The Fresh Perspective

New Jersey is facing critical challenges in education, affordability, and veteran affairs. I am committed to ensuring that our tax dollars are used effectively to support our students, families, and veterans. By advocating for responsible spending, reinvesting in essential programs, and implementing policies that prioritize well-being and opportunity, we can create a better future for all New Jersey residents.

I will take these concerns directly to Trenton and fight for the changes we need to restore affordability, educational excellence, and support for our veterans.

  • The Challenge We Face:
    The rapid expansion of mega warehouse developments is becoming a serious concern across New Jersey—including right here in Millstone, Allentown, and Upper Freehold. Families in Legislative District 12 deserve thoughtfully planned, livable communities—not neighborhoods strained by traffic congestion, air pollution, and unchecked overdevelopment.

    These large-scale projects disrupt the fabric of our towns, threaten vital drinking water sources, and place unsustainable burdens on local infrastructure—often with little to no input from the residents most directly impacted. Families in LD12 shouldn't have to fight to protect their homes, schools, and shared history from poorly planned, profit-driven development.

    My Commitment to the Community:
    As a lifelong educator and former high school history teacher, I understand the importance of honoring our past while shaping a brighter future. The Stein property in Upper Freehold—once the site of a British encampment during the Revolutionary War—is more than just land. It’s a living testament to our nation’s founding and the values we hold dear.

    But preserving history isn’t about standing still. It’s about ensuring our children grow up in communities that are affordable, safe, and grounded in a sense of place and purpose. I’m running for office to ensure that development serves families—not the other way around.

    The Fresh Perspective:
    Too much of District 12’s open space has been given over to massive warehouse projects—especially in towns like Millstone and Allentown—without adequate planning or public dialogue. That’s why I support Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop’s call for a statewide moratorium on mega warehouse construction until we fully understand the environmental, economic, and public health consequences.

    We must protect our historic lands, preserve critical farmland, and prioritize the well-being of our families. These facilities do not belong next to schools or homes, where they bring truck traffic, constant noise, and harmful pollutants. I believe in a future for New Jersey that values environmental sustainability, historical preservation, and community health over short-term industrial gains.

  • The Problem:
    School districts in LD12 including Jackson and Old Bridge are facing severe budget cuts which are forcing districts to make difficult decisions about eliminating essential services. In a post-pandemic academic landscape, sacrificing resources for our children’s development and well-being is not an option. We need more state resources to ease the burden on local communities.

    My Experience:
    As a former educator and teacher, I have firsthand knowledge of the challenges students face and the importance of funding programs that focus on student development and wellness. As a mother of two children who attend Old Bridge Public Schools, I understand the concerns of parents who want the best possible education and resources for their children. We cannot and will not continue compromising our children's futures.

    The Fresh Perspective:
    I will bring the voice of LD 12 to Trenton to secure the funding necessary to provide families with the quality education they deserve. Our tax dollars must be effectively allocated to support superior education, reinvesting in underfunded schools and promoting programs that enhance student well-being and objective learning. We must ensure that New Jersey schools remain affordable, effective, and student-focused.

  • The Problem:
    New Jersey has become increasingly unaffordable for families and young people trying to establish themselves. In 2021, 37% of families in the state struggled to meet daily needs, and costs have only increased since then. Purchasing power has declined, and the cost of housing in New Jersey is 11% higher than the national average, with average rent at $2,500 per month and average home prices exceeding $500,000.

    My Experience:
    As an Old Bridge resident, mother, and small business owner, I understand the daily financial struggles that New Jersey families and individuals face. Even though inflation has recently stabilized, the out-of-control price increases of the last four years continue to have lasting effects. Housing remains unaffordable for many, limiting opportunities for homeownership and financial security. Families and young professionals deserve a fair chance to succeed and achieve the American Dream in New Jersey.

    The Fresh Perspective:
    I will propose and support policies in Trenton that promote the development of new, affordable housing across the state, increasing supply and shifting us toward a buyer’s market. I will ensure that state funds are allocated effectively to address affordability concerns for families and small businesses. These measures will help stabilize the economy, reduce the financial burden on residents, and make New Jersey a more affordable place to live and thrive.

  • The Problem:
    New Jersey is home to over 350,000 veterans, many of whom feel overlooked and underserved. These brave individuals have made tremendous sacrifices in service to our country, yet many struggle with reintegration into civilian life, mental health challenges, and financial instability. It is our duty to ensure that they receive the care, support, and opportunities they deserve.

    My Experience:
    As a longtime advocate for veterans and a healthcare provider specializing in mental health services for former combat personnel, I have witnessed the challenges veterans face firsthand. Many struggle with PTSD, adjusting to civilian life, and securing necessary resources. Ensuring our veterans receive proper care and support is not just an obligation—it is a moral imperative.

    The Fresh Perspective:
    I will bring veterans' concerns to Trenton and fight for policies that improve their quality of life. This includes advocating for expanded access to lifetime physical and mental healthcare, increased financial support, and enhanced reintegration programs. New Jersey should be the number one state for veterans to call home, with policies that honor their service and provide them with the stability and security they have earned.