New Councilwoman breaking records to fulfill campaign goals

RED BANK, NJ, April 12, 2022 — Councilwoman Jacqueline Sturdivant’s achievements began before
she was sworn in—defeating an incumbent and receiving the most votes in the general election. Since
taking office in January, she’s been unrelenting in fulfilling campaign promises to Red Bank residents.
Sturdivant ran on an ambitious “10-point plan.” As the name suggests, she committed to accomplish 10
major objectives in her first term. Most focused on borough concerns, including restoring the function of
Red Bank to a true borough form of government versus being managed by an Executive Business
Administrator (BA).

In 100 days in office, Sturdivant has been responsible for, or instrumental in, achieving:
o Disbanding the Redevelopment Agency (RDA)
o Returning legislative power to council (back to a borough function)
o Restoring civility and unity to government
o Ensuring Complete Streets and Pedestrian Plan are incorporated into the new Master Plan
o Securing full funding for the repair of the Red Bank Senior Center
o Launching Hybrid meetings for all Borough Council and Committee meetings, ensuring the
largest resident participation audience via in-person and simultaneous, live online streaming

Disbanding the RDA—At the February 23rd council meeting, the Red Bank Democrats, led by
Sturdivant’s efforts, voted to disband the RDA. The benefit to the borough? Now, planning—including
development—will be in the hands of the council rather than a developer-connected agency.

Returning legislative oversight authority to the council—Sturdivant spearheaded what is arguably one
of her most critical accomplishments: enabling Red Bank to once more function as a Borough. In
January, the council’s Red Bank Democrats voted to end the expansive powers of the BA. As a result,
Red Bank legislators can once again operate like neighborly, small-town leaders, liaising with Borough
Administrators/Department Heads and residents to guarantee all voices are heard.

Restoring civility and unity to our government—While the council meetings had been acrimonious in
prior years, Sturdivant has led with quiet strength and a voice that sets a tone of respect and
professionalism among Council members.

Complete Streets and Pedestrian Plan (as part of Borough’s Master Plan)—As Council Liaison to the
Human Relations Advisory Committee (HRAC), Sturdivant helps to ensure that all residents are wellrepresented
in our borough. She has been working with the HRAC to ensure that streets and curbs are
compliant with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), but also accessible to people with any mobility
issues. Sturdivant has directed that these improvements will be incorporated into the New Master Plan
now being developed

Securing full funding for Senior Center rehabilitation—The public outcry about the Center’s neglect
since 2019 gained momentum with the “Fix It Now” campaign, led by Red Bank Democrat Tiffany Harris.

With support from Council members Ed Zipprich, mayoral candidate Michael Ballard, and Sturdivant,
funds were finally appropriated to finish the work to the center, close to half of which were assembled
through a careful review of past funding sources revealing almost $1 million in available, in-house funds.
These monies will now help cover the cost of the new building and save taxpayers from further debt.
Councilmember Sturdivant is proud of this work, but makes clear she is not yet satisfied. Before her next
election Sturdivant plans to complete the remaining items on her agenda, including:

o Eliminating spot zoning
o Implementing Phase 2 of the greening of Marine Park
o Incorporating more sites and properties into the Historic Preservation Commission inventory
o Forming a commission to create “strategic and vision” plans for Red Bank.

Of her accomplishments, nothing sums up Sturdivant’s commitment to Red Bank better than her own
words: “I ran on a promise to focus on the peoples’ business. In these first one hundred days and in the
years to follow I will continue to do the work that protects our historic downtown, our neighborhoods,
our open spaces and our important role as one of the hippest small towns in New Jersey.”
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