2026 Candidate Survey

Alex Valdez

County Commissioner · District 9

★ StreetsPAC NJ Endorsed Urban Election 6/2/2026

Campaign site

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Statewide questions

Target Zero / Vision Zero

Will you formally commit to the Target Zero goal of eliminating all traffic fatalities and serious injuries in New Jersey by 2040? What does Vision Zero mean to you?

Yes, I would formally commit to Target Zero. Vision Zero means working towards a community where travelers using any mode of transportation feel safe getting from point A to B within and between their neighborhoods. There is, of course, the immediate safety implication, which is particularly important to me, as my mother, who is blind, lived on a dangerous road for nearly a decade. However, there is also all of the secondary effects of making a neighborhood more safe to get around in. It encourages walking, getting out of the house, and seeing your neighbors, each of which has its significant health implications.

E-bike licensing & registration

The new state e-bike regulations passed in 2026 now require licensing, registration, and insurance for low-speed pedal-assist bicycles. Do you support these changes?

I am not in support, as it discourages the use of these pedal-assist bicycles in place of cars. This will disproportionately impact members of my community who cannot afford a personal car.

Automated speed & red-light enforcement

Currently NJ law restricts automated speed and red-light enforcement. Would you support legislation to allow municipalities to implement automated enforcement?

Yes, I would. While I believe that safer road design would be a more impactful tool, I think municipalities should have the right to implement these where they feel it would make their communities safer.

VMT reduction (S2366)

Will you publicly state your support of the NJ VMT reduction bill (S2366)? What is your plan to incentivize non-car travel in your jurisdiction?

Yes, I would publicly state my support for S2366. My plan to incentivize non-car travel includes the implementation of a shuttle loop that services the most heavily traveled and densely populated corridors in my district. Offering a public transit alternative that does not currently exist should decrease the number of miles driven in this district.

Active travel to school

How do most of the children in your district or municipality get to school? Would you support a plan and set a target for increasing active transportation mode shift among our children?

In my district, there does seem to be quite a bit of parents that drop their children off at school. I would support a plan and set a target for increasing active transportation to and from school.

Urban-focused questions

Lobbying for dedicated transit funding

How will you use your bully pulpit to lobby state leadership for a dedicated transit funding source for NJ Transit?

1) Relationship building: Establishing strong relationships with our state legislative delegation, including a regular meeting cadence
2) Leveraging the experts: Leaning on local advocates who are better informed and have been in the fight for a dedicated transit funding source longer than I.
3) Calling out inaction or prevention: Publicly object against any legislative inaction or blocking of this effort

Bus-only lane / signal priority

Identify one specific bus route or corridor where riders are most impacted by delays. Will you commit to a dedicated bus-only lane or signal priority on that street?

The Kearny Ave/Frank E Rodgers Blvd Corridor through West Hudson is very underserved. It's served almost exclusively by one route (30) and on a very infrequent basis. I think the area would be much better served by a frequent shuttle route that services a loop, not unlike the Hoboken Hop.

While this corridor only offers a single lane in each direction, and therefore not accomodating to a dedicated bus lane, I would be in favor of signal priority.

Road diet for a 'stroad'

Name one specific 'stroad' or dangerous multi-lane corridor in your jurisdiction that needs a road diet. What right-sizing measures would you prioritize?

Passaic Avenue is an example. It sits between residential neighborhoods and a thin, long green space (Kearny Riverbank Park). Speeding on this road is almost universal. A protected bike lane on this road would narrow lanes and encourage slower driving.

About the candidate

Biography

Please provide a brief biography. Tell us about yourself. What is your current profession and where do you live?

I'm a lifelong resident of Hudson County and have spent the last 30 years in Kearny. I'm going through a career transition at the moment. I've spent the last 10 years in a blend of humanitarian, human resources, and education program roles. I also served as a Sergeant in the Army National Guard.

Past safe-streets advocacy

Tell us about a time in the past you've supported a safe streets, public transit, or active transportation project.

In 2023, I ran for County Commissioner on a platform that emphasized safe streets and implementation of a shuttle loop through West Hudson. We came up short, but brought attention to some important issues.

Favorite walking, running, or biking spot

Beyond the campaign, what is your favorite spot in your jurisdiction to take a walk, run, or bike ride? What is it about the design or atmosphere that makes it your favorite?

West Hudson Park. It's tree canopy, pond loop, and well maintained walking paths make it easy to enjoy. It's also where I learned how to bike, went on my first date, and trained for Army basic training, so it's kind of near and dear!

Three changes in first 100 days

What are three infrastructure changes you will commit to within your first 100 days in office that will improve roadway safety in your area?

1) Increased lighting at Schuyler Ave and Passaic Ave pedestrian crossings
2) Bike lanes with flexible bollards along Passaic Ave
3) Support for BRT along JFK Blvd

Ali Aljarrah

Passaic County Commissioner · Passaic County

★ StreetsPAC NJ Endorsed Urban Election 6/2/2026

Campaign site

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Statewide questions

Target Zero / Vision Zero

Will you formally commit to the Target Zero goal of eliminating all traffic fatalities and serious injuries in New Jersey by 2040? What does Vision Zero mean to you?

Yes. Passaic’s transportation network should move people safely, not just move cars quickly.

Right now, some of the most heavily traveled corridors running through Passaic County double as some of the most dangerous. High-speed state highways cut directly through dense urban neighborhoods where families walk, kids go to school, and small businesses rely on foot traffic.

A Vision Zero approach means designing streets so that fatal and serious crashes are preventable, not inevitable.

E-bike licensing & registration

The new state e-bike regulations passed in 2026 now require licensing, registration, and insurance for low-speed pedal-assist bicycles. Do you support these changes?

Yes.

Automated speed & red-light enforcement

Currently NJ law restricts automated speed and red-light enforcement. Would you support legislation to allow municipalities to implement automated enforcement?

Yes.

VMT reduction (S2366)

Will you publicly state your support of the NJ VMT reduction bill (S2366)? What is your plan to incentivize non-car travel in your jurisdiction?

As county commissioner one of my main priorities will be supporting upgrades and and increase in public transit, including supporting the Passaic–Bergen–Hudson transit project. I also plan to focus on increasing bike lanes, widening and increasing sidewalks, so that more areas can rely on walkability or travel by bike, rather than car.

Active travel to school

How do most of the children in your district or municipality get to school? Would you support a plan and set a target for increasing active transportation mode shift among our children?

Passaic County is very diverse environmentally. The county is divided into suburban areas, urban areas, and rural areas. In the cities like Passaic and Paterson, many children are able to walk to school, and do so quite frequently. In the suburban areas, many kids use busses, but a large amount of parents drive their kids to school or carpool. I would absolutely support a plan to set a target for increasing walking and biking to school.

Urban-focused questions

Lobbying for dedicated transit funding

How will you use your bully pulpit to lobby state leadership for a dedicated transit funding source for NJ Transit?

As county commissioner, I plan to play an active role in lobbying the state to ensure there is no money left on the table that can be used towards benefiting residents of the county. This includes zoning in on potential funding that could be used for transit-related projects.

Bus-only lane / signal priority

Identify one specific bus route or corridor where riders are most impacted by delays. Will you commit to a dedicated bus-only lane or signal priority on that street?

