Sixty Second Democracy

Summary This conversation delves into the complexities of affordable housing in New Jersey, particularly focusing on Union Township. The speakers discuss the legal obligations imposed by the state, the challenges faced by local municipalities in meeting these obligations, and the impact on local infrastructure and schools. They emphasize the importance of community engagement and the need for a ba...

In this conversation, Beth Thompson, the Board of Elections Supervisor in Hunterdon County, discusses the role and responsibilities of the Board of Elections. She emphasizes the importance of voter education and addresses misconceptions about vote by mail. Beth also explains the staff and personnel involved in elections, including poll workers and commissioners. She highlights the new voting equip...

Dr. Nicholas Diaz, a superintendent, discusses his path to becoming a superintendent and the role of a superintendent in education. He emphasizes the importance of school culture and how it impacts student achievement. Dr. Diaz also explains the process of setting the vision for education through strategic planning and community engagement. He shares challenges and achievements in his role, includ...

What does a town planning and adjustment board do?  In our discussion, he breaks down the core responsibilities of a planning and adjustment board.  He describes the job as being “there to interpret rules that have been made as part of a public process. There's nothing we are doing that is biased towards or against anyone in particular. “ The role of the planning board is to prepare a ma...

The county clerk is referred to as the keeper of the records, property, and land records, home records, tax records, and voting records. They are recorded and reviewed and become permanent records. In addition, the county clerk performs a wide variety of roles from designing the ballot and working with the county board of elections to tallying votes and doing audits. The Clerk is also responsible...

Security The Sheriff's Office provides security for the Hunterdon County Justice Center and its occupants. These include Superior Court judges, their staffs, other court personnel, the probation department, and the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office. Correctional Services The Sheriff's Office is also responsible for prisoner transportation to and from the Hunterdon County Correctional Facility,...

Do you know exactly what ALL your elected officials actually do? Me neither. I created Sixty Second Democracy to help everyone, from any political party, learn more about what our elected officials really do in their day-to-day jobs representing us, so that we can be more informed. This podcast is not about politics, but rather about the key roles and responsibilities each of our elected officials...

What does a township Mayor do? David is the Mayor of Union Township, in Hunterdon County, and is also a practicing Dentist as well as an Investment Fund Managing Partner at Summit Point Partners.  “This job should be about public service, not being a politician. When it’s a resident coming to you saying I have a problem, you can’t dismiss any conversation or call.  He speaks about great...

What does a small town Mayor do? In our discussion, Janice Kovach dives into her role as a strong Mayor in Clinton, NJ, a destination town of 2700 and growing. “ A lot of it is infrastructure, it’s not sexy and fun, it’s get your hands dirty.” She also speaks passionately about how rewarding and fun it can be “I get to talk to kids at school and perform weddings anywhere in the state.”  Kovac...

What is the Board of Education? How is it run? Meghan Moore speaks about representing the community and the school, acting as a bridge between the community and the school administration. “Our job is not to run the school, it’s to support them.”  She speaks broadly about the role, as well as touching on topics such as book banning and LGBTQ issues which have become topical for Board of Educat...

What does a state senator do?  Andrew speaks about his role being to serve his constituents by creating, supporting, and voting on state legislation. He speaks about how legislation gets created and passed in NJ, moving through the various houses and committees on their way up to the Governor, and how that process can take many years, and that’s not all bad.  Andrew Zwicker was elected t...