Kensington Elections Q&A: Glenn Cowan

The 2012 Kensington Town Council elections take place from 6-9 p.m. on Monday, June 4, at the .

For a complete guide of candidates and their Q&A responses,

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Name: Glenn Cowan
Age: 64
Address: 10300 Fawcett Street
Marital status: Married to Kathy, with four children: Blair, 29, Sara, 23, Michael, 21, Patrick, 17        
Hometown/Years in Kensington: Grew up in New Jersey and have lived in Kensington for 20 years.
Education: BA, Rutgers University, City Planning and Urban Government.    Completed Course work for Masters of Urban Planning at University of Pittsburgh
Profession: CEO of firm that designs and manages democracy and governance assignments overseas.

Patch: Have you run for Council/Mayor before? Did you serve?
Glenn Cowan: Served two terms on Council, 2001-2005.

P: Why would you like to be Kensington's mayor/councilperson?
GC: I have the training and experience in local government that prepares me to make informed judgments on town matters particularly in the planning and development arena.

P: What experience do you have that would help you serve in this position?
GC: Worked as planner and local government advisor for NJ Department of Community Affairs, Chairman of the Hunterdon County (NJ) Planning Board,  Elected City Commissioner, Lambertville, NJ and also served as Director of Public Safety. Two terms on Kensington Town Council.

P:How did you feel about the Kensington Sector Plan? Were you for or against the previous Kensington council's decision? Why?
GC: I think the height and density provisions are greater than necessary and disagree that the MARC station constitutes a mass transit hub equivalent to that of a METRO Station. Going forward we need to critically analyze projects to ensure that development benefits the town.

P: What are your biggest platforms? What issues are most important to you and why?
GC: Kensington is a wonderful town and we should endeavor first to keep it that way.

P: How will you help solve these issues?
GC: I will bring a strong technical background and analytical skills to the job.

P: What do you love about Kensington?
GC: I raised my family here and will retire here

P: Why should residents vote for you?
GC: I will listen to every voice and treat differing opinions with respect even if I disagree.

P: Do you have anything else you would like to share?
GC: The next two years are likely to be important and we need a government prepared to meet potential challenges.