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.
Candidate George De Sanctis questions a planning professional at a public hearing on Montgomery Township's Round 4 Affordable Housing Plan.
De Sanctis was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala has lived in Montgomery Township for 24 years. He and his wife Julia raised four children in town. He has also worked as an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.
I earned my BS and MS from McGill University, followed by a PhD in Medical Sciences from the University of Calgary. In Boston, I completed a research fellowship in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, subsequently joining faculty and ultimately attaining the position of Assistant Professor of Medicine. I published over 60 peer-reviewed papers, wrote grants and was the recipient of multiple research awards. Later, I held executive R&D and business development roles at Aventis, Sanofi Aventis, and Sanofi until retirement.
Family/Personal: I met my wife Julia in Boston while she was a radiology resident at Massachusetts General Hospital. We soon after moved to Montgomery, have lived in Montgomery for 24 years, and have raised our family of four children here. Our children attended Montgomery Schools from 2002 - 2024, with involvement as well in community sports and other recreational activities in Montgomery. Our long history in this special township, and experience with the school system and all Montgomery has to offer children, has deepened our commitment to this community and our desire to see the community prosper in the future for the benefit of all of the residents and their families.
1. Challenge unfair state affordable housing mandates; increase state/local government transparency.
2. Combat high cost of living, especially property taxes.
3. Bolster public safety by supporting law enforcement and first responders.
My number one priority will be to address the affordability housing crisis that we are currently facing in our township. Montgomery’s open spaces and community spirit are treasures. Yet, the township committee’s secretive handling of the 417-unit affordable housing project at the former J&J/Kenvue site—revealed at the last minute—threatens our rural character, Sourlands ecosystem, flooding mitigation and green spaces.
Furthermore, the tax burden would be very burdensome and the proposed sewer extensions to the Skillman plant would be prohibitive cost wise and damaging to our green space. With my leadership experience managing teams and budgets, I’ll restore transparency and engage residents in every decision that impacts the lives of our residents.
Our rising cost of living drives families away, with exorbitant taxes and unaccountable spending on schools and services. A successful leader manages large organizations effectively and has a fiduciary responsibility to insure that every dollar is wisely spent and cost savings identified when necessary. If elected, I will, in concert with my fellow committee members, scrutinize expenditures and identify savings where possible. I will also lobby our state senators, congressman and governors office to voice our concerns and bring down property taxes.
Our understaffed police lack a contract. I will advocate for fair terms, community policing, neighborhood watches against rising thefts, and town halls to build trust. While immigration and policing fall under state oversight and not the purview of the township committee, I staunchly back law enforcement in upholding justice.
What sets Chris and I apart is our experience, leadership, and commitment to listening to residents.
Chris has served in public office and law enforcement leadership, managed complex organizations, and successfully running small businesses. Together, we bring a wealth of public service and private-sector experience that enables us to make practical and well informed decisions.
Montgomery residents want leaders who will protect open space, manage taxes responsibly, and advocate for public safety. Chris and I are committed to bring honest transparency, fiscal discipline to the Township Committee, ensuring Montgomery remains a safe, vibrant, and thriving community for generations to come. We seek common sense solutions that know no political boundaries, regardless of whether you are republican, democrat or an independent.
Chris and I are the best choice for Township Committee because together we bring broad ranging experience, proven leadership, and a deep commitment to the people of Montgomery . We will foster open dialogue and restore transparency, fiscal discipline, and common-sense decision-making. Most importantly, we will always listen to the concerns of 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. ■
