilman, I strive to promote knowledge and involvement. Living in East Brunswick I am afforded that great opportunity! It's simply a wonderful place to live, play and work.

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

I am very proud to be a part of the East Brunswick Democratic Team of Kevin McEvoy, Dana Winston, Jim Wendell and Dana Zimbicki. Each of us has a unique skill set and personality that we bring to our constituents and we ask for your support and your vote this Election season that culminates on Nov. 8. You can Vote By Mail, early or at the polls. Dana Winston has 20 years of community service, is a small business owner, and serves on the Zoning Board. Jim Wendell has 30 years of service to East Brunswick, is our current Council President, first elected in 2010, and is Chairman of the Redevelopment Agency. Dana Zimbicki has 30 years of community service, was appointed to the Council in 2022, is President of the East Brunswick Education and has been a teacher in the East Brunswick School District for 34 years. In sum, we are an experienced, responsible team you can trust.

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