The following Q&A is sponsored content provided by CJ Mugavero.
CJ Mugavero, a long-time business owner in Downtown Bordentown, has recently announced that she is running for the city’s Board of Commissioners as a write-in candidate.
In the following Q&A, CJ lays out her reasons for running as a write-in candidate, and what she pledges to do if elected to the Board of Commissioners.
Q: What inspired you to run for city commissioner as a write-in candidate?
CJ Mugavero: Many residents shared that they were considering only voting for their two favorite candidates, thus not voting for a third open city commissioner seat. It is with this knowledge and my personal disappointment at the lack of energy with this campaign (no public debates or forums planned), that I felt an overwhelming sense of urgency to run as a write-in candidate.
Timing is everything in life, especially with decision making. After listening to my instincts, the advice of strategists and people I admire greatly, I know this is the perfect timing for me to bring my unique skill set, hopefully win a seat, and have the chance to serve and get to work for Bordentown City.
Q: Tell us about your history as a business owner in the Bordentown City community.
CJ: When I opened my second Artful Deposit Gallery location in 1997 at 201 Farnsworth Avenue, I was welcomed with open arms by both the business community and the residents of Bordentown City. The timing of my arrival in Bordentown City was auspicious, as a dynamic and forward thinking business community was already starting to coalesce.
Quentin Hausser of App’s Hardware, Alene Bice, Jackie Reed, Tom Moyer and Pete Hobday of Shoppe 202, Eric Gibbons of the Firehouse Gallery and many others, all had a vision of a revitalized Farnsworth Avenue and a thriving Bordentown City in general. They took me under their wing and became mentors.
Bordentown City is blessed to have a small army of committed and capable volunteers. In my 20-plus years as a volunteer in this town (in many different roles and capacities), I have worked intimately with every City department and most every volunteer committee and city group. I know the players, I have their numbers in my phone and I know how to work together to get things done.
As commissioner I would bring a dynamic, brass tacks, let’s get it done attitude to City Hall and would leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of governmental efficiency and value for your tax dollars.
Q: How does your background connect to the community today?
CJ: Fast forward 28 years and here I am. I am now one of the elders. As a long time resident, a veteran business person, an eager volunteer, and battle tested community leader, it’s time for me to put my uniquely Bordentown City centric experience to larger use as a City Commissioner.
But lest anyone think that as an ‘elder,’ I’m accepting of the status quo or attached to a ‘that’s the way we do it in Bordentown,’ think again. You protect and cherish what’s best and unique about our little ‘one square mile,’ but there is always room for thoughtful improvement and change when needed.”
Q: How did you help lead during the COVID-19 pandemic?
CJ: The knowledge and experience that I gained during the COVID pandemic of 2020-2021 is something I recall with great pride in the way our community bonded together. The leadership/information chain that was formed and communicated on a daily basis from the Governor’s office, to then Mayor Lynch, to myself as DBA President and then relayed to our DBA secretary, and on to our membership, was learned swiftly and soon became a resource for both our small business members and residents to receive clear and accurate updates daily.
And I’m proud to say that while on the local, front lines of a once in a hundred year global health crisis we didn’t lose a single business directly due to the pandemic.
Q: Can you share a specific community initiative you led?
CJ: When allowed, we organized restaurant weekends with outside dining along Farnsworth Avenue. Working closely with Mayor Lynch, the City crafted a grant program to throw a much needed lifeline to shuttered City businesses.
We pulled together as a community and saw the crisis through. In a town that fostered a revolution, has seen world wars, recessions and depressions, it was arguably, as Churchill said, ‘our finest hour.’ And it is that tested, calm, steady leadership I would bring to the office.
Q: Tell us about your work with public art projects.
CJ: As vice president of Bordentown Arts and as project manager of the Woodlin Lodge Mural, it was with great pride and pleasure that I oversaw the execution and completion of the mural. Working with the Lodge leadership, local volunteers, and the artists, we were able to turn my husband’s vision and two year long fundraising efforts into reality. And we brought the project to completion on time and under budget no less.
Q: What are some of the challenges you see in Bordentown City planning?
CJ: Unfortunately, our city often, seemingly, adopts a ‘Ready, Fire, Aim’ approach to various projects and problems. There often doesn’t seem to be an overarching, achievable plan. No one plans to fail, but the failure to plan seems obvious.
We’ve been talking about installing a new HVAC system in Old City Hall … restoring the Gilder House … the now defunct Clare Estate … the vacant Ocean Spray property … the management plan for the comprehensive use of Point Breeze? We’ve been talking about this for years! The city has wonderful assets that are not being fully realized and utilized.
Rather than the apparent stasis we see coming from the current board of commissioners, as commissioner I would cultivate a culture of urgency in City Hall and with my colleagues prioritize, strategize, plan, and execute!
Q: What specific committees or initiatives would you focus on revitalizing?
CJ: If elected I would like to see a revitalization with current appointments to the Economic Development Advisory Committee, Historic Preservation Review Commission, and the Parks & Trails Committee. I would like to see these committees arrive at goals, craft plans, report their intentions to the commissioners and then execute.
Q: Can you give an example of a plan or policy you’d like those committees to pursue?
CJ: Review the ordinance established in 2008 and make the appropriate appointments to the different seats required on the EDAC: A licensed realtor, a finance professional, a representative from the Downtown Bordentown Association, a representative from the City Planning Board, etc. As a for instance, one task of the committee could be to develop a more thorough and comprehensive ‘Parking & Shuttle Plan’ for the Riverline and Carslake municipal lots to help alleviate parking pressure on Farnsworth Avenue.
Q: What experience do you have in planning and zoning?
CJ: While serving on the Zoning/Planning board I was involved in crafting the city’s new master plan. The master plan eventually ratified contains many creative strategies and possibilities that have yet to be fully realized. At the same time our zoning ordinances and procedures need to be simplified, clarified and made more user friendly.
Q: How would you describe your overall leadership philosophy?
CJ: I’m not one to kick the can down the road. When I see a can, I pick it up and put it in the recycling. Though perhaps a lighthearted metaphor, if elected, I’ll put that same simple, solution oriented thinking to work for you.
Q: What message do you want to leave voters with?
CJ: Proven Experience, Proven Leadership. That’s what I’ll bring to the office of Bordentown City Commissioner. Thanks for listening, and please consider casting your ‘write in’ vote for me so I can get to work for you!
