Meet Wayne Mayoral Candidate Catherine Kazan

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.

Catherine Kazan is a former Wayne Board Of Education member and president, and is throwing her hat in the ring to be Wayne’s mayor.

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

See Kazan’s responses below:

• Full name: Catherine Kazan
• Age: Old enough to know better.
• Town of residence: Wayne Township
• Position sought: Mayor
• Party affiliation: Independent
• Family: Happily married to my husband Dr. Nabil Kazan for 34 years, and one amazing son, Julian, who is a practicing attorney.
• Education: Attended a two-year paralegal and business program after high school and began working immediately. Throughout my career, I have continued to expand my knowledge by taking numerous professional development courses and earning certifications in a variety of areas. Education is lifelong.
• Occupation: Retired. Spent many years in corporate positions in fields like insurance, manufacturing, and marketing. Then went on to help run a medical practice with my husband, until we retired in 2017.
• Previous or current elected/appointed office (if applicable):

a.) Served 10 years on the Wayne Board of Education (retired 2023)

b.) Served 7 years on the Passaic County Utilities Authority

c.) Served 10 years on the NJSBA State Legislative Committee

d.) Served 5 years on the NJSBA Finance Committee

e.) Served 4 years as Vice President of the Passaic County School Board Association.

1. Why are you running for this position?

Wayne is my home. I’ve spent nearly my entire time here volunteering in one capacity or another, and I’ve watched our town change from a beautiful suburban community into something I barely recognize. After 25 years under the same administration and party, it’s clear that new leadership is needed. The Mayor’s ongoing attacks on our school district are unacceptable, and the “Mayor Strong” form of government gives far too much power to a single individual. That needs to change. I believe the first step in moving Wayne forward is creating a government that focuses on sound policies and the needs of the people, not political control.

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?

The issue most residents are concerned about is overdevelopment. I believe much of this could have been handled better, but now we need to look forward and make smarter decisions for the next round of projects. The current “deny, delay, and litigate” strategy is failing us. Instead, we need to collaborate and negotiate stronger development agreements with builders who have learned they can simply sue to get their way.

We have tools, like PILOT programs, that can work for Wayne if they’re used responsibly and transparently. We also need to partner with whoever is elected in Trenton to address the state mandates that are placing costly and dangerous strains on our infrastructure. My goal is to find real balance: ensuring affordability and growth without putting the safety, character, or quality of life of our residents at risk.

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

My greatest qualification is my genuine desire to serve my community. I truly enjoy the work, especially tackling complex problems and finding common sense solutions. I’m known for diving into the details, asking questions, and not quitting until the job is done. I’ve proven this through my work helping to bring Full-Day Kindergarten to our district and securing long-overdue state funding for our schools. I have a track record of working with representatives from all parties to achieve results for Wayne. I’m a fast learner who values collaboration and isn’t afraid to rely on the expertise of others to achieve the best outcomes. I’m already preparing and learning all I can so that, if elected, I can hit the ground running on day one.

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

As I mentioned earlier, overdevelopment is the most pressing issue facing Wayne. I will do everything in my power to bring back corporate ratables and stop allowing developers, who care only about profits, to dictate the future of our town. Wayne deserves smart, balanced development that prioritizes our environment, infrastructure, and quality of life. We must act quickly to restore responsible planning and attract businesses that strengthen our tax base rather than overburden our schools, roads, and services. Sustainable, community centered growth, not unchecked construction, should define Wayne’s future.

5. If you are running against an incumbent, where do you believe they’re lacking in serving the community?

First and foremost, our current Mayor has done Wayne a great disservice by fostering an adversarial relationship with our school district. This is one of the main reasons I decided to run. Our township and school district must work together collegially and collaboratively if we are to maintain the high standard of education that makes Wayne such a desirable place to live. Strong schools are the foundation of our community. They are a key reason families move here and why our property values remain strong.

My second major concern is overdevelopment. As I’ve mentioned before, there has been little to no proactive planning, which has left us vulnerable to builder remedy lawsuits that have benefited developers far more than the residents of Wayne. We need thoughtful, forward looking leadership that puts our community’s interests first.

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

That’s easy, the people. I’ve lived in Wayne since 1991 and have made lifelong friendships here. Through volunteering and community service, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside so many generous, dedicated residents whom I deeply admire and respect. It takes someone truly special to give their time and energy to their community, and we have that in abundance here in Wayne.

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Election Day is Nov. 4.

If you are running for mayor in Wayne Township and did not receive a candidate profile request email, please reach out to jack.slocum@patch.com.