Millburn Township Committee Candidate Profile: Michael H. Cohen

MILLBURN, NJ — New Jersey's Primary Election Day is June 7.

Locally, three Democratic candidates are facing off to become the two nominees to run for two seats on the Millburn Township Committee in November. They will face two Republicans for the seats.

Patch sent out questionnaires to local candidates and will run the profiles for those in contested primary elections.

Below are Democratic candidate Michael H. Cohen's answers.

(Note: Voters in Millburn can also cast a ballot in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District race this year.)

Michael H. Cohen's Answers

Name

Michael H. Cohen

Campaign website
https://www.romanoandcohen.com...

City or town of residence
Short Hills

Office sought
Millburn Township Committee

Party affiliation
Democrat

Education
MBA Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, BA University of Rochester

Occupation
Currently retired — formerly VP Finance at JPMorgan Chase 32 years

Family
I am married and have two adult children

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No

Previous public office, appointive or elective
I have been a Democratic District Leader in Millburn District 3 since 2018

Why are you seeking this office?
I am running for Township Committee because I am interested in improving Millburn-Short-Hills.

I am thrilled to be running with Annette Romano, the local Democratic chair as the team of
candidates endorsed by the Millburn-Short Hills Democratic Committee. The issues of utmost
importance to me are affordable housing, flood control and public safety.

As someone who worked in a major financial institution for over 30 years, virtually always in
team-based settings, I understand the need for collaboration, team work and mutual respect in
order to achieve goals. My project management and financial background will also be an asset
to the Township Committee. These are the personal attributes I will bring to the Township
Committee.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is
___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is flooding, which has occurred several
times in the past few years. I support the efforts of the Flood Advisory Committee established by
the Township Committee to address this long-standing problem. It requires cooperation of
several townships along the river working with federal agencies to address this problem. The
solution will likely require improved drainage and the construction of barriers at significant
places to keep the water from flooding the downtown. Due to climate change, these formerly
hundred-year storms are occurring more frequently and this problem is a top priority. I will
leverage relationships at all levels of government to help address this issue and help secure
funding for climate resiliency projects.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this
post?

On the positive side, I am proud to be running as a team with Annette Romano, the other
candidate also endorsed by the local Democratic party.

As for Mr. Feld, the major difference between my opponent and I is that I believe in collaboration
and working together to build consensus. He is someone who believes the best way to achieve
his goals is to sue the town with frivolous lawsuits that cost the town legal fees.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the
community?

I am not challenging an incumbent.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

1. Public Safety including safer streets, protecting pedestrians and strengthening community
engagement with our police.
2. Smart Development - While development can be an important tool to strengthen our local
economy and property values, we must ensure we preserve the character of our community by
expanding community engagement to satisfy state mandates and taking a smart approach to
planning.
3. Support for the local Business Improvement District organization which has accomplished a
great deal in a short time despite ongoing challenges. I am glad that its jurisdiction includes four
business areas in addition to the downtown. The commercial vacancy rate has declined
throughout the town largely due this organization's marketing efforts. When tropical storm Ida flooded the downtown, they stepped in and offered assistant to their constituents. The average
assessment that its constituents pay is very low and well worth the cost.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this
job?

I have lived in town for over 33 years and am quite familiar with the issues affecting Millburn -
Short Hills. In my career, I successfully worked with government agencies to achieve mutual
goals. I led numerous successful projects requiring collaboration and team work. I strongly
believe that the objective of the Township Committee is to deliver high quality services while
maintaining fiscal responsibility

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Always stand up for what you think is right.

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