Jan BRANT is running for Franklin Township Council

My name is Jan Brant and I am running for Franklin Township Council in Ward 2.

For the past several years, I have been a consistent presence at the Town Council, Planning Board, and Environmental Commission meetings. This involvement has given me a firsthand understanding of how our Township operates, and where we can do better. In 2022, I co-founded Citizens Warehouse Action Group (CWAG), a grassroots community organization created to protect Franklin neighborhoods from reckless warehouse development near residential areas. We organized residents, raised funds, and brought in expert support to challenge projects that placed massive warehouses just 100 feet from family homes. Our efforts helped give residents a stronger voice in how development affects our quality of life.

We need change and new voices to advocate for the health, safety, and well-being of our residents. As a nurse, I bring a holistic understanding of people's needs, strong problem-solving skills, and a deep respect for evidence-based decision-making. I'm a good listener, a thoughtful communicator, and someone who works collaboratively to get things done.

I retired from my career in nursing after 40 years of service, though I still maintain an active license. My experience spans from intensive care units to public health; caring for people has been my calling. I also hold dual Master of Science degrees in Health Education and Healthcare Administration, which have deepened my understanding of how policy, planning, and communication affect community well-being. I want to bring that same compassion and expertise to serving my community in Ward 2 and the entirety of Franklin Township.

During my career, I was honored to be selected as the Outstanding National Private, Parochial, and Independent School Nurse of the Year. I later served as Chair of the National Association of School Nurses Private, Parochial, and Independent School division, working with colleagues across the country to improve student health and academic success. This experience strengthened my leadership skills and deepened my understanding of how collaboration and advocacy can drive meaningful change.

I’ve seen the aftermath of too many preventable accidents. Easton Avenue is the most dangerous road in Somerset County, and we’ve waited long enough. The town council must stand up, show up at county meetings, and fight for real safety improvements before even one more life is lost.

Residents should vote for me because I've dedicated my life to caring for others, first as a nurse, and now as a lifelong community advocate. I've always believed in one principle: when something is wrong, you step up and fix it. For years, I've been an outspoken organizer, leading efforts to protect our neighborhoods from warehouse overdevelopment long before I decided to run for office.

I represent more than partisan politics; I represent community values like fairness, sustainability, and compassion. As a retiree, I have the time and energy to focus fully on the needs of Ward 2 and all of Franklin, unlike the current candidate, who works full-time and may not have the same availability to dedicate to our community. Many residents, including Democrats who feel unheard by current leadership, are joining me because they know I am serious about meaningful change. I will listen, take action, and ensure our community's health, safety, and quality of life come first.

Please learn more about me, and where my team stands on the issues at TinyURL.com/FranklinCandidates

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