SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — John G. O'Sullivan, a Republican and former South Brunswick council member, is running for mayor in the Nov. 3 general election.
O'Sullivan, 78, lives in Monmouth Junction and is retired. In addition to his time on the council, he has served on the South Brunswick Environmental Commission, the Woodbridge Planning Board and the New Jersey Transit Advisory Board.
Patch asked the candidates in the race to answer questions about their campaigns and the issues facing the township. Here are his responses:
1. Why are you seeking the office of mayor?
We all know South Brunswick is a growing and changing township, but as of late it has had issues with over-development and traffic. The current administration seems to have no plan and has not been listening to the grievances of the citizens. As mayor I will push for the council to create a comprehensive plan with input from the citizens to control what can be built in South Brunswick because we have to plan now to live better for the future.
2. What sets you apart from your opponent?
I previously served on the South Brunswick township council, and it was an honor to represent our community. Since leaving office I've stayed engaged as a private citizen, asking questions, attending meetings, and getting involved in the issues that matter to our town. I'm dedicated to making South Brunswick better both in and out of office.
3. What, according to you, is the biggest issue facing South Brunswick right now, and what do you intend to do about it?
The biggest challenge facing South Brunswick right now is that too many residents don't know what's happening in their own town. I want to make local government more transparent so citizens hear about decisions before they're made, not after, so they have time to gather and debate before something becomes irrevocable. Overdevelopment, and the traffic it brings, is also a major issue for our township. Too often, traffic studies for new projects are conducted during off-peak times, which understates the real impact. I would require all studies to be conducted during peak hours, including weekday rush hours and, where relevant, so we can see worst-case conditions before a project is approved.
4. The Sentinel data center at 4405 Route 1 is under construction, and the DEP is taking public comment through Nov. 9 on an air permit for its diesel backup generators. Princeton officials have urged the DEP to deny the permit, and East Brunswick and North Brunswick have banned new data centers. Where do you stand on this project, and would you support an ordinance limiting future data centers in South Brunswick?
Yes, I am in favor of the extension till Nov. 9 and I am against allowing the permits due to the adverse effects that the pollution from these large generators would have on the local citizens and the township as a whole. I also stand with our neighboring townships on banning any new development of data centers.
5. A majority of the township revenue comes from property taxes, and state aid is shrinking for both the township and the school district. What is your plan to keep South Brunswick affordable for young families and seniors?
I would start by sitting down with each department and going through the budget line by line to find efficiencies, eliminate duplication, and make sure every dollar is well spent. I would also work to raise awareness of the property tax relief programs available to seniors, which are often underused. As a senior myself, I would help my fellow seniors learn what they qualify for and make sure they take full advantage of it.
6. The 2026 municipal budget relies on $4.5 million in surplus and other non-recurring revenue. How would you reduce that reliance without raising taxes or cutting services?
The current budget relies on one-time money to balance it, and I want to wean ourselves off it without raising taxes or cutting the services the residents rely on. We'll do that in three ways. First, we'll bring in new, steady income by encouraging thoughtful mixed-use development, places where people can live, shop, and work, so growth pays for itself instead of falling on homeowners. We'll also pursue every available state and federal grant and earn more on the money the township already holds. Second, we'll cut costs without cutting services by looking for smarter ways to do the same work: sharing services with neighboring towns and the county, reviewing our health insurance plans, using energy-saving upgrades that pay for themselves, and managing overtime and open positions carefully. Third, we'll make the change gradually, reducing our reliance on one-time money a little each year so there are no sudden shocks. That's a steady, responsible path to a budget that stands on its own.
7. Several housing units have been approved in town, and the school district has redrawn attendance boundaries to absorb an expected 1,600-plus new students. How would you manage this growth and the strain it puts on roads, schools and emergency services?
Growth like this needs coordination before the impacts arrive. First, I'd meet individually with police, fire, and EMS to learn how added households would affect response times, staffing, and equipment, so we can plan for it now. Second, I'd work with the school district and its transportation team on how 1,600-plus new students affect bus routes, driver capacity, and drop-off and pickup traffic for all our students. Third, I'd review the current master plan to see what still fits and what needs updating, especially for roads, school sites, and public safety facilities.
I'd then bring those groups together, because roads, schools, and emergency services all affect each other. Finally, I'd look at how to pay for it, including impact fees and phasing approvals so infrastructure keeps pace with construction.
8. How should South Brunswick meet its state housing obligations, and would you change the current plan?
The current administration is just focused on meeting the required amount of housing put forth by the court order mandate for affordable housing without any planning behind it. We need to look to where it makes the most sense to build this housing and take a note from our neighboring townships and focus more on building mixed use areas of affordable housing and small businesses.
9. South Brunswick residents remain concerned about truck traffic on local roads. What is your vision for the Route 1 and Route 130 corridors, and what role should warehouses play?
Truck traffic is a real concern for our residents, and the Route 1 and Route 130 corridors should be where that traffic is directed, not our local roads. The warehouses benefit from our infrastructure, so they should be accountable for the wear they put on it. I'd want each warehouse to have clear driver guidelines covering approved routes, speed limits, and no cut-throughs on residential streets, and to share those rules with every driver and carrier they work with.
Rules only work if they're enforced, so we'll also need more local police presence on these roads. Warehouses should be partners in that effort, helping fund road repairs and enforcement, so the burden doesn't fall on residents.
10. A Route 1 water main break in April put the entire township under a boil-water advisory, and a township employee's lawsuit alleges past water-safety problems. What would you do to make sure South Brunswick's water system is safe and reliable?
I would ensure regular studies and testing of our water system, with the results published on the township website so residents can easily see them. I would also fund a long-term plan to inspect and replace aging water mains, and make sure we communicate quickly and clearly whenever there is a problem.
11. The township is helping fund the legal challenge to the Transco gas pipeline expansion and is part of a regional watershed and flooding plan. What environmental issue should South Brunswick prioritize over the next four years?
Over the next four years, South Brunswick's top environmental priority should be flooding and water protection. Every new parking lot, warehouse, and development takes away ground that absorbs rain, and our open spaces are what protect homes downstream. I would make stormwater management a firm requirement in the development review process, protecting the open space and floodplain land we have left. I would also continue the township's opposition to the Transco gas pipeline expansion and keep residents informed about the legal challenge and what is at stake, because decisions about our air, water, and safety should never be made without the public knowing.
12. If elected, what would be your top priority in your first year as mayor?
My top priority would be to overhaul the township's master plan so that it reflects the needs and concerns of residents. The first step would be to block rezoning of open land in residential areas, which would stop new warehouse development and the truck traffic that comes with it. Protecting our neighborhoods, our roads, and our quality of life comes first.
13. What is your favorite part about living in South Brunswick?
My favorite part of living in South Brunswick is how multicultural it is. Neighbors come from all over the world, and that mix shows up in the food, events, and the everyday conversations. Despite all that diversity, there's a strong sense of community, and people looking out for one another.
14. Favorite place to visit with family in South Brunswick?
Sondek Park, when my kids were growing up I would go there to watch them play sports.
15. Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself or your campaign?
I am a member of both the South Brunswick Lions and the South Brunswick American Legion. I served in the Army and NJ National Guard as a Military Police Sergeant. Currently I serve as a member of the board of trustees of the Old Barracks Museum in Trenton as the Treasurer.
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