Susan Fischer: Howell GOP Candidate Would 'Put Familes First'

HOWELL, N.J.— As a longtime teacher, Republican candidate Susan Fischer promises to "do her homework" to put Howell's families first.

She is running on the regular Republican slate, along with Fred Gasior and Ian Nadel, for one of three four-year terms on the Township Council in the June 7 primary. Michael Bernstein is running as the Howell First candidate in the GOP primary. There is no primary among Democrats for the council.

She responded to a Patch questionnaire about her positions on the issues:

• Name: Susan Fischer.
• Campaign website: https://howellnjgop.com/.
• Town of residence: Howell.
• Office sought: Township Council.
• Party affiliation: Republican.
• Education: Rutgers University, B.A. in Italian Literature & Economics/graduate school.
• Occupation: Teacher in Monmouth County for 32 years.
• Family: I have been married for 35 years with two children raised in Howell. Our daughter is married and is a veterinarian/ICU specialist and our son is in college. He went through the LPS program at Colts Neck High School and our daughter was in Humanities at Howell High School.
• Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: No.
• Age: 57.
• Previous public office, appointive or elective: No.

The following candidate responses were edited for style, brevity and clarity.

Why Are You Seeking This Office?

Howell was a great place to raise our family. We'd like it to stay that way. We want to keep the conservative values that we ourselves grew up with for our children and grandchildren. Being in the schools for so long, I saw a change I just cannot accept. Politics must stay out of the classrooms. We also want to preserve Howell's rural charm for generations to come.

What Is The Most Pressing Issue Facing Constituents And What Will You Do About It?

Protecting Howell's rural character, keeping Howell safe and I intend to support our police and to put Howell families first.

What Are The Major Differences Between You And The Other Candidates Seeking This
Post?

I am not a politician. The opposing candidates are. I have been an active member of the Howell community, from teaching catechism for 16 years in our local parish to attending school board and town meetings and many local events. Parents are worried about their children's
education and taxpayers need to know that the Township Council has their back. I will apply common sense to everything I do.

If You Are Challenging An Incumbent, How Has The Current Officeholder Failed The Community?

The candidate running has cost the taxpayers of Howell $8 million in lawsuits. That should say it all. The candidate challenging us is not a real conservative and has already made some
vulgar comments that are divisive. I hope to bring people together. [Editor's note: The Howell Township County Republican Committee characterized candidate Michael Bernstein's posts about the Hasidic community in Lakewood as "antisemitic," the Asbury Park Press reported. Bernstein, who is Jewish, said his comments were taken out of context from a longer discussion thread on development.]

What Other Issues Do You Intend To Address During Your Campaign?

Ensuring fiscal sustainability for our town and putting the families of Howell first, supporting sensible zoning, our first responders and local businesses.

What Accomplishments In Your Past Would You Cite As Evidence You Can Handle This
Job?

Handling over 3,000 students throughout the course of my career, from college aged to middle-schoolers; working a second job and raising a family have given me strong leadership skills. I understand what hard work means and that doing your homework is just as important. Speaking other languages helps to bring people together. I am first generation American, born of Italian immigrants who believed in earned success.

What Is The Best Advice Anyone Ever Gave You?

To listen twice as much as you talk.

Is There Anything Else You Would Like Voters To Know About Yourself And Your Positions?

I am a longtime homeowner and taxpayer in Howell. I care about our town and hope to bring transparency and common sense to what we do and to put our families first.