In Passaic County, a clear priority corridor is the Broadway–Passaic Street spine served by NJ Transit Bus Route 709, which runs through Paterson, Passaic, and Garfield and experiences chronic delays and poor on-time performance. A focused, local commitment would be to implement a pilot peak-hour bus-only lane on the most congested segments of Broadway and Passaic Street, paired with transit signal priority at key intersections to help buses move through traffic more efficiently. This corridor is especially impactful because it carries dense, transit-dependent ridership and multiple overlapping routes that compound congestion. Delivering these improvements could increase travel speeds by 10–20%, reduce bus bunching, and significantly improve reliability for daily riders, all within a relatively short timeframe.

Road diet for a 'stroad'

Name one specific 'stroad' or dangerous multi-lane corridor in your jurisdiction that needs a road diet. What right-sizing measures would you prioritize?

Route 20 / McLean Boulevard (Paterson)
Why this corridor matters:
Route 20 functions like a highway but runs through dense residential and commercial areas. Long crossing distances, high vehicle speeds, and limited pedestrian infrastructure make it one of the most dangerous roads in the region.
Vision Zero interventions
• Road diets where lane reductions are feasible
• Protected pedestrian refuge islands at key crossings
• Signal timing adjustments for safer crossing windows
• Raised crosswalks near schools and transit stops
• Streetscape redesign to slow turning movements
Community impact:
Safer crossings mean residents can actually reach neighborhood businesses, parks, and transit stops without risking their lives.

About the candidate

Biography

Please provide a brief biography. Tell us about yourself. What is your current profession and where do you live?

I live in Little Falls, New Jersey. I work as a Senior Advisor for CAIR Action NJ.

Past safe-streets advocacy

Tell us about a time in the past you've supported a safe streets, public transit, or active transportation project.

I have been passionate about street safety for a long time, starting in high school. As a student I organized a Student Advocates for Safety program while in high school to advocate for sidewalks and stop signs nearby Passaic Valley High School. Featured article below:

https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/passaic/little-falls/2016/12/13/little-falls-residents-fight-browertown-road-sidewalks/95223798

In 2023, I worked to advocate for federal funding for the Paterson-Newark Light Rail using the IRA funding.

Favorite walking, running, or biking spot

Beyond the campaign, what is your favorite spot in your jurisdiction to take a walk, run, or bike ride? What is it about the design or atmosphere that makes it your favorite?

I’ll be honest — one of the challenges in Passaic County is that we don’t have enough truly walkable, inviting spaces. That’s something I want to change.

If I had to choose, it would be the historic district and downtown of Paterson. I like walking there because of the historic architecture and the bones of the city — you can feel its history and its importance.

But what I appreciate most is that it’s a place where you can walk and really envision what could be. As you move through downtown, you can picture safer, busier streets, thriving small businesses, public spaces filled with families, and a local economy that works for everyone. It’s not just a walk — it’s a reminder of the potential we have, and the kind of Passaic County we should be building.

Three changes in first 100 days

What are three infrastructure changes you will commit to within your first 100 days in office that will improve roadway safety in your area?

Traffic Calming Toolkit:
My Policy Commitment: Passaic will implement countywide traffic calming standards, prioritizing streets near schools, parks, transit stops, and downtown corridors.

Tools include
• Speed humps and raised tables
• Chicanes and curb extensions
• Narrowed travel lanes
• Mini-roundabouts where applicable

Slower vehicle speeds directly correlate with lower fatality risk.

Road Diet Program
Lane reconfigurations on overbuilt corridors to create:
• Dedicated turning lanes
• Bike lanes where feasible
• Wider sidewalks
• Landscaped buffers
This improves safety while maintaining traffic flow.

Pedestrian Refuge Islands
Strategically installed on multi-lane county roads so pedestrians can cross in stages instead of navigating full road widths at once.
Particularly critical near:
• Schools
• Senior housing
• Transit stops
• Commercial corridors

Ron Bautista

Hudson County Commissioner · District 5

★ StreetsPAC NJ Endorsed Urban Election 6/2/2026

Campaign site

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Statewide questions

Target Zero / Vision Zero

Will you formally commit to the Target Zero goal of eliminating all traffic fatalities and serious injuries in New Jersey by 2040? What does Vision Zero mean to you?

Yes, I support the Target Zero goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2040 because no loss of life on our roads is acceptable or inevitable.

Vision Zero means designing a transportation system that prioritizes human life above speed and convenience. It recognizes that people will make mistakes, but our streets should be built so those mistakes do not result in death or serious injury.

At the county level, that means redesigning dangerous county roads with proven safety measures like protected bike lanes, safer intersections, and traffic calming. It means prioritizing pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users, especially in high crash corridors. It also means using data to identify and fix the most dangerous locations first and coordinating with municipalities to implement consistent safety standards.

In Hudson County, where many of our most dangerous roads are county controlled, we have a responsibility to lead. Vision Zero is not just a goal. It is a commitment to making sure everyone gets home safely.

E-bike licensing & registration

The new state e-bike regulations passed in 2026 now require licensing, registration, and insurance for low-speed pedal-assist bicycles. Do you support these changes?

No, I do not support requiring licensing, registration, and insurance for low-speed pedal-assist e-bikes. These bikes are an important, affordable, and sustainable transportation option for working people, delivery workers, and residents who rely on them to get around safely and efficiently.

Adding these requirements creates barriers that disproportionately impact low-income riders and immigrant communities, many of whom depend on e-bikes for work. It risks pushing people out of a clean and accessible mode of transportation without actually addressing the root causes of safety concerns.

Instead, we should focus on what truly improves safety for everyone on our streets. That means investing in protected bike lanes, safer street design, clear rules of the road, and education for all users. We should also ensure that enforcement is fair and not targeted at specific communities.

If we are serious about reducing traffic violence and expanding mobility, we need to make it easier, not harder, for people to choose safe and sustainable transportation.

Automated speed & red-light enforcement

Currently NJ law restricts automated speed and red-light enforcement. Would you support legislation to allow municipalities to implement automated enforcement?

Yes, I support allowing municipalities to implement automated speed and red light enforcement as part of a broader strategy to reduce traffic violence and save lives.

Automated enforcement is a proven, data driven tool that helps reduce dangerous driving, especially speeding and red light running, which are leading causes of serious crashes. When implemented correctly, it creates consistent enforcement without relying on over policing.

That said, it must be done with strong safeguards. Programs should include clear signage, transparency in where cameras are placed, regular public reporting on outcomes, and protections to ensure enforcement is fair and does not disproportionately impact working families. Revenue should be reinvested into street safety improvements, not used as a general funding source.

If we are serious about Vision Zero and making our streets safer, we need to use every effective tool available, and automated enforcement is one of them.

VMT reduction (S2366)

Will you publicly state your support of the NJ VMT reduction bill (S2366)? What is your plan to incentivize non-car travel in your jurisdiction?

Yes, I support the VMT reduction bill because lowering the total miles driven is essential to meeting our climate goals, improving public health, and building a more affordable transportation system.

At the county level, my plan to incentivize non car travel focuses on making alternatives safer, faster, and more reliable than driving for everyday trips.

