Watchung Council Primary Candidate: Amber Murad

WATCHUNG, NJ — Amber Murad is one of four candidates running for council in the Watchung primary election being held on Tuesday, June 4.

Murad and Deb Joren are both vying for the Republican ticket while Pietro "Pete" Martino and Wendy Robinson are both vying for the Democratic ticket. There are two council seats up for grabs.

All four candidates are vying for their party's nomination on June 4 and then will move on to the general election on Nov. 5.

Amber Murad

Description:

My name is Amber Murad and I am running for Watchung Borough Council. I was born in New York City and moved to Watchung in 2011, from Maryland after getting married to my loving husband who has been a resident of Watchung since 1990. When I moved to Watchung I quickly noticed its uniqueness by balancing a vibrant business sector, while retaining its own rural surroundings. Whether it was watching a neighbor ride his horse during the summer months or taking a drive down route 22, it became clear that Watchung may be small, but it packs a mighty punch.

Watchung’s history and values are not different from the values instilled in me by my parents. In the past year, we have become a divided community and that is not who we are; We are so much more! Watchung residents have always aided each other in times of need, such as the great flood of 1973, when residents made human chains to save one another. They have worked together to erect the façade of the Wilson Memorial Church stone by stone. I continue to fall more in love with Watchung every day, especially seeing the passion and love everyone has for our Borough. I want to work with everyone to move Watchung in a positive direction; one that will address the concerns and needs of our residents.

What experience do you have that would help you serve?

I am passionate and committed to improving quality of life for all Watchung residents. I am currently the Chair of the Historical Committee of Watchung and a member of the Watchung Recreation Commission. I was also the past president of the MOMS Club of Watchung, Warren, and Green Brook and now enjoy my regional role as the Primary Coordinator for seven New Jersey MOMS Clubs. Prior to that I have experience in real estate management, technology, banking, and sales. After college my love for public service was ignited when I interned for Senator Barbara Robinson, in the Maryland legislative session of 2008. I assisted with budget appropriations and drafting bills.

What issues would you like to address in Watchung?

As a mom, I think of public safety everyday. We can’t take safety for granted; I want to work with businesses to reduce petty crimes by allocating resources efficiently with the aid of technology. New developments in our borough require the evaluation of our current infrastructure. We need to look at our budget, and make sure dollars’ balance with the cost of inflation. We need to keep our budget on track, so our children don’t bear the brunt of the bad decisions we make now. As councilwoman, I want to make sure that new developments in our town are approved after analyzing our street infrastructure, traffic flow and our educational resources. Residents voices need to be heard, starting with the traffic flow on Hillcrest Road, it needs to be remedied before any new development is approved; it is a priority to keep our residents safe!

Why should voters vote for you?

As councilwoman, I will be committed to working hard, engaging with the issues and educating myself on them, while working with my colleagues in a collaborative fashion. I want to bring our community together, ensuring the reliability of our government, while making fiscal responsibility the "status quo," and having an honest and open government. I believe progress begins from those in charge, inspiring and encouraging all to work for the betterment of our Borough. That is my intent and my goal. I look forward to earning your vote in the upcoming months.

— (If you are a candidate and would like to participate in the profile, email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com)

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