Election 2023: Wayne Council Candidate Joseph Scuralli

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 Joseph Scuralli, a Republican running for re-election as Wayne's Ward 4 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: Joseph Scuralli

Age: 59

Town of residence: Wayne

Position sought: 4th Ward Councilman

Family information: I am married to Annette for 20 years; one son, Joseph III, who is an Eagle Scout and student at Fairleigh Dickinson University

Education: B.S. Management, Magna Cum Laude, and M.B.A., Industrial Management, Fairleigh Dickinson University; Doctor of Professional Studies, Business, with Concentrations in International Business and Marketing, Pace University, New York City. Dissertation: “Interaction of country-of-origin effects and perceived risk in a capital equipment setting.”

Occupation: Dean, Online Education, and Dean, Larry L. Luing School of Business, Berkeley College-New Jersey and Berkeley College-New York, and formerly an executive in the extrusion machinery industry

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

I was elected to the 4th Ward Councilman position in 2003, have served continuously since January 1, 2004, and am currently running for a sixth term. I also served as Councilman-At-Large, filling an unexpired term from December 2000 through December 2001.

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

As a lifelong resident of the 4th Ward, I have always believed that the 4th Ward is the “Heart of Wayne Township” and will continue to defend and keep our Ward as a beautiful suburban neighborhood for my family and yours.

What sets you apart from other candidates?

I am the longest-serving current Wayne Township Council member and have over 20 years of experience on the Wayne Township Municipal Council. I was recently admitted to the New Jersey State League of Municipalities Elected Officials Hall of Fame for my length of service to Wayne Township. I have been a resident of the 4th Ward my entire life. I am the only 4th Ward candidate who respected all voters' right to choose their candidate in the primary election process. I did this by properly filing my petition signed by registered voters in March, publicly declaring my candidacy to all, and having my name printed on the primary election ballot mailed to all registered voters. I have never voted for a property tax increase, and I am the only candidate for 4th Ward Councilman who owns a 4th Ward home and is directly responsible for paying property taxes. I have a strong record of volunteer service to Wayne Township, including, among other things, serving as a Zoning Board of Adjustment member, Treasurer, and Chartered Organization Representative for Boy Scout Troop 108 (OLV Church), and founding member and Vice President of the Wayne Radio Amateur Emergency Team.

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

My main priority and focus will continue to be serving the many needs of my constituents by addressing their concerns, issues, and questions. I have handled over 2,000 issues for residents. No issue is too big or too small; if it is important to my constituents, it is important to me. I will continue to use my extensive business knowledge and understanding of local government to be effective for my constituents and to assist them whenever they need me. As 4th Ward Councilman, I focus exclusively on the 4th Ward residents, and I will continue to aggressively support their interests and ensure their share of taxpayer resources is delivered.

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?

Wayne Township is a beautiful and thriving township, which is why people from all over the region move here, and many families stay for generations. I believe preserving Wayne’s suburban character and high levels of public safety are very important to residents, but of course, accomplished at a price we can afford. To do this, we must not repeat the failed mistakes of other municipalities. For example, rejecting the idea of establishing a bloated property taxpayer-funded affordable housing authority, which is practically guaranteed to become a political patronage mill that will escalate taxes for years. Instead, I will continue to work with the Council and Administration to keep Wayne a beautiful, safe, and desirable town for us all.

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

The residents of Wayne Township make Wayne Township shine. They are the ones who get up every day, work hard to pay the bills and fund the Township, volunteer, look out for their family, practice their faiths, maintain their homes, keep an eye on their neighborhoods, and make Wayne the best it can be. There would be no Wayne without the residents who pay property taxes to fund the township operations, departments, and institutions. The job of elected officials is to continue implementing the residents' vision and meeting resident’s needs. As an elected official, I will continue to work to give all my constituents the highest level of service possible.

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

It has been a great honor to serve as your 4th Ward Councilman, and I humbly ask you to vote for me to continue as your 4th Ward Councilman. I believe I have the “Experience that Counts” to serve your needs, fight for your rights, and work with you to continue to make the 4th Ward the best it can be for us all.

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