First, I would prioritize redesigning county roads to support protected bike lanes, safer intersections, and traffic calming so people feel safe walking and biking.

Second, I would support bus priority measures on county corridors, including dedicated lanes and signal priority, to make transit faster and more competitive with driving.

Third, I would invest in safe connections to schools, transit hubs, and commercial corridors so residents can complete daily trips without needing a car.

Fourth, I would support programs that reduce cost barriers, such as transit incentives and partnerships that expand access to shared mobility options.

Finally, I would coordinate with municipalities to align land use and transportation planning so housing, jobs, and services are closer together and easier to access without driving.

Reducing VMT is not about limiting mobility. It is about expanding choices so residents can get where they need to go safely, affordably, and sustainably.

Active travel to school

How do most of the children in your district or municipality get to school? Would you support a plan and set a target for increasing active transportation mode shift among our children?

In Hudson County, most children get to school by a combination of walking, being driven by a parent or caregiver, and school buses. In more walkable places like Hoboken and parts of Jersey City, many students do walk, but we are also seeing more families rely on cars because of traffic safety concerns.

Yes, I would support setting a clear plan and target to increase active transportation like walking and biking to school.

If we want more kids to walk or bike, we have to make it feel safe for parents to say yes. That means prioritizing safer street design around schools, including traffic calming, safer crossings, daylighting intersections, and protected routes. It also means expanding Safe Routes to School efforts with consistent funding and coordination between the county and municipalities.

I would support setting measurable goals for increasing the share of students walking and biking, while tracking progress through data and community feedback. This should be paired with education campaigns for drivers and students, as well as infrastructure improvements on county roads that connect to schools.

Urban-focused questions

Lobbying for dedicated transit funding

How will you use your bully pulpit to lobby state leadership for a dedicated transit funding source for NJ Transit?

NJ Transit is how people in Hudson County get to work, get home to their families, and keep our local economy running. When service is unreliable, it’s working people who pay the price.

As a County Commissioner, I’m not going to treat this like a side issue. I’ll use my platform to make dedicated, stable funding for NJ Transit a constant, public priority.

That means speaking about it everywhere. In the media, at public meetings, and directly with our state legislators. I want riders’ experiences front and center so this isn’t just a budget conversation in Trenton, it’s about real people losing time, wages, and stability.

I’ll also work to bring together mayors, county officials, labor, and business leaders so we’re not advocating in silos. When Hudson County speaks with one voice, it’s harder for the State to ignore.

At the end of the day, this is about accountability. NJ Transit is essential infrastructure. I’ll keep the pressure on until the State treats it that way and delivers a funding solution people can rely on.

Bus-only lane / signal priority

Identify one specific bus route or corridor where riders are most impacted by delays. Will you commit to a dedicated bus-only lane or signal priority on that street?

One corridor I hear about all the time is JFK Boulevard. It carries multiple NJ Transit routes and connects Hudson County, but buses get stuck in the same traffic as everyone else.

Yes, I will commit to pushing for bus priority on that corridor, including dedicated bus lanes and signal priority at key intersections.

If we want people to actually choose the bus, it has to be reliable. Right now, riders are losing time every day sitting in traffic. We can fix that by giving buses the priority they deserve on our busiest corridors.

This is about respecting people’s time and making transit a real option, not a last resort.

Road diet for a 'stroad'

Name one specific 'stroad' or dangerous multi-lane corridor in your jurisdiction that needs a road diet. What right-sizing measures would you prioritize?

One corridor that clearly needs a road diet is Willow Avenue. It runs through Hoboken and into Weehawken, but it functions like a high speed cut through with multiple lanes and dangerous crossings, especially for pedestrians trying to access schools, parks, and transit.

I would prioritize pedestrian refuge islands so people can cross in stages, along with highly visible and signalized crossings at key intersections. Daylighting corners, tightening turning radii, and adding traffic calming measures would help slow vehicles and improve visibility. Where feasible, I would also look at reallocating space to better protect pedestrians and support safer, more predictable traffic flow.

This is a street people use every day to live their lives. It should feel safe to cross, not like you are taking a risk every time you step off the curb.

About the candidate

Biography

Please provide a brief biography. Tell us about yourself. What is your current profession and where do you live?

My name is Ron Bautista. I live in Hoboken, where I’m raising my family and staying closely connected to the everyday challenges people here are facing.

I currently work in Community Reinvestment at JPMorganChase, where I focus on national strategy and improving lending performance with Small Businesses at low-to-moderate income communities. Outside of my professional work, I’ve been actively involved in the community, organizing around tenant protections, safer streets, better buses, and issues that impact working families across Hudson County.

I immigrated to the United States as a child and lived undocumented for over a decade before gaining legal status. That experience shaped how I see government and why I believe it should be more transparent, more accountable, and more responsive to people’s real lives.

I’m running for County Commissioner because I believe we need leadership that understands what working families are going through and is willing to act on it.

Past safe-streets advocacy

Tell us about a time in the past you've supported a safe streets, public transit, or active transportation project.

I've helped with political pressure to move safe street projects on Willow Avenue and the 14th Street viaduct in Hoboken. I got started in my advocacy work in Hoboken while organizing with Bike Hoboken to preserve most of the complete streets redesign of Washington Street. I've also been a vocal proponent of Bus Rapid Transit in Hudson County for a decade.

Favorite walking, running, or biking spot

Beyond the campaign, what is your favorite spot in your jurisdiction to take a walk, run, or bike ride? What is it about the design or atmosphere that makes it your favorite?

I enjoy walking along the waterfront, and biking everywhere in Hoboken, mostly on a CitiBike, and crossing into Jersey City often. My favorite parts are the protected bike lanes connecting both cities and deep into Jersey City, the protected bike lane on Grand St in Hoboken, and the waterfront. It's the scenery and biking safely that make me enjoy it the most.

Three changes in first 100 days

What are three infrastructure changes you will commit to within your first 100 days in office that will improve roadway safety in your area?

In my first 100 days, I want to focus on changes that people can actually feel right away, especially on county controlled roads where we have the most impact.

First, I will push to daylight intersections at high crash locations by removing parking near corners and improving visibility. This is one of the quickest and most effective ways to prevent crashes, especially for pedestrians and children.

Second, I will push for fast-build bumpouts on roads like Patterson Plank Road, and 14th Street in Hoboken to slow down turning drivers at intersections and shortening the crosswalk time for pedestrians.

These are practical changes we can implement quickly that will save lives, improve daily commutes, and make our streets work better for everyone.

Martin Ceperley

Township Committee · Maplewood

★ StreetsPAC NJ Endorsed Suburban Election 6/2/2026

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Statewide questions

Target Zero / Vision Zero

Will you formally commit to the Target Zero goal of eliminating all traffic fatalities and serious injuries in New Jersey by 2040? What does Vision Zero mean to you?

Yes. To me, Vision Zero is a commitment to a systemic, coordinated approach (not fragmented fixes) to eliminate traffic-related deaths and injuries while creating a healthier community.

E-bike licensing & registration

The new state e-bike regulations passed in 2026 now require licensing, registration, and insurance for low-speed pedal-assist bicycles. Do you support these changes?

