Doug Herring (D)

Montgomery Township Committee 2026 Candidates

Doug Herring (D), appointed in July to fill the unexpired term of Vince Barragan (D), is running for a 2-year-term against Republican challenger Chris Venis (R). 

Q:  

Q: How many years have you lived in Montgomery?

A:   19 years

Q: Where do you work/job title?

A:  I have been an attorney for over 25 years, and my office is here in Montgomery. I was a  prosecutor and I have been in private practice for 12 years.

Q:  Education

A:  I graduated from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles and undergraduate at Washington University in St. Louis. 

Q: :Family/Personal

A:  My wife, Christine, and I met and married in Los Angeles. When she was offered a job at Rutgers Zimmerli Art Museum, we moved to New Jersey and chose Montgomery for its special community and outstanding schools. Both of our daughters were born here. One daughter is now a seventh grader at Upper Middle School, and my other daughter is a junior at Montgomery High School. 

Q: What is your top priority if elected?

A:  My top priority is protecting Montgomery’s character and quality of life.This is a very special town, and I support responsible growth that preserves our open space and neighborhoods while opposing development that does not fit, including data centers. That takes careful, forward-looking planning across land use, infrastructure, recreation, affordable housing obligations, and municipal services, so growth strengthens Montgomery rather than changing what makes it home.

Q:  What differentiates you from the other candidates? 

A:  I have been a volunteer with Montgomery Emergency Medical Services since 2008, before my first daughter was born. Over nearly two decades I have answered 911 calls at homes  and businesses all across Montgomery and met many residents. That experience shapes how I serve on the Township Committee. I have seen firsthand how much our emergency  services, roads, and infrastructure matter when every minute counts, and I know that  behind every decision we make are real neighbors who are counting on us to get it right

Q: :What would you like to see on the former J&J/Kenvue campus? 

A:  The former J&J/Kenvue buildings on Grandview Road now sits vacant on land that includes green space in the Sourland Mountains and borders residential neighborhoods. I support our township ordinance that prohibits data centers. Empty buildings serve no one, and I want to see the site put to a use that enhances our town while protecting Montgomery’s  character and quality of life. Whatever comes next should respect the Sourlands, the neighbors, and our long-term vision for Montgomery.  

Q: What is your position on allowing Flock automated license plate reader cameras in the township? 

A:   Montgomery has leased Flock automated license plate reader cameras since 2022 and now has seven. Our town leases the cameras for $25,000 a year. They record every passing plate, alert police in real time to stolen vehicles, wanted suspects, and missing persons. Some residents worry the cameras feed a nationwide surveillance network that tracks  everyday people without a warrant.  Our Montgomery police have strict controls on access, but there have been reports of misuse elsewhere in the country. For me, the real question is whether this is worth $25,000 a year to Montgomery. 

Q:  What are your three main issues? 

A:   1. Keep taxes in check while protecting core services. I support responsible budgeting and long-term fiscal planning that pursues grants and outside funding before turning to higher  taxes. That includes preparing now for challenges like reassessment, so Montgomery stays financially sound without cutting the services residents rely on. 

2. Support a vibrant local economy. I want to welcome businesses that serve residents and  strengthen our tax base, with commercial development in the right locations. Recent  additions like Whole Foods, Dunkin’, Shake Shack, Turning Point, and Robinson Ale House  show Montgomery’s continued growth. 

3. Strengthen public safety and emergency preparedness. As a volunteer EMT and former prosecutor, I know how much our police, fire, and emergency medical services depend on the right resources, training, and support.  

Q: What would somebody be surprised to know about you?

A:  I am a sports photographer and several of my photos from Montgomery High School sports have made the cover of The Montgomery News.