Watchung Council Primary Candidate: Debra Joren

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

Joren and Amber Murad 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.

Deb Joren

Description:

My name is Deb Joren and I am running for Borough Council in Watchung. I am 67 years old and my husband and I own a home on Stirling Road.

My roots are here in Watchung. Growing up on Sunlit Drive, Crestwood Drive, Valley Road, and Johnston Drive (for such a small town, I’ve lived in every corner of it). I watched my grandfather Neil Stanziola serve on our Town Council, I watched my father Jack Penn, serve as a state assemblyman, and it seemed only natural that I would follow in their footsteps. Since moving back to Watchung 38 years ago, I have lived and breathed civic engagement through each step of my career.

What experience do you have that would help you serve?

In 1981 my husband and I moved back to New Jersey and I began working at the Somerset County Library in Bridgewater. During my three years with the library, I worked with our outreach program which brought library services to various branches of the community — the Somerset Country Jail Facility, Mental Health Center, DYFYS Center, and nursing homes throughout the county. It was an eye-opening experience to see how much impact civil service could produce, to realize the joy in helping the community in which I lived.

In 1984 and for the next 38 years, I served the 16th Legislative District; first as legislative aide, then to Chief of Staff. Along the way I became Assistant Secretary of the New Jersey State Senate where I served for 26 years. In Watchung, in 1986, I was a member of the Board of Adjustment and the Environmental Commission for 8 years.

In 2003, I became a Watchung Borough Council Member a position I held for 15 years. In my tenure, I served as Council President twice, as well as Police Commissioner, Recreation Liaison, and Planning Board Liaison. I sat on various council committees including laws and ordinances, public works, administration and finance, fire commission, Ness Preservation, and school funding.

In December of 2017 I retired from my legislative position and because of state law had to resign my council position for a period of at lease six months.

What issues would you like to address in Watchung?

I feel a number of the issues facing Watchung today are the issues that we faced when I was a councilperson. Heading that list, of course is the rebuilding of our community library. The development of the Ness property and the court ordered COAH development are other issues that we as a council, were working on when I left.

Why should voters vote for you?

I believe my knowledge and experience are a plus for the voters of Watchung. I have lived in Watchung for more than 50 years and my 15 years on the council gives me a unique perspective and my knowledge of the history of our town can benefit our community if I were elected.

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

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.