Meet the Candidates

District 1

Michael Matise

I am asking for your vote for County Committee because I am passionate about fighting any and all efforts to erode the great power that Democracy bestows on every citizen to have a voice in decisions that affect their lives, their families, and their future. Although we are fortunate that the Democratic Party has a strong foothold in our town, I believe that we can do better to ensure that Metuchen remains a livable, hospitable, safe and healthy place for both current and future generations of residents.

2000-present: PhD research scientist and Medical School Professor at Rutgers University
Lifelong Democrat and proud 23-year District 1 resident of Metuchen
Raised 2 children in the Metuchen School District
AAUP-BHSNJ union leadership and joint AAUP-AFT/BHSNJ contract bargaining team member representing research faculty
2011-present: Organizer of the Rutgers-Central NJ Brain Bee Neuroscience competition for regional high school students
Relevant professional experience includes past and present service on the following Rutgers committees: Faculty Council, RWJMS Admission Committee, Curriculum Committee, Nominations & Elections Committee, Neuroscience PhD Program Admission Committee, Dept. of Neuroscience A&P Committee
2011-2016: Metuchen Town Soccer League team coach
Founder of the Metuchen Blues men’s indoor soccer squad

District 2

Edmund "Ted" Sydor

I grew up in Metuchen with my 5 older brothers and sisters, attended Metuchen schools, and resided here through college. I returned 15 years ago so that my children could grow up here as well. While so much has changed, I still admire the historic aspects and individuality of our town that remain. I want to help ensure that the Democratic Party here continues to reflect the voices and needs of the people, so that our town will remain a place that inspires the generations to come.

YEAR: BFA with Honors in Film and Animation from The School of Visual Arts in New York City
2005-present: IATSE Local One Theatrical Protective Union member
YEAR: Contract Negotiator for IATSE Local One
Professional accomplishments include being an Internationally recognized sculptor/model maker, animator and special effects technician
Currently work with cultural institutions such as The Metropolitan Opera, Alice Tully Hall, The New York State Theater and Carnegie Hall as well as numerous Broadway shows

District 4

Dan Heyden

I grew up in North Carolina and Switzerland, so of course I ended up in Metuchen 26 years ago. I began voting as soon as I became a US citizen 30 years ago, but it was only 6 years ago that I finally realized that we can only ignore politics at our own peril. I got involved with Indivisible Central NJ, located right here in Metuchen & began door-knocking for Democratic candidates 5 years ago for the first time.

in 1989 I became a licensed architect in while working in NYC.
taught architectural design at the ETH in Zurich, Switzerland from 1990-1993, where I was exposed to affordable housing.
moved to Philadelphia in 1994 to work in affordable housing.
moved to Metuchen to work on affordable and sustainable housing in NYC & became LEED (Leadership in Environmental Design) accredited in 2003.
became a Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC) in 2012 in order to advance sustainability in housing.
gradually realized that it's not enough to focus on achieving climate goals through architecture alone, and started engaging in environmental advocacy. This lead joining the fight against the proposed 2nd Keasbey power plant, 2.3 miles East of where my wife, son & I live in Metuchen.

District 6

Audra Sbarra

I moved to Metuchen 25 years ago. I am committed to making the borough healthier, more accessible and more knowledgeable about the impact of climate change and what can be done about it. I am passionate about helping Metuchen residents understand how decisions are made in our town and how things get done. I am a clinical social worker by profession and hold left-leaning views. Some highlights of what I have done:

2021-2022: Metuchen Accessibility Committee Chairperson. I organized the first accessible Easter Egg Hunt in the Borough among other accomplishments
2021: Metuchen Human Relations Committee Accessibility Liaison. Advocated for those with accessibility needs had a voice in the committee
2021: Volunteer for Branch/Delia Campaign
2020: Team Vaccine Volunteer. Assisted senior citizens register and obtain COVID-19 vaccinations
1995: Friends of the Metuchen Library Volunteer
2021: Metuchen Downtown Alliance Juneteenth Co-sponsor and ad-hoc volunteer for Metuchen Downtown Alliance event set up, holiday street decorations
District Advocacy Leader for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. In this role I advocated for affordable prescription medication, accessible travel, transparent billing in insurance billing practices

District 12

Sharon Little

I believe that Middlesex county residents deserve a voice that reflects our diverse and vibrant communities. I will be dedicated to working to strengthen our local Democratic party by focusing on things that are most important to the working people of our county, such as, healthcare, education and protecting the environment. As well as social, political and economic justice.