Election 2023: Wayne Council Candidate Jonathan Ettman

WAYNE, NJ — In the 2023 general election, residents in Wayne will be voting for state, county, and township officials, as well as the local school board. Patch has asked candidates in contested races to answer profiles about their campaigns.

Early voting begins Oct. 28 in Wayne and across New Jersey, for the general election Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Here is the candidate profile of Jonathan Ettman, a Republican running for re-election as Wayne's Ward 6 councilperson.

Editor's Note: Patch sent out emails to all candidates to the email addresses listed for their campaign provided to the county clerk’s office. The responses received will be published between now and the Nov. 7 general election. Local candidates who would like to participate but did not receive one (for whatever reason) can contact Michelle.Rotuno-Johnson@patch.com.

Name: Jonathan Ettman

Age: 53

Town of residence: Wayne

Position sought: Councilman 6th Ward

Family information: wife Marla, daughter Jenna 20, son Jesse 17.

Education: I graduated cum laude from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, in 1992, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications and subsequently graduated cum laude from New York Law School in 1997, with a Juris Doctor degree.

Occupation: I am a partner in the law firm Feitlin, Youngman, Karas & Gerson, LLC in Glen Rock, NJ, where I litigate complex business, real estate and employment matters, as well as personal injury and school bullying cases.

Have you held any elected or appointed offices before? If so, what are they?

Yes, I have been councilman for Wayne’s 6th Ward for two terms.

Why are you running for this position (or running for re-election, if you are an incumbent)?

I am running for reelection first and foremost to help and advocate for the residents of the 6th Ward. It has been my pleasure working with and getting to know so many of the residents over the past few years. It is truly the most rewarding part of being a councilman. I am also running for reelection because Wayne faces significant challenges in the next few years ranging from the next round of the affordable housing under the State’s mandate to property taxes to establishing a master plan, all of which require a high degree of experience and advocacy, which I believe makes me uniquely suited to serve in this role.

What sets you apart from other candidates?

What sets me apart from my opponent is my experience as an attorney practicing law for over 25 years, which has proven to be invaluable in so many matters that come before the council, including the Township’s current affordable housing litigation. I am able to evaluate risks, offer advice and guidance, and make well-reasoned decisions in a way that a non-lawyer who has never stepped foot in a courtroom simply cannot. Additionally, my experience gained from having served two terms on the council sets me apart.

As a Wayne Township council member, what would be your main priority and/or focus?

My main priority is always, first and foremost, to take care of and advocate for the residents of the 6th Ward. I am here to help. In addition, my focus will be on dealing with the next round of affordable housing, developing a new master plan and reducing property taxes, which has happened before while I have been on the council.

Wayne saw the biggest municipal tax hike since 2008 was passed this year, and the township's population keeps increasing. What should township officials prioritize moving forward?

Unfortunately, we did have a tax increase, but this is not surprising given the rate of inflation and the overall economy this past year. Going forward, we must continue to employ a fiscally conservative approach in terms of spending and we must continue to attract new business to gain positive rateables.

What do you think makes Wayne Township shine - what makes it a desirable place to live? What could use some more work?

What makes Wayne shine is the community feeling you get from living here. We have amazing programs for people of all ages, whether its our sports programs for the kids or our programs aimed at seniors, everyone is involved and everyone cares. I am amazed whenever someone is in need how the community comes together and rallies in support. It is truly remarkable.

What could use some work, in my opinion, is the lack of a main gathering area. Since Wayne does not have a downtown, I would love for us to develop an area where the community can gather, shop, dine and watch a concert, in one place. We also need to preserve open space and prevent Wayne from being overdeveloped.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about yourself or your campaign?

It has been my honor and privilege serving as councilman for the residents of Wayne’s 6th Ward. During my two terms, I have worked closely with my council colleagues and the administration in smartly navigating our town through the COVID-19 pandemic and in mitigating the negative effect of state-mandated affordable housing quotas affecting Wayne and towns throughout New Jersey. I have also worked hard to keep our roads safe, and I have fought to maintain the pristine beauty of the 6th Ward by ensuring that Laurelwood Arboretum, our “crown jewel”, is properly funded. In short, my experience serving on the council, together with my 25 years of experience as an attorney, puts me in the best position to serve the 6th Ward and guide Wayne through future challenges. I am proud to say that my wife Marla and I have raised our two children, Jenna, 20, and Jesse, 17, here in Wayne and I am dedicated to making sure Wayne remains the thriving, safe and family-oriented community that led us to plant our roots here almost 20 years ago.

I look forward to continuing to serve the residents of the 6th Ward and respectfully ask that you vote for me on November 7, 2023.

More info on election deadlines and early voting

For new voters, New Jersey’s deadline to register for the Nov. 7 election is Oct. 17. This is also the deadline for people who need to update their registration to change their name or their address on their voter record.

In-person early voting for the general election will be Oct. 28-Nov. 5. Hours will be Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.to 6 p.m. The Wayne location is Wayne Main Library, at 461 Valley Road.

If you are already registered to vote and want to check your registration status or see where your polling place is, you can do so online.

Any New Jersey voter may apply for a vote-by-mail ballot by completing the application and returning it to their county clerk's office.

Then, they may return it by mail, in a secure ballot drop box, or at the county Board of Elections office.

All 40 of New Jersey’s legislative districts also have elections this year for state Senate and General Assembly seats. A full list of state Senate and General Assembly candidates is on the state’s website.

Related articles:

• School Board Elections 2023: See Who Filed To Run In Wayne Township
• Wayne Election 2023: See Council Candidates Who Filed To Run
• Elections 2023: See Who Filed To Run For Passaic County Offices