Updated: Oct 10
The Montgomery News | October 9, 2025
Four candidates are running for two open seats on the Montgomery Township Committee, following a summer of crowded meetings concerning the township's plan to build a high-density affordable housing development on the former J&J/Kenvue corporate site in Skillman. The current committee of five Democratic members are united on the issue, and say they are now seeking alternatives.
The local chapter of the League of Women Voters and The Montgomery News invited all township committee candidates to a participate a candidates' forum during the month of October - as has been held in the past. All four candidates declined.
The candidates' answers in this "In Their Own Words" series are unedited. The Montgomery News is donating this space.
Chris Venis (left) with his running mate George De Sanctis at the Montgomery Township Memorial Day service at Veteran's Park in May.
Chris Venis has lived in Montgomery for seven years, and has many years of experience in law enforcement and public service. He also has coached lacrosse.
I earned my B.A. and M.Ed. in International Relations and Foreign Policy from East Stroudsburg University and went on to work as a government affairs professional, entrepreneur, and small business owner. My career spans public service, law enforcement, and private enterprise. I previously served as Deputy Mayor of Hillsborough, Police Commissioner, and Chief of Staff at the New Jersey Department of Corrections, where I gained first-hand experience managing public safety and complex government operations.
Family/Personal: I grew up in Hillsborough and have lived in Montgomery for seven years. I am a proud father of two adult children; my son graduated college and my daughter is currently a college student studying neuroscience. Our family chose Montgomery for its strong sense of community and rural character. Over the years, I have coached lacrosse and volunteered locally, and I am proud to be running to give back to the town we love.
1. Affordable Housing & Open Space – I will work to challenge state housing mandates that threaten our rural character, while protecting Montgomery’s open space and natural resources.
2. Fiscal Responsibility – I will bring common sense fiscal management to the Township, including careful budget review and independent oversight, to reduce waste and ease the tax burden on residents.
3. Public Safety – I will strongly support our police and first responders, ensuring they have the tools and resources to keep Montgomery safe.
Montgomery residents deserve transparency and a real voice in decisions that impact our town. The 417-unit housing project on the former Kenvue/J&J site raises major concerns about overdevelopment, flooding, and strain on infrastructure. As a committee member, I will seek legal review of mandates, keep residents fully informed, and explore every available option to preserve our open space and rural character.
Property taxes in Montgomery are the highest in Somerset County and among the highest in the state. While much of the burden comes from the state’s school funding formula, the municipal budget must be managed with care. I will support a thorough, independent review of spending to identify savings, increase efficiency, and ensure tax dollars are used wisely.
Public safety is my top priority. As a former Police Commissioner and Chief of Staff at the NJ Department of Corrections, I understand what it takes to keep communities safe. Recent increases in crime remind us that Montgomery is not immune. I will ensure our police and first responders are fully supported, properly staffed, and equipped with modern tools and technology. I also support strengthening community policing efforts so residents and officers can build trust and work together to protect our town.
My top priority is restoring real leadership, accountability, and resident involvement in township decisions. Montgomery deserves representatives who will listen to residents, ensure transparency, and make decisions that reflect the will of the community.
Public safety in Montgomery falls under the jurisdiction of the Attorney General, not the Township Committee. As a former law enforcement leader, I fully support our police in following state law and ensuring the safety of all residents. If you break the law, regardless of immigration status, you should be held accountable. While Montgomery police cannot participate in federal immigration raids under state directives, they will always enforce the law and protect our community.
What sets me apart is my experience, leadership, and commitment to listening to residents. I have served in public office and law enforcement leadership, managed complex organizations, and run small businesses. I bring a combination of public service and private-sector experience that equips me to make practical, informed decisions.
Residents want leaders who will protect open space, manage taxes responsibly, and support public safety. I will bring honest transparency, fiscal discipline, and common sense to the Township Committee, ensuring Montgomery remains a safe, vibrant, and thriving community for generations to come.
George and I are the best choice for Township Committee because together we bring real experience, proven leadership, and a deep love for Montgomery. We will restore honest transparency, fiscal discipline, and common-sense decision-making. Most importantly, we will always listen to residents and put the needs of our community first. Our shared goal is to preserve Montgomery’s rural character, support our first responders, and ensure a safe, affordable, and vibrant future for every family who calls this town home. ■
