Patricia Taylor-Todd (D)

Montgomery Township Committee 2026 Candidates

Incumbent Patricia Taylor-Todd (D) is running for a second 3-year-term on Montgomery Township Committee against challenger George DeSanctis (R). 

Q: How many years have you lived in Montgomery?

A:   My family and I have lived in Montgomery since 2017.

Q:  Where do you work/job title?

A:  I am an attorney, executive leadership coach, mediator/arbitrator, and human resources consultant. I am the founder of PTT Consulting LLC and Tenacity Executive Coaching, LLC, where I provide leadership coaching, training, consulting, mediation, and dispute resolution services. Before launching my own practice, I spent more than 20 years in public-sector leadership, law, labor and employment relations, and human resources administration. 

Q:  Education

A:  I earned my Juris Doctor from Rutgers Law School in Camden, my Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Temple University, and an executive coaching certification from Rutgers University. I also hold a Professional Certified Coach credential through the International Coaching Federation, along with additional human resources and coaching certifications.

Q: :Family/Personal

A:  I am married to Patrick Todd, and we have two sons, Cameron and Evan. We moved to Montgomery from nearby as our older son entered college and our family was ready to downsize. We felt like we “discovered” Montgomery as a hidden gem because of its schools, natural beauty, diversity, open space, and strong sense of community.

My motivation to serve was also shaped by my family’s experience. After we moved here, my younger son had a difficult transition into the Montgomery school system, and my husband and I had to advocate, ask questions, navigate systems, and help build the supports he needed. That experience reinforced my belief that leaders should listen carefully and help complex systems work better for people.

Q:  What is your top priority if elected?

A:   My top priority is helping Montgomery manage growth responsibly while protecting our quality of life. Montgomery is a beautiful and desirable community, but we must be thoughtful about land use, infrastructure, traffic, open space, affordable housing obligations, recreation, public services, and fiscal impact. Change is inevitable, but the goal should be to manage change well. 

Q:  What differentiates you from the other candidates? 

A:  What differentiates me is the combination of experience, judgment, and decision-making discipline I bring to the work. My career, and much of my personal life, has centered on helping people and institutions navigate conflict, manage risk, resolve complex issues, and make better decisions.

I bring a servant-leader approach to public service. I listen carefully, ask practical questions, consider competing interests, and strive to make strategic yet fair decisions based on facts, the law, public input, and the long-term interests of the township. While I take public service seriously, I also believe leadership should be human, grounded, and down to earth.

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

A:  Because matters involving the former J&J/Kenvue campus are the subject of pending litigation, and because I serve on both the Township Committee and Planning Board, I do not believe it would be appropriate for me to comment on the specifics in a candidate questionnaire.

I take seriously my responsibility to respect the legal process, the integrity of municipal proceedings, and the public’s trust. More broadly, significant land-use decisions should be guided by the law, the record, expert feedback, public input, and the long-term interests of Montgomery residents.

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

A:   I understand why this issue raises strong feelings. Public safety matters, and residents also have legitimate questions about privacy, data retention, oversight, and how surveillance-related technology is used. I support tools that help law enforcement address legitimate public safety concerns, but trust is essential. Where technology is used, it must be governed by clear rules, policy, legal review, accountability, and periodic evaluation. Residents should understand what data is collected, how long it is retained, who has access, whether information may be shared, and what safeguards exist to prevent misuse.

Q:  What are your three main issues? 

A:    My three main issues are responsible growth, effective government, and community engagement. Montgomery must manage growth strategically while protecting quality of life. Township government should be fiscally responsible, transparent, efficient, and accountable. We should protect core services, pursue grants and outside resources, and prepare responsibly for future fiscal challenges. Residents also deserve clear communication, meaningful input, and local government that listens. 

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

A:   I love cartoons, comic books, and animation. As a teenager, I assembled a collection of archival DC comics, which I still own. Now, I follow the Marvel universe with my sons. DC vs. Marvel — if you know, you know!