No. I have vocally opposed these e-bike regulations because they reduce access, equity, and climate-friendly transportation without solving the real safety issues at hand. Low-speed pedal-assisted e-bikes are safe and sustainable alternative to cars for many trips and should be encouraged by our state and municipal policies.

Automated speed & red-light enforcement

Currently NJ law restricts automated speed and red-light enforcement. Would you support legislation to allow municipalities to implement automated enforcement?

I am in favor of automated speed and red-light enforcement, as it has been shown to reduce unsafe driving, although I would prioritize and support legislation that combines this with a strong focus and effort on redesigning and building safer streets, like protected bike lanes, daylighting at crosswalks, and lowering speed limits.

VMT reduction (S2366)

Will you publicly state your support of the NJ VMT reduction bill (S2366)? What is your plan to incentivize non-car travel in your jurisdiction?

Yes. To incentivize non-car travel requires the community to see and feel the benefit of less congestion, lower transportation costs, and improved public health. With my advocacy for the town’s first dedicated bike lanes, I already have and would continue to educate the broader community on the benefits of non-car travel and would prioritize safe infrastructure like protected bike lanes, connected route networks, and accessible sidewalks.

Active travel to school

How do most of the children in your district or municipality get to school? Would you support a plan and set a target for increasing active transportation mode shift among our children?

Yes, I support increasing active transportation modes for children. In 2024, I started Maplewood’s first bike bus, which lets kids ride to school together on a set route for a safe, fun, and active commute, and teaches them safe biking skills in a group format. I would support a plan in coordination with our school district to increase active transportation at all of the district's school.

Suburban-focused questions

Lobbying for dedicated transit funding

How will you use your bully pulpit to lobby state leadership for a dedicated transit funding source for NJ Transit?

NJ Transit is a key link for many workers in Maplewood. I will bring light to the reliability issues that our commuters face just trying to get to work. To better understand and articulate our transit concerns, I will create a dashboard for tracking the reliability of our trains from Maplewood, where residents will be able to report whether their trains are on time, cancelled, or how delayed they are. To effectively advocate for improvements, we need to be able to visualize and quantify the data like the on-time record so we can show exactly where the issues exist and how it is changing over time.

Downtown traffic calming

Identify the specific downtown street or intersection where traffic safety is most lacking. What specific traffic calming measures will you fight to implement on that corridor?

Here in Maplewood, traffic safety is lacking on Prospect Street, a wide road that connects two commercial areas. While there are crosswalks, crossing streets here proves unsafe as there have been multiple drivers that hit pedestrians at almost every intersection, including middle school students walking to school. Prospect Street needs traffic calming infrastructure like a road diet, protected bike lanes, raised crosswalks, and stop signs.

Rezoning for walkable infill

Name one specific area in your jurisdiction (such as a dying mall or underused parking lot) that you would support rezoning for missing middle housing or walkable retail.

By replacing restrictive industrial zoning with smart, pedestrian-friendly development, we can transform areas like Newark Way & Boyden Avenue into a destination that encourages adaptive reuse of formerly industrial spaces. Commercial districts in Maplewood like Springfield Avenue and Maplewood Village can be turned into even more vibrant destinations that attract visitors from the region through a focus on the quality of the pedestrian experience that will encourage customers to linger.

About the candidate

Biography

Please provide a brief biography. Tell us about yourself. What is your current profession and where do you live?

I’m Martin, a community organizer and safe streets advocate, co-founder of SOMa Bike Bus, a husband, a dad of 3, and a 15-year resident of Maplewood. I’m 42 and my career has spanned from photojournalism, to founding startups, to software engineering at small and large companies in NYC. I hold a BFA from Rochester Institute of Technology and an MPS from NYU. I was district leader in the Maplewood Democratic Committee from 2018 to 2024. I was a member of Maplewood’s Green Team and assisted the township’s support for electric vehicles.

Past safe-streets advocacy

Tell us about a time in the past you've supported a safe streets, public transit, or active transportation project.

After seeing too many crashes on Parker Ave, the road I live on, I began advocating and organizing for safer streets in Maplewood in 2023. Students going to Columbia High School, off of Parker Ave, were getting hit regularly by drivers while walking and riding their bikes to school. After years of advocacy, and against organized opposition from some neighbors, the township installed bike lanes on Parker Ave in 2025.

Favorite walking, running, or biking spot

Beyond the campaign, what is your favorite spot in your jurisdiction to take a walk, run, or bike ride? What is it about the design or atmosphere that makes it your favorite?

My favorite spot to walk to with my kids is my neighborhood park, Borden Park. Hidden from the street and nestled behind a circle of homes, it is a joyous spot for community in our neighborhood. Friends gather there, community groups gather there, sports teams gather there. Neighbors walk in loops to exercise. Neighbors care for the many plantings surrounding the park. It is a hidden gem in Maplewood and represents the kind of community space that makes our town so great.

Three changes in first 100 days

What are three infrastructure changes you will commit to within your first 100 days in office that will improve roadway safety in your area?

I am committed to improving the current implementation of the Parker Ave Bike Lane to create a safer biking experience for students going to Columbia High School. The three infrastructure changes that I will prioritize are the addition of flex posts where possible so there is more separation between bikes and cars, eliminating the gap in the existing bike lane, and working with the Department of Public Works to develop a maintenance plan so that the bike lanes can be cleaned and usable through all 4 seasons.

Mussab Ali

Congressional · New Jersey 8th Congressional District

Urban Election 6/2/2026

Campaign site

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Statewide questions

Target Zero / Vision Zero

Will you formally commit to the Target Zero goal of eliminating all traffic fatalities and serious injuries in New Jersey by 2040? What does Vision Zero mean to you?

Vision Zero is about making a fundamental commitment that no one should lose their life or be seriously injured simply trying to get from one place to another. In a dense urban district like NJ-08, where so many residents walk, bike, and take transit every day, that commitment is not abstract, it’s personal. I support the principles behind Vision Zero and am committed to investing in the infrastructure, traffic calming measures, and pedestrian safety improvements that make it achievable. Federal investment in transit-oriented, climate-resilient infrastructure is central to my platform, and reducing traffic fatalities is an essential part of building communities where people can move safely and freely.

E-bike licensing & registration

The new state e-bike regulations passed in 2026 now require licensing, registration, and insurance for low-speed pedal-assist bicycles. Do you support these changes?

My concern with these regulations is whether they create new financial barriers for working families who rely on e-bikes as an affordable, clean, and practical way to get around. One of my core commitments is making non-car transportation more accessible and affordable, not less. Before supporting regulations like these, I would want to ensure they do not disproportionately burden low-income riders or discourage the shift away from car dependency that our climate goals require. Any safety regulations around e-bikes should be designed with equity at their center.

Automated speed & red-light enforcement

Currently NJ law restricts automated speed and red-light enforcement. Would you support legislation to allow municipalities to implement automated enforcement?

I would support giving municipalities this tool, provided it comes with strong equity safeguards. Automated enforcement has real potential to improve pedestrian safety and reduce traffic fatalities, particularly in dense urban communities like those in NJ-08. However, I have seen how enforcement tools can be deployed in ways that disproportionately burden low-income and minority communities. Any legislation I support would need to include robust oversight mechanisms, revenue reinvestment into the affected communities, and protections against discriminatory application. Community safety must always be the goal, not revenue generation.

