Cranbury Committee Member Changes Party, Seeks Re-election

Cranbury Township Committee member Jay Taylor announced Tuesday night he will leave the Republican Party to run as a Democrat in the upcoming primary race.

“While I am now a Democrat, I still respect the Republican Party,” Taylor said in an email. “Unfortunately, over the last year it became clear that some, not all, of the Republican Party leaders in town and I simply had a philosophical difference as to the role of a Township Committee person.”

Taylor said he does not think party should play a role in decisions made, and the Township Committee should represent all of Cranbury.

“Whether someone voted for me or against me is irrelevant when I am making a decision that impacts Cranbury,” Taylor said. “I tried over the last year to work with the Republican committee in Cranbury to reach a point of common understanding regarding this issue, but was rebuffed.”

Democratic Chairman John Lecky said Taylor is dedicated to serving all of Cranbury and has a great track record.

“We’ll support a candidate with Jay’s track record any day of the week,” Lecky said Tuesday night.

Taylor, who grew up in Cranbury, said serving on the committee is a unique opportunity for him.

“While Cranbury has grown since I was child, the values and character remain largely the same which is why, despite the economy, we can continue to operate efficiently and maintain our services while reducing our budgets,” he said.

Currently Taylor is serving his first term on the Committee, and worked on several projects he would like to see through to the end.

“We revised the master plan during my first term and I'd like to work with our business community to implement the plan, attract new businesses and grow our rateable base,” he said. “Our police chief and I have a great relationship and with the new computer system I'm anxious to see how it translates to increased safety.”

Other projects include working with boards and committees on farmland preservation, maintaining historical character in the town and maintaining Cranbury’s AAA bond rating. 

In addition to serving as a Township Committee member, Taylor sits on several boards and committees, including the Cranbury Historical Society board and the finance committee; Cranbury Presbyterian Nursery School’s board and finance and marketing subcommittees; member of the Cranbury Fire Company; and member of First Presbyterian Church. Professionally, he is a member of the National Foreign Trade Council.