Juanita Lewis for Red Bank Council

Background:

I was born and raised in Red Bank, NJ. I graduated from Red Bank Regional High School and Rutgers University. I earned my MBA from Seton Hall University. I have worked for 20+ years in various finance, accounting and project management positions. I am currently employed as a Business Manager for a technical association.

It was through my volunteering efforts with the Red Bank Education and Development Initiative that I was introduced to the education community. As a result of wanting to make a greater impact, I ran for the Red Bank Board of Education in 2003 and am currently in my second elected term. I am the Board's Vice President and the acting President for the Red Bank Initiative. I am the President of the Rutgers African American Alumni (RAAA), Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization. I am a member of the Count the Children Movement and the Community Advisory Group for the Red Bank Family Support Center. I have been a Board member for Red Bank Pop Warner and the Source Foundation at Red Bank Regional High School. I have professional affiliations with the National Association of Black Accountants and National Black MBA Association.

Goals:

I am running to be a representative for all including the children of Red Bank. I believe strongly in the improvement of the Red Bank community. I want to find out from the community what the concerns and issues are and also obtain the hopes and dreams and go to work to find out how to address them.

Issues:

Fiscal responsibility is a must during these challenging times. The tax payers are entitled to and should expect that tax dollars are being controlled in their best interest.
Accountability is critical. "Say what you mean and do what you say." Elected officials are public servants that have been entrusted by the community. Don't let the citizens down.
Collaboration get more done. Working with other community organizations can enhance the lives for all residents.
Preservation is a necessity. Let's preserve and hold on to as much green space as possible for the community to enjoy.

Grassroots Support:

I believe the community has to be engaged and feel empowered. Grassroots organizing gets the community involved and keeps the issues in the fore front. I have successfully completed DFA training with my running mate, Ed Zipprich. I am also a participant at the Center for American Women and Politics at the Eagleton Institute for Politics at Rutgers University.

DFA Values:

I believe that government needs to be a voice for everyone epecially those who are disengaged from the political process. Everyone is entitled to have a safe community with a good quality of life and elected government officials are accountable to their constituents.