VMT reduction (S2366)

Will you publicly state your support of the NJ VMT reduction bill (S2366)? What is your plan to incentivize non-car travel in your jurisdiction?

I support reducing vehicle miles traveled as both a climate imperative and an economic equity issue. Working families in NJ-08 should not be forced to drain their budgets on car ownership just to get to work, and our over-reliance on cars is a direct contributor to the emissions driving the climate crisis. My plan centers on making the alternatives genuinely better: investing in reliable, affordable NJ Transit and PATH service, advancing the Gateway Tunnel, modernizing our bus and rail infrastructure, and building out safe, connected pedestrian and cycling networks. When public transit is fast, affordable, and reliable, people will use it. That is the most powerful VMT reduction strategy available to us.

Active travel to school

How do most of the children in your district or municipality get to school? Would you support a plan and set a target for increasing active transportation mode shift among our children?

As a former Board of Education President in Jersey City, the safety and wellbeing of students is something I take personally. I addressed lead contamination in school drinking water because I believe children deserve safe environments in every sense, and that absolutely includes the routes they take to get to school. I support Safe Routes to School initiatives and would champion federal funding to expand them. Children in NJ-08's dense urban communities are often walking or taking transit already, but too many of those routes are unsafe. I would support setting meaningful targets for active transportation to school and investing in the infrastructure improvements including protected crossings, traffic calming, improved sidewalks, that make those targets achievable.

Urban-focused questions

Lobbying for dedicated transit funding

How will you use your bully pulpit to lobby state leadership for a dedicated transit funding source for NJ Transit?

NJ Transit is the economic lifeline of our district. When trains are delayed and buses are unreliable, it is working families who pay the price--in lost wages, added stress, and hours of their lives they will never get back. I will use every tool available to me in Congress to fight for dedicated, stable federal funding for NJ Transit and the Gateway Tunnel. That means working the appropriations process, building coalitions with other Northeast members of Congress, and consistently making the public case that transit investment is climate investment, economic investment, and equity investment all at once. I will also work hand in hand with grassroots transit advocates and commuter groups to build the public pressure that makes state and federal leaders act. Inside and outside pressure, working together, is how we win dedicated funding.

Bus-only lane / signal priority

Identify one specific bus route or corridor where riders are most impacted by delays. Will you commit to a dedicated bus-only lane or signal priority on that street?

The heavily traveled corridors connecting Jersey City neighborhoods to PATH stations and the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail are among the most congested and delay-prone in our district, and the riders who depend on them most are working families who cannot afford the alternative. I support dedicated bus-only lanes and signal priority as proven, cost-effective tools to make bus service faster and more reliable. Fast and fare-free buses with signal transponders, on dedicated bus lanes was one of the core parts of my mayoral campaign, and my position has not shifted since. These are investments I will champion at the federal level and advocate for locally, because reliable bus service is not a luxury, it is infrastructure that working people depend on every single day.

Road diet for a 'stroad'

Name one specific 'stroad' or dangerous multi-lane corridor in your jurisdiction that needs a road diet. What right-sizing measures would you prioritize?

Corridors like Routes 1&9 and sections of Kennedy Boulevard running through Jersey City are exactly the kind of high-speed, multi-lane roads that prioritize car throughput at the expense of the pedestrians and cyclists who live alongside them. These roads fragment neighborhoods, create dangerous crossing conditions, and make the surrounding environment hostile to anyone not in a car. I support right-sizing measures including pedestrian islands, protected crossings, reduced lane widths, and improved signal timing that slow traffic and prioritize human safety. Federal investment in climate-resilient, transit-oriented infrastructure is an opportunity to rethink these corridors entirely and build streets that actually serve the communities around them.

About the candidate

Biography

Please provide a brief biography. Tell us about yourself. What is your current profession and where do you live?

I was born in Lahore, Pakistan, and moved with my family to Jersey City in 2000. I am the son of a public school teacher and a postal worker. My mother is a member of the United Federation of Teachers and my father is a USPS mail carrier and member of the New York Metro Area Postal Union. I was raised in a working-class immigrant household shaped by both opportunity and discrimination, and Jersey City has been my home for 26 years.

I graduated from McNair Academic High School and earned dual bachelor's degrees in economics and biology from Rutgers University, where I was named a Harry S. Truman Scholar. I completed a master's degree in global affairs at Tsinghua University as a Schwarzman Scholar and later earned my J.D. from Harvard Law School. While at Harvard, I was elected co-president of the student government and served on the American Bar Association's Board of Governors. I was also awarded the Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans.

In 2017, at age 20, I became the youngest elected official in Jersey City's history when I won an at-large seat on the Jersey City Board of Education, later serving as Board President from 2021 to 2022. During my tenure, we passed the district's first fully funded budget in over a decade, raised the minimum wage for school workers to $17 an hour, increased minimum teacher salaries to $61,000, eliminated student lunch debt, and addressed lead contamination in school drinking water. I also co-founded the Ali Leadership Institute to train young people and organizers in civic engagement.

In 2025, I ran for Mayor of Jersey City on a platform focused on affordability, public transit, ethics reform, and housing access. I am a proud Pakistani-American and Muslim, and if elected to Congress, I would be the first Pakistani American ever to serve in that body.

Past safe-streets advocacy

Tell us about a time in the past you've supported a safe streets, public transit, or active transportation project.

During my 2025 mayoral campaign in Jersey City, I released a detailed policy plan for a fast, free, city-owned bus network; and I made it a focal point of the race. Jersey City's transportation system was not keeping pace with the city's growth. Commuting to work, school, or the grocery store was costing residents too much time and money. My plan was straightforward: four backbone routes connecting Journal Square and Downtown with the Heights, the West Side, Bergen-Lafayette, and Greenville, with signal priority, GPS tracking, and automatic ticketing enforcement, funded through state and federal grants, parking and traffic violations, and advertising on buses and bus stations.

I also opposed the planned $10.7 billion expansion of the I-78 Turnpike, arguing that those funds should instead support light rail and bus service, and pushed for safer streets, more bike lanes, and pedestrian improvements. I was direct about what made our proposal different: we were the only campaign proposing a fast and free city-owned bus system without increasing taxes, and the only campaign not taking money from city contractors or city vendors. More than 40% of Jersey City residents do not own a car. They deserve a transit system that actually works for them, and that is exactly what I fought for.

Favorite walking, running, or biking spot

Beyond the campaign, what is your favorite spot in your jurisdiction to take a walk, run, or bike ride? What is it about the design or atmosphere that makes it your favorite?

The Hudson River Waterfront Walkway is one of my favorite places in Jersey City. It is accessible, well-maintained, and connects neighborhoods along the waterfront in a way that makes walking and biking genuinely enjoyable. After growing up here and spending most of my life in this city, it is the kind of public space that shows what good infrastructure actually looks like in practice; safe, connected, and open to everyone. That is the standard we should be building toward across the whole district.

Three changes in first 100 days

What are three infrastructure changes you will commit to within your first 100 days in office that will improve roadway safety in your area?

