SCOTCH PLAINS — The township Democratic Committee has selected Matthew Adams as its candidate in November’s special election to fill an unexpired term on the township council.
Mr. Adams, a partner at the Fox Rothschild law firm and a township resident since 2014, told The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times this week that he was excited “to have the opportunity to place my mark on this great town where I am raising my family.” The father of three young children said that, “we’re on the precipice of some great things,” especially as downtown redevelopment gets seriously underway. He said he is determined to create a “world-class downtown” while striking a balance “between smart growth and limiting overcrowding. We need to create a destination place while generating new tax revenue in the process.”
He said that politics is “something that’s always been on my radar,” noting that his grandfather had been mayor of a New Jersey town “for a long time,” so politics “is in my blood.”
Mr. Adams, who is involved in youth sports and coaches soccer, also is interested in seeking ways to enhance and expand municipal sports fields, telling The Times that some existing facilities “could use an upgrade.” Costs are always a concern, he admitted, “but we must look for innovative ways to improve these fields” and also identify “additional opportunities to accommodate young families.” He also feels there is a need for more park space in town.