Election 2023: Wayne Council Candidate Peter Rosky

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 Peter Rosky, the Democrat challenger for Ward 6 on the Wayne Township Council.

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: Peter Rosky

Age: 57

Town of residence: Wayne

Position sought: Ward 6 Council

Family information: Wife Tracy, two grown sons Tom and Jack

Education: BA, Cum Laude, History, Montclair State University

Occupation: Senior Vice President, NJ Market Leader, Risk Strategies Company

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

I have not held an elective office before. I am a current Board of Trustee for Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey

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

After being a 22 year resident I no longer feel that the current administration/council is serving the best interest of the town. I am running for council now, to give back to the community that has been so generous to me. I am also running because I see the town, I once dreamt to live in slipping away. I am running to stop the over-development in areas like the former Toys R Us and GAF sites. I am running to prevent those developments affecting our lake communities, adding traffic to our quiet neighborhoods and further overcrowding our schools. I am running to change the fact that we do not have an economic planning committee beyond Mayor Vergano, I am running because a majority of the council were arrogant enough to think they could try to approve a fulltime Mayor without allowing the people to vote on it. I am running to prevent another tax increase. Our seniors can no longer afford to stay in town, we have lost ratable businesses and are replacing them with non-ratable muti-bedroom housing. I am running to change the complacency and lack of transparency of most of the council and administration.

What sets you apart from other candidates?

As a senior vice president and NJ market leader for one of the largest risk consulting firms in the country, I advise municipalities, universities, non-profit social service organizations, banks and private corporations on one of their biggest budget line items, insurance. I will bring that expertise to the Wayne town council. As a Board of Trustee for Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey, I have a deep knowledge of residential development, which is one of the biggest concerns impacting our schools and infrastructure. As a fiscally conservative Democrat I will bring a unique independent voice to council with a significant understanding of the local business community.

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

I view constituent services as the bare minimum requirement to be a council member. My biggest priority will be to bring back businesses to Wayne to reduce our taxes and not add to the overcrowding of our schools. I will work hard to stop further over-development of residential properties that will increase our taxes, overcrowd our schools and overwhelm our infrastructure and public services.

Wayne needs an updated Master Plan to better serve our community. To create a “Main Street” environment, work closely with William Paterson University to bring a “college town atmosphere” and a thriving arts and cultural community to Wayne.

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 needs to update our antiquated Master Plan, reappoint an Economic Development Committee to work to bring businesses back to Wayne, halt further residential development and develop a smarter approach to affordable housing requirements.

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

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