First, I will immediately push to advance federal funding for the Gateway Tunnel project, which is the single most critical infrastructure investment for our district and the broader Northeast corridor. Delays on this project cost our region economically every single day, and I will make it a top legislative priority from day one.

Second, I will advocate for dedicated federal investment in flood-resilient infrastructure for NJ-08's low-lying communities, which are increasingly vulnerable to storm surge, extreme rainfall, and sea level rise. Climate resilience is not a future problem. It is happening now in our neighborhoods, and our infrastructure must catch up.

Third, I will fight for NJ Transit modernization funding, including bus and rail improvements that make service more reliable and affordable for the working families who depend on it. Reliable public transit is the foundation of a functional, equitable, and sustainable district, and it will be a cornerstone of everything I fight for in Congress.

Terri Reese

U.S. House of Representatives · New Jersey 2nd Congressional District

Rural Election 6/2/2026

Campaign site

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Statewide questions

Target Zero / Vision Zero

Will you formally commit to the Target Zero goal of eliminating all traffic fatalities and serious injuries in New Jersey by 2040? What does Vision Zero mean to you?

Yes, I will commit to the "Target Zero goal of eliminating all traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2040. It is an ambitious goal that will need input from and coordination with our communities, first responders, civil engineers, and government officials at all levels.

My view on highway safety is shaped by my childhood. My mom was an operating room nurse, and she was often called in for emergency trauma cases after serious car crashes. I remember her coming home and talking about the devastating injuries she saw, which she described in all their gory details. We heard about people whose lives were changed in an instant because of a speeding driver, a collision at a dangerous intersection, or poor road conditions. I remember those stories vividly.

As I mentioned above, I fully support the Vision Zero/Target Zero initiatives. We need to design safer streets, invest in better infrastructure, and use real data to prevent crashes before they happen. Enforcement has a role, but it can’t be the whole strategy.

Congressman Jeff Van Drew has focused a lot on blaming immigrants or “foreign drivers” for traffic deaths. I think that misses the real issue. Most crashes are caused by speeding, unsafe road design, and a lack of safe infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists. If we’re serious about saving lives, we need to focus on building a safer transportation system for everyone.

E-bike licensing & registration

The new state e-bike regulations passed in 2026 now require licensing, registration, and insurance for low-speed pedal-assist bicycles. Do you support these changes?

Yes, I support the new regulations. As someone who walks a lot, I’ve personally witnessed how fast some e-bikes can go on shared paths originally designed for pedestrians and traditional bicycles. On more than one occasion, I’ve had close calls with speeding e-bikes while walking on mixed pedestrian/bike paths. Experiences like that make it clear that as this technology becomes more common, we need reasonable rules that keep everyone safe.

E-bikes are a great transportation option. They’re efficient, affordable, and can help reduce traffic and emissions. But with wider adoption comes a responsibility to make sure they’re used safely, especially in spaces shared with pedestrians. Basic licensing, registration, and insurance help create accountability and ensure riders understand the rules of the road and the trail.

For me, this isn’t about discouraging e-bikes. It’s about making sure our streets and paths work safely for everyone, including walkers, cyclists, and riders. Common-sense regulations can help us strike that balance.

Automated speed & red-light enforcement

Currently NJ law restricts automated speed and red-light enforcement. Would you support legislation to allow municipalities to implement automated enforcement?

Yes, I would support allowing municipalities to use automated speed and red-light enforcement.

The goal should be preventing dangerous behavior, not punishing people after the fact. Speeding and red-light running are major causes of serious crashes, and tools that encourage drivers to slow down can save lives.

If these programs are used, they should come with clear signage, transparency, and safeguards so the focus stays on safety, not revenue. Ultimately, local communities should have the option to use proven tools that help make their streets safer for everyone.

VMT reduction (S2366)

Will you publicly state your support of the NJ VMT reduction bill (S2366)? What is your plan to incentivize non-car travel in your jurisdiction?

Yes, I support the goals of the VMT reduction bill (S2366), because reducing miles driven only works if people actually have realistic alternatives.

Right now in South Jersey, many of us have no alternative but to commute 30+ minutes to work. I commute to Trenton from the Atlantic City area for work, and while it is about an hour and a half by car, public transit would take three to four hours each way with multiple transfers. That is not practical for anyone.

If we want to reduce miles driven, we need to invest in real options. That means expanding reliable rail and bus service that connects our population centers, Atlantic City International Airport, colleges, and major healthcare hubs. It also means building safe bike corridors and multi-use paths along major routes like the Garden State Parkway and the Atlantic City Expressway so people have safer alternatives for shorter trips.

Reducing VMT should not mean telling people to drive less when they have no other choice. It means building a reliable, environmentally friendly, and accessible transportation system so that driving oneself is not the only option.

Active travel to school

How do most of the children in your district or municipality get to school? Would you support a plan and set a target for increasing active transportation mode shift among our children?

I have seen this change firsthand. When I was growing up, I walked or rode my bike to school almost every day. My own children went to school in the same general area as I had, but their experience was very different. Most days, they were driven to and picked up from school. My son did walk home from middle school for a time, but it was not something I felt comfortable with for my daughter because of her mental and behavioral health needs. By high school, the distance between home and the high school required they be bused.

Today, most children in our area get to school by car or bus. The congestion at pickup and drop-off is significant, and at the high school level, many student drivers do not practice safe driving habits as they navigate the nearby streets and parking lots. It is very scary.

I support setting goals to increase walking and biking to school through programs like Safe Routes to School. A reasonable target would be to double the share of students who can safely walk or bike to school over the next decade. To make that possible, we need safer and more accessible crossings, sidewalks, and bike routes, as well as traffic patterns around schools that promote safety first.

Rural-focused questions

Dangerous rural roads

Identify a specific stretch of road in your jurisdiction where you are most concerned about speeding or crashes. What changes would you implement to make this road safer?

In South Jersey, roadway safety challenges often look very different than those in more urban parts of the state. Much of NJ-02 includes rural and semi-rural roads that run through the Pine Barrens, farmland, and residential areas. Many of these roads are two lanes with limited shoulders and lighting, yet have significant traffic.

U.S. Route 40 has experienced serious pedestrian fatalities near Atlantic City, and bicyclists have been injured from the Mays Landing area up through Salem County. We've seen similar patterns along Route 30 as well. New Jersey Route 539 has also been identified as a high-risk route for crashes, and it winds its way through the Pine Barrens, where there are frequent high-speed accidents involving wildlife.

Additionally, safety risks here include seasonal tourism traffic heading to the shore, wildlife crossings in wooded and rural areas, and impaired driving. Addressing these challenges requires a combination of better lighting, safer pedestrian crossings, shoulder improvements, dedicated bike lanes, wildlife mitigation measures, and strong enforcement against impaired driving.

Rail-trails & greenway gaps

Point to one specific gap in your local trail network or a downtown that lacks a safe off-road connection. What concrete steps will you take to bridge that gap?

Rail-trails and greenways are incredibly important in South Jersey because they support tourism, public health, and safer transportation options. Our district includes an incredible range of landscapes, from farmland and the Pine Barrens to coastal marshes and beaches, which makes it uniquely suited for a strong regional trail network.

