Seeking a second term for the Westwood Township Council in New Jersey on a Republican ticket, James was unopposed in the primaries. The town is predominantly Republican; all six councillors are Republican, and the township of about 1,500 people has not given Democrats a majority in over a century. So, come November 2, James expects to win.
Elections are being held for two of the six seats this year, and James is running alongside fellow Republican Robert Bicocchi, president of the Westwood Republican Organization. Gary Conklin, who contested for mayor unsuccessfully a year ago, and Gail Frasco are the Democratic opponents.
James, a senior director of procurement with New York City Transit, has a track record of achievement as a city councillor. If re-elected, he plans to work closely with the economic development committee to continue the revitalization of Westwood's downtown and to provide growth opportunities for the business community.
James also works as the treasurer of District 39 Republican County Committee. He is currently liaison for administration and capital projects and liaison for the Westwood Public Library. He has been a member of the board of trustees of the Riley Centre for several years, and was a member of the Shade Tree Commission.