Deborah Engel, a Democrat, is running for one of four at-large seats on the Essex County Board of Commissioners in the Nov. 3 general election.

Asked why she is seeking the office, Engel said in our candidate questionnaire: "I believe county government can play a much bigger role in making life better and more affordable for Essex County residents … Many of the biggest challenges our communities face like affordability, transportation, flooding, infrastructure, and climate change do not stop at municipal borders. We need leaders who will bring our 22 municipalities together to share resources, solve problems regionally, and make government work better for residents."

Candidate information

Party: Democrat

Family: "I'm the proud mom of three daughters, who are the most important part of my life," Engel said in our questionnaire.

Education: Engel said in our questionnaire: "I graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA). I am currently pursuing a Master of City and Regional Planning at Rutgers University's Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy. In 2020, I also completed a program through She Should Run focused on preparing and encouraging women considering running for elected office."

Occupation and work history: "I began my career in public relations, where I worked for six years before becoming a small business owner," Engel said in our questionnaire. "I founded Work and Play, a coworking space with on-site licensed childcare, and General Store Cooperative, a co-retail space supporting local makers and small businesses. I also produced pop-ups and outdoor makers markets and served as chair of South Orange Downtown."

Experience and public service

Engel said in our questionnaire: "I served on the Maplewood Township Committee from 2023–2025, including as Deputy Mayor in 2023. During my three years on the Township Committee, I chaired the Communications Committee and served on committees and advisory bodies focused on environmental issues, public safety, youth engagement, planning and infrastructure, among other areas. Prior to serving in elected office, I served as Chair of South Orange Downtown. I also served as an elected District Leader on the Maplewood Democratic Committee from 2021–2023."

Asked about accomplishments that show she can handle the job, Engel said in our questionnaire: "On the Maplewood Township Committee, I helped move forward the first phase of the Rahway River Greenway after the project had been stalled for more than a decade. I also advocated for Maplewood's first dedicated bike lanes and helped lead the Yale Corner Mural Project, which brought more than 200 residents together to transform a vacant blacktop into a community space."

She added: "As a small business owner, I created community-based incubator spaces that helped launch, grow, or support more than 35 small businesses across Essex County."

On the issues

Asked what sets her apart from other candidates, Engel said in our questionnaire: "I came to public service through small business ownership and community advocacy, not through a traditional political path. When the pandemic threatened my businesses and the livelihoods of other local business owners, I became an advocate and discovered how much I valued helping people and solving problems …"

She added: "I ran in the Democratic primary without the county party organization's endorsement and earned a place on the November ballot. As Commissioner, I will continue to ask questions, listen to residents across all 22 municipalities, and make decisions based on my values and what best serves the people of Essex County. I answer to them."

Seven other candidates are also in the race. Other candidates on the Democratic line are Wayne L. Richardson, Abdur R. Yasin and Christine McGrath. On the Republican line are Daniela Ferreira Almeida, Demetrius Eley, Douglas H. Freeman and Sahwa DeFrank.