Meet Wayne Council-At-Large Candidate Donald DeDio Jr.

WAYNE, NJ — With Election Day approaching, Patch is putting together a series of candidate profiles so readers can learn more about who’s on their ballot.

Donald DeDio Jr. is Chief of Staff for a New Jersey senator and is throwing his hat in the ring for a seat on Wayne’s Council-At-Large.

Wayne Patch asked candidates to share some information about themselves, and asked identical questions to all candidates.

See DeDio’s responses below:

• Full name: Donald DeDio Jr.
• Age: 27
• Town of residence: Wayne
• Position sought: Township Council At-Large
• Party affiliation: Republican
• Family: Parents – Don and Anne: Brother - Frank
• Education: MPA and BA from Seton Hall University
• Occupation: Chief of Staff to Senator Kristin M. Corrado
• Previous or current elected/appointed office (if applicable): N/A

1. Why are you running for this position?

I’m running for Township Council because I’m deeply committed to giving back to the community that helped shape who I am today. I was fortunate to grow up in Wayne and attend our outstanding public schools. Wayne is an exceptional town with so much to offer, and I want to ensure it remains
a place we are all proud to call home.

As the youngest member of my team, I bring a fresh perspective, new energy, and a strong sense of purpose. I’m eager to listen, learn, and lead while honoring the traditions that make Wayne special and preparing our town for a strong future. With your support, I hope to represent my hometown on the Township Council.

2. What do you believe to be the most pressing issue in the community, and what do you intend to do about it if elected?

One of the most common concerns I hear from residents across Wayne is the absence of a true downtown or town center. As a suburban community largely developed in the 1960s and 1970s, Wayne was designed around shopping centers and malls—convenient but lacking a central gathering
Place.

This year, Mayor Vergano and the Township Council took a meaningful step by rezoning the Hamburg Turnpike corridor—from the former Wayne Hills Mall to Preakness Shopping Center—for mixed-use development. I fully support this decision. It opens the door to transform this area into the vibrant town center Wayne has long needed.

With its central location and existing infrastructure, the Hamburg Turnpike corridor is the ideal place for a walkable town center with shops, cafés, restaurants, and residential spaces. If elected, I will strongly advocate for a redevelopment plan that creates a true heart for Wayne that all residents
can enjoy.

3. What qualifications and qualities do you possess that make you best suited for the position?

My background is rooted in public service—both in government and within the community. I’ve had the opportunity to work at Montville Township’s Town Hall and currently serve as Chief of Staff to Senator Kristin Corrado in the State Legislature. These roles have shown me both the strengths
and the shortcomings of government—when it works for the people, and when it stands in the way of progress.

Mayor Vergano has done a commendable job keeping Wayne’s government efficient and fiscally responsible, saving taxpayer dollars in the process. I want to build on that success. If elected, I will bring my firsthand experience in local and state government to help enhance the services we offer at Town Hall, making them more responsive to residents, transparent, and community focused.

Beyond government, I’ve always remained active in our town. Whether coaching basketball at the PAL and now at Wayne Hills High School, serving on the Zoning Board of Adjustment, Past President and Trustee for the Wayne PAL, or participating in Wayne UNICO, I’m deeply involved and always accessible. I believe elected officials should be engaged members of the community they serve.

My experience in government, combined with my passion for community service, gives me a strong foundation to represent Wayne on the Township Council.

4. Overdevelopment has been a growing concern throughout NJ. How do you intend to address it in your community?

Like many suburban towns in New Jersey, Wayne faces the difficult challenge of complying with state-mandated affordable housing mandates under the Mount Laurel Doctrine. Through my role as Chief of Staff to Senator Kristin Corrado, I’ve seen firsthand how these mandates—driven by policies from Trenton—often create significant strain on local communities.

In Round Three of the Mount Laurel obligations (1999–2025), the state originally mandated that Wayne zone for 2,200 low-to-moderate income housing units. Thanks to the Township’s efforts, that number was successfully reduced to 528. However, even to meet that lowered target, Wayne had to approve several inclusionary developments to remain in compliance with the law. Given the scale of the state’s demands, I believe Wayne has done a commendable job fighting to limit overdevelopment
and mitigate its impact on our community, environment, and taxpayers.

Now, as we enter Round Four (2025–2035), Wayne has been assigned an additional 1,000 units to plan for. I believe we must once again challenge this mandate, advocate for a reduction, and do everything we can to preserve open space and protect our town’s character. That’s why I supported the Township’s recent purchase of the Wayne Community Center (formerly the Y). Had it been sold to a private developer, we could have seen more housing built on that property.

In truth, the most effective way to stop suburban overdevelopment is to demand change at the state level. For over two decades, the Legislature has been controlled by Trenton Democrats, who continue to impose heavy-handed mandates on our towns without considering the real impact on local infrastructure and quality of life.

5. If you are running against an incumbent, where do you believe they’re lacking in serving the community? If you are an incumbent, what areas, if any, do you think you could improve upon in terms of public service?

One area where I believe Wayne can improve is in how it communicates with residents. Our town has so much to offer—events, services, programs—but too often, people aren’t aware of what’s going on.

Improving the Township’s social media presence is a key step toward reaching more residents. I also think it's long overdue to install a digital public information board in front of Town Hall—a feature many towns already use effectively to keep residents informed about meetings, events, and community alerts.

Beyond technology, better coordination is needed between the Township, the Board of Education, and our many local non-profit organizations. Stronger communication and collaboration between these groups can enhance services, streamline events, and build a more connected, informed community. If elected, I’ll work to ensure Wayne becomes even more accessible and engaged with the people it serves.

6. In a few words, what is your favorite thing about your community?

As someone who has traveled across New Jersey coaching basketball, when I say I’m from Wayne, people are always impressed. Our town is known for its outstanding facilities, vibrant community programs, and the many amenities that make it a great place to live. Organizations like the PAL, Little League, and the Boys and Girls Club offer incredible opportunities for our youth. The newly acquired Wayne Township Community Center will further expand what we can offer residents of all ages. Our Town Pool and Tom’s Lake are premier swimming destinations—features that most towns only dream of having. Wayne’s parks and open spaces are second to none. From the beautiful Laurelwood Arboretum to the inclusive playground on Greenrale Avenue, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We also have a strong and diverse business community. With Willowbrook Mall, the Route 23 corridor, and numerous shopping centers throughout town, residents have access to great places to shop, dine, and work. Wayne is a large town with so many amenities, yet it still holds the charm and connection of a close-knit community. It’s a place many of us are proud to call home and I’m
committed to helping it thrive for generations to come.
____

Election Day is Nov. 4.

If you are running in Wayne’s Council Race and did not receive a candidate profile request, please reach out to jack.slocum@patch.com.