Scotch Plains Primary Election Profile: Josh Losardo

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — Scotch Plains preliminary election on July 7 has two candidates running for Mayor. Josh Losardo, 48, a Democrat is one of candidates running against incumbent Alexander Smith.

Losardo currently works as a small business owner for the past 8 years. Beforehand he worked as an attorney for 15 years. He is also the current Deputy Mayor of Scotch Plains.

His family includes his wife Stacey; daughter Ave, 14; and son Ian, 11.

Losardo has a Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law 1998, and a Bachelor Arts from Binghamton University 1994.

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

Campaign website

scotchplainsdems.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am running for mayor of Scotch Plains to continue making a difference in my hometown and to ensure that our town is redeveloped responsibly. My wife and I are raising our children here. We plan to live in Scotch Plains for decades to come, and I just want this town to become better and better, and a more sought after community, year after year.

The single most pressing issue facing our community is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

There are several important and pressing issues, but New Jersey’s high property taxes continue to be the most pressing issue facing communities throughout New Jersey. In Scotch Plains, the matter is especially difficult because so much of the tax burden falls on residents. As mayor, I would advocate that we share services with our neighbors as much as possible. I would also welcome re-exploring whether services may be improved, and costs reduced, if the police departments of Fanwood and Scotch Plains were combined. At the end of the day, every effort must be made to minimize the tax burden on residents.

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

The most critical difference between us is our vision for the town's redevelopment. I fully support downtown redevelopment but want Scotch Plains to maximize its potential as a suburban community; the mayor has said he wants Scotch Plains to look more like Hoboken.

I moved to Scotch Plains because of how I felt driving through the tree lined streets and winding roads and want to preserve as much of the town’s natural beauty as we can. I understand our parks are already too crowded to field our kids’ teams for practices and games. I grow frustrated in the early morning commute waiting for a gap long enough to permit me to make a turn onto Terrill Road in the morning.

We must and will redevelop our downtown to make our town stronger and increase the value of our properties. We must not, however, ruin the character of our town while doing so.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

To tweak a question from a campaign commercial from my childhood, "Is our downtown better off than it was four years ago?"

Redeveloping downtown Scotch Plains was the mayor's main goal and, unfortunately for all of us, is taking too long to get done. Is this because the town's original Request for Proposals (from real estate developers) was too complex? That may be; only three developers filed proposals, and not dozens as the mayor stated would be the case. Is it because the town's redevelopment plans are being micromanaged? Perhaps this plays a part too. Whatever the reason, it cannot be denied that the mayor has not accomplished his main goal.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Responsible Downtown Redevelopment: This means fully supporting redeveloping our downtown, but opposing densities that would forever alter the town’s character.

Park Improvements: This means seeking changes to our parks and other available public spaces to provide more meaningful services to our residents. I want to see more playing fields for our children, even dog parks on both the north and south sides of town. These changes would make our town more attractive for existing and future residents.

Improvements with New Jersey Transit: Scotch Plains has always been at a disadvantage because the town does not have a train station. There is nothing that I can do about that. I can and will, however, continue advocating for a one-seat-ride on the Raritan Valley Line and improved overall services. I travel on the RVL and understand the frustrations of commuting as well as anyone. It is a nightmare and we are long overdue for substantial improvements.

Community Outreach by the Scotch Plains Police Department: We are fortunate to have a police force, led by Chief Ted Conley, that holds itself accountable and is identified by the NJ State Association of Chiefs of Police as an accredited department. I support finding additional ways to improve residents’ experience with our police department through additional community outreach, police officers patrolling on foot and even holding competitive contests between the officers and children in the town.

Increasing Resident Participation in the Governance of Scotch Plains: I aspire to increase participation in our town government by its residents. "Let the word go forth… that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans…" is a famous line from President John Kennedy’s Inaugural Address. While I won’t put myself in a position to have to admit that I am no Jack Kennedy, I do hope the election raises peoples’ awareness about town issues and inspires others to become more involved.

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

There is no question that I could handle the job and that is not just because I serve as Deputy Mayor. Being a father has made me more responsible. Being a husband has made me a better compromiser. As a business owner, I have learned what it takes to operate a business. Practicing law taught me how to prepare and advocate. Most of all, as a long term resident with kids in the public schools and on SPF teams, I recognize the same reasons why most people move to Scotch Plains and why so many never leave. Besides all that, I work hard, seek and value diverse opinions. Taken all together, I think I've conveyed that many of us could handle the job, including me.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"The minute you choose to do what you really want to do, it's a different kind of life."

I am grateful for learning how much more enjoyable and satisfying life could be when one is doing something they truly want to do. I feared leaving the everyday practice of law, but took a leap of faith and joined my brother in a small business because it was truly what I wanted to do. Similarly, I ran for Town Council because I wanted to serve as an elected representative of some kind from the time I was a child. Years after making these changes, I could honestly say "it's a different kind of life."

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

If a reader wishes to learn more about me or my position on a particular matter, I may be reached at jlosardo4sp@gmail.com. Thank you for your consideration and for voting this year!