jay

Jay Sweifach

I am first, a husband to my wife Dina and father to my 3 great kids, (Orli, 7; Laini, 4; and Izzy 2). I grew up in Roselle and Cranford NJ. I hold a dual degree in Accounting and Sociology from Montclair State. I hold a masters degree and doctorate from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work, at Yeshiva University.

My grandparents brought me to their bungalow in Mount Freedom when I was a child – I LOVED it and told them, “one day, I’m going to live here…” and now I do.

I have a diverse work history. I began my professional life as a social worker for the Jewish Community Centers of MetroWest in West Orange and Whippany. I was youth services director for 10 years, focusing on programming and outreach to adolescents in the community.

I am currently an Associate Professor at the Wurzweiler School of Social Work. I teach courses in philosophy, ethics, diversity, and group work. As part of my academic life, I have written and presented on a number of topics, including domestic violence, social work education, ethics, HIV/AIDS education, and volunteerism.

I am a licensed clinical social worker, working with a practice in Hackettstown doing psychotherapy. I lead a youth group (USY) in Summit NJ. I also have a klezmer band called the Hester Street Troupe – performing throughout the Northeast – we have 3 recordings.

These diverse experiences provide me with a unique orientation, and a broad base understanding of people and their needs.
I am committed to some simple truths. Be dedicated, find a vision, and make it happen.

After Dina and I were married, we first lived on Springhill Rd., we then moved to Old Chimney Rd. – and we will probably move again at some point, but not out of Randolph. I am committed to this town. This is a special community with a rich history, beautiful surroundings, excellent schools, amenities, ambiance, and opportunity abound. We love it here, and plan on staying for a long time.

My vision for Randolph is to allow citizens to have a voice in expressing preferences, priorities, and demands. I was disturbed about the Town Council's attempt to bypass what should have been standard operating policy, of putting the proposed pool project on the ballot. When wide-scale contention exists about any issue, the public is entitled to be involved in decision-making. The attempt by the Council to exclude residents should not be taken lightly - and is perhaps indicative of the way other policies and decisions have been made. Regardless of whether one was for the pool or against, we had a right to be part of the process, not to be subjected to the decisions of a few people who, in a paternalistic way, decided for us - because they know best?? That to me is dangerous; I believe that re-electing a Council, guided by paternalism as an ideology, is to endorse what they did as acceptable. It was wrong, and they should be out.

I also believe that our Town Council has and continues to follow general Republican Party lines - working for the interests of a few over the many. Voters ought to be concerned about where Republican leadership has taken this country - whether it's the war in Iraq, the continued horrific conditions in New Orleans, the environment, stem cell research, a woman's right to choose, sex-education in schools, our trickle down current economic disaster, or any number of other issues. It's time for change.

I am interested in creating a process where stakeholders in this town can provide input, before decisions are made. The survey which I launched (and please take the survey) is an example of one technique which I plan to use if elected, to solicit public opinion about an array of issues and decisions that need to be made. I believe that the residents of this town know best about what is needed, and ought to be asked their opinion. I plan to do that.

With record-high turnouts at rallies and polling places across the country, the general public is showing much more interest in public life. On the community level, engagement has increased as well. People appear to be tired of business-as-usual politics and are looking for alternatives. My plan is to be an effective advocate for you, by listening and taking your interests to the table. I believe in an open, transparent government where partisan interest is replaced with your interests. Our current Town Council needs some bipartisanship with fresh perspectives and new ideas. I along with the other candidates on the Democratic ticket offer change that will build on Randolph’s successes and set the stage for progress and improvement.