We already have several great trail assets, but too many of them function as isolated segments rather than a connected system. One clear gap is the lack of a safe off-road connection between the Atlantic County Bikeway and the shore communities around Atlantic City, New Jersey. The bikeway connects Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, and Hamilton Township, Atlantic County, New Jersey, near Mays Landing, New Jersey, but it stops short of providing a continuous, protected route into Atlantic City’s downtown and waterfront. Nearby routes like the Pleasantville to Somers Point Bike Path and segments of the East Coast Greenway are close but not fully connected.

A concrete step forward would be extending the Atlantic County Bikeway and building protected trail connectors that link these paths to each other and directly into Atlantic City and the surrounding towns. By closing these gaps and linking the trails we already have, we can create a true regional greenway network that allows residents and visitors to safely travel between communities while strengthening South Jersey’s recreation and tourism economy.

About the candidate

Biography

Please provide a brief biography. Tell us about yourself. What is your current profession and where do you live?

I am a lifelong Atlantic County resident, and proud “daughter of the district”, running for Congress to represent New Jersey’s 2nd Congressional District. I live in Northfield and have spent my life in South Jersey, traveling throughout the district and developing a deep appreciation for the natural beauty and character of every corner of it, from our farms and Pine Barrens to our marshlands and beaches.

I currently work for the New Jersey Department of Labor in Trenton, where I support the enforcement of worker protection laws, including minimum wage, overtime, equal pay, prevailing wage, and child labor regulations.

My career has spanned technology, workforce compliance, retail leadership, and community engagement. I previously led enterprise software implementations in the behavioral health sector and spent many years managing large retail operations and opening new stores across South Jersey, leading teams of up to 90 employees and overseeing workforce planning, compliance, and operational performance.

In addition to my professional work, I am a certified yoga instructor and have served as a family caregiver, coordinating complex dementia care for a loved one.

These experiences have shaped my commitment to people-first policies and community and environmental advocacy.

Past safe-streets advocacy

Tell us about a time in the past you've supported a safe streets, public transit, or active transportation project.

Walking and using public transit have always been my preferred way to experience a place. When I travel, I almost always choose transit and walking instead of driving. On a recent trip to New York City, New York, for example, I took the train into the city and walked from neighborhood to neighborhood rather than relying on cars. I have done the same when visiting Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. Moving through a place on foot gives you a much better sense of how people actually live, work, and move through their communities.

At home in South Jersey, I regularly walk in my own community, the bike path, the causeway bridge, or the boardwalks, being my favorite trails. As an avid walker, I have become very aware of the challenges pedestrians face, from limited sidewalks to conflicts on shared-use paths. Family and friends who have been impacted by bicycle, motorcycle, and car crashes, as well as wildlife collisions on our rural roads, have also left a strong impression on me about how important roadway safety truly is, with wider shoulders, better lighting, and wildlife deterrents.

Those experiences have made me aware of the need for safer streets, better pedestrian and bicyclist infrastructure, and expanded public transit and trail networks that allow people to move safely without always relying on a car or being on the same roadway as one.

Favorite walking, running, or biking spot

Beyond the campaign, what is your favorite spot in your jurisdiction to take a walk, run, or bike ride? What is it about the design or atmosphere that makes it your favorite?

One of my favorite places to walk is the Somers Point–Ocean City Bridge between Somers Point, New Jersey and Ocean City, New Jersey.

From a fitness standpoint, the elevation changes along the causeway make for a great cardio workout. But what really makes it special is the view. As you cross the bridge, you look out over the Intracoastal Waterway and miles of coastal marshlands. There is also a rookery right off to the side that has seen a noticeable increase in the number and variety of birds that call it home, which makes every walk unique depending on the season.

It is one of those places that reminds you how unique South Jersey is. Being able to move through that landscape on foot, surrounded by open water, marshland, and wildlife, makes it both peaceful and energizing at the same time.

Three changes in first 100 days

What are three infrastructure changes you will commit to within your first 100 days in office that will improve roadway safety in your area?

In my first 100 days in office, I will focus on three priorities to improve roadway safety and transportation reliability across South Jersey.

First, I will advocate for federal investment in flood mitigation and climate-resilient transportation infrastructure. Many communities in NJ-02 are low-lying and experience routine flooding that disrupts travel and damages roads. Corridors such as U.S. Route 40 and New Jersey Route 30, along with roads serving coastal and Delaware Bay communities, regularly face tidal flooding and storm impacts. Federal infrastructure funding should prioritize drainage improvements, elevated roadways, and resilient design so residents can rely on safe transportation routes year-round.

Second, I will support investments that advance Target Zero and Vision Zero safety strategies across our district. That includes improving lighting on rural corridors, expanding roadway shoulders where pedestrians and cyclists currently have little protection, and investing in wildlife mitigation measures in areas where deer and other wildlife frequently cross roadways. These practical improvements can significantly reduce crashes and make our roads safer for everyone.

Third, I will prioritize federal funding to expand and connect South Jersey’s network of bike trails, greenways, and rail-trails. Building on assets like the Atlantic County Bikeway, we can create safe corridors that link towns, parks, and shore communities. These projects improve safety, promote public health, and strengthen the region’s tourism economy.

Together, these investments would make South Jersey’s transportation system safer, more resilient, and more connected for the communities that depend on it every day.

Zack Mullock

U.S. House of Representatives · New Jersey 2nd Congressional District

Suburban Election 6/2/2026

Campaign site

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Statewide questions

Target Zero / Vision Zero

Will you formally commit to the Target Zero goal of eliminating all traffic fatalities and serious injuries in New Jersey by 2040? What does Vision Zero mean to you?

Yes

E-bike licensing & registration

The new state e-bike regulations passed in 2026 now require licensing, registration, and insurance for low-speed pedal-assist bicycles. Do you support these changes?

most of it yes

Automated speed & red-light enforcement

Currently NJ law restricts automated speed and red-light enforcement. Would you support legislation to allow municipalities to implement automated enforcement?

red lights perhaps, would have to take a good look at the details.

VMT reduction (S2366)

Will you publicly state your support of the NJ VMT reduction bill (S2366)? What is your plan to incentivize non-car travel in your jurisdiction?

Yes, Cape May has been at the forefront of Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety. We have an active Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Advisory Committee, over several years we developed Bike Walk Cape May plan, a design of the entire town to make bicycling and walking safer. We have almost entirely implemented that plan which took years and millions of dollars to implement. In partnership with our neighboring municipalities we have now developed phase 2 of those plans with local engineers entitled Safe Streets and Roads Program Action Plan. We have worked with grants from NJDOT and several Safe Routes to School Grants. We recently received a grant to build a walking bridge that will allow us to move bicycles and pedestrians off of one of our busiest and least safe streets. This is a broad overview of major changes Cape May has made over the last several years.

Active travel to school

How do most of the children in your district or municipality get to school? Would you support a plan and set a target for increasing active transportation mode shift among our children?

Cape May has done much work here, through Safe Routes to School efforts. Now a large portion of children walk or bike to school.

Suburban-focused questions

Lobbying for dedicated transit funding

How will you use your bully pulpit to lobby state leadership for a dedicated transit funding source for NJ Transit?

