Two candidates, both running for the first time, are vying for one Harrison Township Committee seat come Election Day in November.
The Republican candidate is Kevin French and the Democrat is Sarah Zuba.
Democrat
Name: Sarah Zuba
Age: 46
How many years have you lived in Mullica Hill?
12 years
Married? Children? Grandchildren?
Married to Jesse Zuba; two children, Luke and Sadie, both attending Clearview
School and degree?
The College of New Jersey, B.A. in English; Yale Law School, J.D.
Profession?
Attorney representing parents of schoolchildren and people with disabilities.
Is this the first time you have run for a seat for the committee? If not, how many years/terms have you served on the committee?
Yes, this is the first time I have run for the committee.
What is your involvement in the community?
I am a founding member and Secretary of the Township’s Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Advisory Board, which has collaborated with the Harrison Township School District for a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service to benefit the Ronald McDonald House; held a successful fundraising event at the American Legion for a local resident with significant health challenges; worked closely with the Police Department on growth opportunities in the DEI arena; participated with local church members in distributing food and other supplies to the community; and more. Previously, I volunteered as a youth sports coach for Harrison Soccer Club and served as President of the Mullica Hill Women’s Triathlon Club. My other community service has been with nonprofits outside of the Township.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
What we need on Committee is someone prepared to engage in long-term strategic planning and analysis to develop win-win solutions to impending problems. As an attorney representing parents where students’ education and safety are at stake, I have learned that it’s essential to focus on specifics to carefully, collaboratively, and creatively design outcomes that benefit everyone. The same is true for keeping a large organization on track, based on my experience as President and board member of large nonprofits. I am running to bring my commitment to thoughtful, flexible, strategic, and inclusive problem-solving to the Committee.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
Residents are concerned about the future direction of Harrison with respect to our tax rates, services, privacy, rural and historical character, traffic, and safety. When it comes to planning balances for all of these interests, our most valuable resource is our residents. Harrison is full of entrepreneurs, farmers, professionals, first responders, laborers, and educators, with a wealth of expertise, experience, and connections. I will focus on engaging residents in governance, encouraging volunteers with diverse perspectives and skill sets to participate in the revived Economic Development Committee, and helping orchestrate productive collaboration among the Commissions and Boards serving the Township.
Republican
Name: Kevin French
Age: 48
How many years have you lived in Mullica Hill? 4
Married? Children? Grandchildren? Three children, Son, 16, Daughter, 15 and Daughter, 8
School and degree: Associate degree in business administration, Brookdale
Profession: Head of Growth for Technology Services Company
Is this the first time you have run for a seat for the committee? First time
What is your involvement in the community? Prior to moving to Harrison Township, a couple of years ago from a neighboring township I was a member of the Board of Education, also serving as Vice President, and a member of the Economic Development Committee.
While in Harrison, I have donated my technology communication platform to the township to help in various emergency situations.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
I’m running for Harrison Township Committee because I have the vision, the experience, and the action- oriented mindset to make a positive impact on our community.
I am a lifelong entrepreneur who has started and grown several successful businesses in various fields. I know what it takes to create value, solve problems, and innovate. I also know the challenges and opportunities that small businesses face in our town.
I have a vision for Harrison Township that is based on five pillars: Education, Taxpayers, Growth, Business, and Law Enforcement. These are the areas that are most important for our community’s well- being and prosperity.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
My focus for Harrison is on smarter growth with a very clear objective: to preserve our town’s unique character while attracting the commercial/retail establishments to enhance the quality of life for residents. With a commitment to thoughtful development, I’ll strive to strike a balance between progress and preservation. My goal is to foster an environment that welcomes businesses aligned with our community’s values, ensuring sustainable growth and convenient services while safeguarding the charm and heritage that make our community a special place to call home. My vision is to honor our past while embracing a prosperous and smarter growth future.
