JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Jefferson resident Christian E. Barranco has officially announced his candidacy for Mayor of Jefferson Township, pledging to address what he describes as long-standing fiscal and accountability concerns within local government.
Barranco, who has served four years in the New Jersey Legislature, said his decision to run was driven by his experiences at the state level.
“After four years of serving in the NJ Legislature and seeing first-hand how our State is being held under the thumb of those who hold public office for their own self-interests, I have decided to give Jefferson Township the opportunity to free ourselves from that same problem locally,” Barranco said. “For over 20 years, our Township has seen a very real pattern of expanding government, rising costs, and declining accountability.”
Barranco pointed specifically to municipal budget growth over the past several years.
“Since 2019, the year this Mayor was sworn in, our Municipal budget has increased by nearly 40% according to our Township’s own website,” he stated. “At every opportunity, the administration of our Town expands on the size and cost of our local government. Our property taxes continue to rise every year by larger and larger numbers and the services that we receive from our Township do not improve.”
While acknowledging the ongoing impact of the Highlands Act on local municipalities, Barranco argued that it does not fully account for the township’s fiscal trends.
“While the Highlands Act continues to affect us, it cannot explain years of unchecked spending growth created right here at home,” he said. “Our Township does not have a revenue problem; WE HAVE A SPENDING PROBLEM!!”
Barranco indicated that his campaign will focus on fiscal responsibility, controlling spending, and restoring accountability within township government. Additional details about his platform and campaign plans are expected in the coming weeks.