One of the biggest complaints I receive is about public transportation. I will do everything within my power to advocate for better and more consistent Public Transit

Downtown traffic calming

Identify the specific downtown street or intersection where traffic safety is most lacking. What specific traffic calming measures will you fight to implement on that corridor?

We have used raised crosswalks, indented crossing areas, and roundabouts

Rezoning for walkable infill

Name one specific area in your jurisdiction (such as a dying mall or underused parking lot) that you would support rezoning for missing middle housing or walkable retail.

Cape May is very walkable but we lack available real estate. We have a great and popular walking mall.

About the candidate

Biography

Please provide a brief biography. Tell us about yourself. What is your current profession and where do you live?

I am Mayor of Cape May I have served my city for eight years, six of which as mayor. I was born and raised in South Jersey. I built my career and my business here, and my wife and I are raising our children here. I come from a family grounded in service, where responsibility to community was not a slogan but a way of life. My roots are here, my values were shaped here, and my commitment to this region runs deep.
My family founded the Harriet Tubman museum in Cape May and I volunteered as lead contractor. This museum is nationally recognised for preserving and celebrating African American history. We also founded the Cape May Point Arts and Science Center. I am proud that my family and I are able to contribute to cutting edge technology to ensure the growth of American ingenuity. I have served on the Atlantic Cape Community College Board, and the US Coast Guard Community Foundation Board. I have as been a member of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisor Committee as well as many other Committees.
In my eight years of service we have not raised taxes. During that time, we built a new firehouse and a new library, and we are in the process of building a new police station. We strengthened public safety, supported small businesses, and improved core infrastructure while keeping more money in working families’ pockets.

Past safe-streets advocacy

Tell us about a time in the past you've supported a safe streets, public transit, or active transportation project.

As Mayor I have supported through being involved in planning, designing, financing, and implementing millions of dollars in public projects such as this.

Favorite walking, running, or biking spot

Beyond the campaign, what is your favorite spot in your jurisdiction to take a walk, run, or bike ride? What is it about the design or atmosphere that makes it your favorite?

On the Cape May promenade, or the Cape May County bike trail. I also love to cross the Cape May Lewes Ferry and ride over in Delaware.

Three changes in first 100 days

What are three infrastructure changes you will commit to within your first 100 days in office that will improve roadway safety in your area?

Implementing the plan we just completed. I am not committing to a timeframe but that we will work on grants and plans to see it through.

Nelson Reynoso

Bergenfield Council · Bergenfield

Suburban Election 6/2/2026

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Statewide questions

Target Zero / Vision Zero

Will you formally commit to the Target Zero goal of eliminating all traffic fatalities and serious injuries in New Jersey by 2040? What does Vision Zero mean to you?

As a Bergenfield civic leader, vision zero is more than a transportation policy-it is a moral stance. I believe that no loss of life on our roads is acceptable. Our roads should be designed where everyone is able to move without fear. My neighbor's son was hit and kill by a bus in Bergenfield. Our town was impacted by this tragedy. I organized a march weeks later to raise awareness about traffic safety. As a candidate for the Bergenfield Council, I am committed to fighting to eleimnate trafic deaths and serious injuries. We need to design safer street designs and promote better data-driven policies.

E-bike licensing & registration

The new state e-bike regulations passed in 2026 now require licensing, registration, and insurance for low-speed pedal-assist bicycles. Do you support these changes?

I strongly support e-bike regulations and insurance for low-speed pedal-assist bicycles. In addtion, educational programs also need to be available to assist e-bike users understand traffic regulations.

Automated speed & red-light enforcement

Currently NJ law restricts automated speed and red-light enforcement. Would you support legislation to allow municipalities to implement automated enforcement?

I would support legislation to allow municipalities to implement automated enforcement such as speed cameras, red-light cameras and automated school-zone monitoring. There is strong evidence to suggest that these measures tend to reduce crashes, increase compliance.

VMT reduction (S2366)

Will you publicly state your support of the NJ VMT reduction bill (S2366)? What is your plan to incentivize non-car travel in your jurisdiction?

We first have to make walking, biking and transit safe for all. I would create a 15-Minutes of walking for Bergenfield residents. Rutgers'research shows when people are able to meet their basic needs close by, they drive less. We need to attract small businesses and revitalize Bergenfield's business district so residents and make them accessible to residents. My plan would incentivise non-car travel by making Bergenfield safer, more walkable and vibrant. It would incentivise residents to want to walk and shop in Bergenfield.

Active travel to school

How do most of the children in your district or municipality get to school? Would you support a plan and set a target for increasing active transportation mode shift among our children?

It is important to reverse this growing trend. We have to encourage our children to walk more but we must ensure safe streets. In addition, child obesity is on the rise. Regular exercise and walking and biking have shown to improve the overall health of children and adults. In Bergenfield, most of the children walk to school. However, some parents drive their children to school because they are afraid that their child will be hurt in a traffic accident. As a candidate for the Council, I will be committed to addressing trafic safety in our community.

Suburban-focused questions

Lobbying for dedicated transit funding

How will you use your bully pulpit to lobby state leadership for a dedicated transit funding source for NJ Transit?

Our residents deserve efficient and reliable public transportation. I would advocate for our commuters for a dedicated transit funding source. We need to make the argument that people will use their car less which will benefit the environment.

Downtown traffic calming

Identify the specific downtown street or intersection where traffic safety is most lacking. What specific traffic calming measures will you fight to implement on that corridor?

Raised crosswalks are worth fighting for. They reduce speed reduction. In Bergenfield, we have implemented raised crosswalks and have seen drivers slow down. I will fight for additional crosswalks.

Rezoning for walkable infill

Name one specific area in your jurisdiction (such as a dying mall or underused parking lot) that you would support rezoning for missing middle housing or walkable retail.

In Bergenfield we have several underused parking lots that could be rezoned for walkable retail. If elected, I will work with the business district, community leaders and others to create sustainable infrastructure.

About the candidate

Biography

Please provide a brief biography. Tell us about yourself. What is your current profession and where do you live?

I am correctly working as a psychology professor at the City University of New York. I was elected to the Bergenfield Board of Education for two consecutive terms. I have lived in Bergenfield for 26 years.

Past safe-streets advocacy

Tell us about a time in the past you've supported a safe streets, public transit, or active transportation project.

As a result of my death of my neighbor's son caused by a traffic accident, I organized a march to Bergenfield Boro Hall to raise awareness of traffic safety. I organized the march and we walked to the municipal building. I recruited children, parents and community members to participate. This initiative helped sparked the discussion of safe street in Bergenfield.

Favorite walking, running, or biking spot

Beyond the campaign, what is your favorite spot in your jurisdiction to take a walk, run, or bike ride? What is it about the design or atmosphere that makes it your favorite?

Cooper's Pond in Bergenfield is my favorite spot for walking. I feel safe and secure. The lighting is adequate.

Three changes in first 100 days

What are three infrastructure changes you will commit to within your first 100 days in office that will improve roadway safety in your area?

I commit to redesign our streets with proven safety infrastructure such as raised crosswalks, protected bike lanes and traffic-calming designs that slow down vehicles. Public safety is a basic public right.