Jack’s Record as commissioner

Farmland Preservation

During Jack’s Tenure:

  • Allocated $1 million to support multiple Sussex County family farms through farmland preservation efforts.

  • Helped preserve 300+ acres of working farmland, strengthening the county’s agricultural economy and protecting rural character.

  • Launched the Farmland Preservation Revitalization Tour within the first month on the Board, educating township councils and residents on program updates and directly contributing to four new farmland preservation applications.

  • Provided ongoing education and technical outreach to farmers, municipalities, and the public on the county’s revised appraisal formula, improving clarity, trust, and participation in the preservation process.

  • Championing the update of the Sussex County Farmland Preservation Plan to provide clear guidance and attainable goals for future preservation efforts.

Supporting Sussex County Seniors

During Jack’s Tenure:

  • Launched the Sussex County Seed Library through the Division of Senior Services in partnership with Rutgers Master Gardeners.

  • Designed and implemented a four-phase, countywide program model for seed collection, distribution, education, and long-term retention.

  • Delivered six seasonal educational workshops focused on gardening, sustainability, and local food production.

  • Fostered a new community based program for seniors, promoting connection, education, and a renewed sense of purpose through hands-on seed saving and gardening.

Expanding County Education & Workforce Development

During Jack’s Tenure:

  • Introduced partnerships between Sussex County Community College (SCCC), Sussex county vocational School with , Hudson Farm to expand hands on, career focused learning opportunities for students in Agriculture.

  • Helped establish and support workforce pathways and experiential learning opportunities connecting SCCC students with Hudson Farm, leading to real world training and full time employment outcomes.

  • Advanced collaboration between SCCC and private industry partners, including Check Point, to expand the county’s cybersecurity education and workforce pipeline.

  • Supported the development and growth of SCCC’s cybersecurity program, aligning curriculum with employer needs and preparing Sussex County students for high demand careers.

Open Space Stewardship

During Jack’s Tenure:

  • Upgraded the Open Space Stewardship and Trails Grant Program, increasing award levels to $25,000 for individual municipalities and $50,000 for joint municipal projects.

  • Established a new collaborative grant category to support larger, regional open space and trail initiatives across Sussex County.

  • Strengthened municipal and regional capacity to maintain, improve, and connect open space and trail networks, maximizing the long term value of preserved lands.

Agritourism & Investment in 4-H

During Jack’s Tenure:

  • Led the revitalization of the county’s Four Seasons of Agriculture agritourism program, scheduled to launch in 2026 and strengthens support for local farms and small businesses.

  • Positioned agritourism as a tool for economic development, education, and farm sustainability, connecting residents and visitors to Sussex County agriculture year-round.

  • Championed investment in 4-H facilities at the Sussex County Fairgrounds, securing funding to upgrade the Shotwell 4-H Building and enhance meeting spaces for clubs and participants.

Optimizing County Government

During Jack’s Tenure:

  • Directed funding adjustments within Sussex County Planning Department, filling critical positions to improve the county’s ability to manage engineering & planning projects, administer Right-to-Farm protections, process preservation applications, and support agricultural intiatives.

  • Improved efficiency, responsiveness, and oversight across county planning programs, ensuring projects and initiatives are delivered effectively.

  • Enhanced the county’s capacity to implement long-term strategic initiatives, including farmland preservation, open space stewardship, and agritourism development.