Meet Wayne Council-At-Large Candidate Jason DeStefano

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.

Jason DeStefano is Wayne’s Council President and is running for reelection this year.

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

See DeStefano’s answers below:

• Full name: Jason DeStefano
• Age: 38
• Town of residence: Wayne
• Position sought: Council-at-Large
• Party affiliation: Republican
• Family: Wife-Lauren Sons- Deacon (8), Luca (6), Kayden (4)
• Education: MBA from University of Scranton and BA in Accounting from Moravian University
• Occupation: US Finance Director
• Previous or current elected/appointed office (if applicable): Incumbent Council-at-Large

1. Why are you running for this position?

My motivation is simple: my three children. Every decision I make on council, I ask myself, will this make Wayne better for them and the next generation? I’m running because I bring a unique combination of community passion and financial expertise. I’ve coached our kids in youth sports, served on non-profit boards, and invested in our community. Wayne is already an incredible place to raise a family. Our welcoming community, outstanding recreation programs, and safe neighborhoods prove that every day. But standing still means falling behind. Each day in office, I will continue to work on Wayne’s challenges like speeding, taxes, and overdevelopment pressure, so our children inherit an even stronger Wayne. I’m not a politician making empty promises. I’m your neighbor who’s in this community with you, fighting for the same future you want for your family.

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?

Traffic and public safety are my top priorities. These are issues we can address immediately with clear results for our families. Speeding in our residential neighborhoods has reached a critical point that demands swift action. Our Wayne Police Department does exceptional work keeping us safe, and I want to give them additional tools and resources to expand traffic enforcement where our residents need it most. Together, we can implement strategic speed reduction initiatives that protect our children and seniors. Every Wayne family deserves to feel safe walking in their neighborhood, crossing our streets, and enjoying our community. This is achievable, and we can start making these improvements immediately.

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

I bring a unique combination that Wayne needs: current council experience so I can deliver results immediately, plus senior executive expertise managing $100M+ operations. But what truly drives me is our community. I’ve coached our kids in youth sports, serve as a Found Abilities trustee supporting those with special needs, led Wayne Unico as a VP, and managed finances as the Lions Head Lake Association treasurer. This isn’t just about budgets and spreadsheets; it’s about investing in the community where my family lives, plays, and grows. My financial expertise means I‘ll
protect your tax dollars while ensuring we make the smart investments Wayne needs, because I’m not just your councilman, I’m your neighbor who’s been in the dugout, at the community fundraisers, and standing side by side with you.

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

Trenton has stripped our local control through COAH mandates, Mount Laurel requirements, and builder’s remedy lawsuits. Any candidate who promises to stop all development is either uninformed or being dishonest with you. The hard truth is these development decisions should belong to the people who actually live here, not Trenton bureaucrats or appointed judges. While we’re forced to play defense against state mandates, you need someone who understands municipal finance fighting these battles rather than someone making empty promises. Every tool available should be used to protect our community's character, even when the state ties our hands. As your neighbor who's invested in this community, I understand what's at stake. We may not be able to stop every development, but Wayne should fight for maximum benefit from every project forced upon us.

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?

My biggest area for improvement is fostering greater public engagement. While I can analyze budgets and operational needs all day, I feel we need more community engagement; we need to hear more opinions and ideas from the community. My corporate background gives me a unique lens to spot opportunities for innovation, and I could push harder to bring those efficiencies to Wayne. The private sector has developed exciting technologies and best practices that could enhance our already strong township services. We should be taking advantage of these new technologies. It would be easy to say everything's perfect, but that's not real leadership. Residents deserve a councilman who believes Wayne's excellence is exactly why we should never stop improving. Great communities stay great by constantly evolving, not by standing still.

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

Wayne is a community that welcomes everyone. The front lawn at town hall demonstrates that multiple times a year with our Christmas tree lighting to Diwali celebration and many more community events, every family belongs here. With incredible youth sports through PAL, Boys & Girls Club, Little League, and unmatched parks and recreation facilities. Wayne is a safe community for all. Wayne isn't just a place to live, it's our home. We will continue to make Wayne better, together.

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Election Day is Nov. 4

If you are running in Wayne’s council-at-large race and did not receive a candidate profile request email, please reach out to jack.slocum@patch.com.