Politics & Government

Manalapan Candidate Profile: Jack McNaboe

McNaboe is running for a one-year term on the Manalapan Township Committee.

Manalapan voters will go the polls on the Nov. 5 to fill three empty seats on the Manalapan Township Committee. The all-Republican Committee has two candidates vying to reclaim their seats, including Deputy Mayor Jordan Maskowitz and Committeeman Jack McNaboe. 

Maskowitz is running for a full three year term and McNaboe is running for a one year term. McNaboe filled Don Holland’s seat, left vacant when he resigned from the Committee in early March. Holland’s term was set to expire in December 2014, which is why a one year term is empty. 

Another three year term is available as Committeeman Andrew Lucas’ term was set to expire and he chose not to run for reelection. Before the term expired, however, Lucas chose to resign from his position. On the Republican slate, Maryann Musich is running to fill this seat . 

Find out what's happening in Manalapanwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

On the Democratic ticket, Ryan Urgo and Ayesha Chaudhary are running for the full terms and David Goldstein is running for the one year term. 

All of the candidates were asked to answer the same questions about themselves and their political stances for Manalapan Patch. Patch will be running these candidate profiles up until the election.

Find out what's happening in Manalapanwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

JACK MCNABOE CANDIDATE PROFILE

Name: John (Jack) McNaboe

1. Please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your background and why you should be elected.

My Wife Debbie and I have lived in the same home that we built in Manalapan 26 years ago. Our son, Robert (23), enjoyed a great childhood in Manalapan and received a high quality education in our public school system. I founded a successful company that I ran for 20 years , leaving in 2004 to pursue other interests. Since then I have devoted many hours - days - and now years to volunteer work in both Manalapan Township and with our returning wounded veterans from the wars in Iraq & Afghanistan. Whether it was my business or volunteer work, I address every issue with the same drive and dedication that has brought me success throughout my life and it is this work ethic that I will continue to bring to the Manalapan Township Committee. In addition, my extensive experience affords me the knowledge base to make a difference in our community. I will make sure our municipal services are maintained while finding new and innovative ways to save taxpayer dollars. This is a position that was never on my list of things to do. Many ask me why I would put my family or myself through the ill-spirited and negative campaigning that is presently occurring. The answer is that I can and have made a difference. I feel strongly that I must contribute more to my community then I receive from it. That is why I am asking for your vote on election day, November 5th.


2. What do you think distinguishes you from other candidates? What do you bring to the table?

I  believe that a Township Committee member is a Position of trust and responsibility to act in the best interest of the residents. I was appointed to this Committee in March 2013, less than 8 months ago. I accepted this position with confidence having served on several boards and advisory committees in Manalapan, for the better part of a decade. I understand the concept that towns need to be run more like a business but, I am aware that this is not always possible due to the state laws outside the control of the municipality. I have built a business - managed a budget -hired & fired employees and have always taken responsibility for my own actions. Additionally, I have worked for two different towns and I am very familiar with the workings of local governments. I have served on the Manalapan Township Planning Board for 6 years - 2 years as it's chairman. As the Chairman, I lead the effort to revise the Master Plan and Township Ordinances, which laid the groundwork for bringing new business to Manalapan. Whether it's data centers, health facilities or supermarkets, there are now new opportunities for different types of businesses to come to Manalapan. As a member of the Township Committee, I will work with our Economic Development Council to take the next step: improving economic development while making sure that our quality of life is maintained. I also served on the Manalapan Office of Emergency Management (OEM) team for 5 years as the Damage Assessment Coordinator, responsible for the evaluation of damage to private property, during emergencies, such as Hurricane Irene and Super Storm Sandy. Additionally, I've served on the Finance Committee and the Veterans Advisory Committee. I feel that I possess the knowledge and experience necessary to serve our community and be an effective Leader.

3. What are the most pressing issues facing the community today? How would you approach and resolve these issues?

Our Manalapan Township Government is more transparent than ever before and our elected officials are more accessible than any previous administration. I am not one to rest on the good work that was done yesterday but, always ask "what is next." Manalapan is more financially stable than most of the neighboring towns. During the early 2000's, we witnessed a decline in our town's image, our infrastructure decay and many unethical events occur. The last 4 years, under republican control, we've seen this reversed and our taxes have been virtually flat, cut spending by almost one million dollars, while maintaining our services. While cutting spending, we insured that our surplus (excess money from taxes not spent) was replenished each year. All of this being done in a national economy and government that is in shambles. The 2% cap signed into law, by the Governor, has changed the way  our town conducts business. Your Manalapan Government understands and is poised to maintain stability and responsible growth as we move forward on the current path.

When I think about Manalapan Township, I want to do everything possible to maintain the positive quality of life that we all enjoy. In order to do so, it is vital that we fight over development. Prior to the Republican control, beginning in 2010, building permits and new housing projects were being issued and constructed at an alarming rate in Manalapan. Over development places more  burden on our roadways, schools, services and ultimately our taxes. The best and proven method of fighting over development is to preserve our farmland and open space. You've heard a lot about our farmland preservation program during this campaign but, please don't get distracted by the partisan political attacks from our opponents. The simple fact is that preserving the family-owned farms and open space in Manalapan helps to keep our community the great place we call home. As a member of the Township Committee, I will keep Manalapan moving forward in the right direction and I will always maintain a strong focus on our quality of life.


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