The January issue of NJ Municipalities magazine features a Q&A with new League President, Mayor Sean Elwell of Elsinboro.
Q. What led you to get involved in local government?
A. From a young age, I knew I wanted to make a meaningful difference in my community. Having been born and raised here in Elsinboro, I always envisioned building my life in this wonderful place. My grandfather served as Mayor, and my family has a long history of civic engagement, which greatly influenced my path. My involvement in local government began early, but it has always been rooted in one thing: a desire to serve and strengthen the community I love.
Q. What are the greatest strengths of local government in New Jersey?
A One of New Jersey's greatest strengths is the high level of accessibility residents have to their elected officials. Our municipalities truly represent our communities at every level. In small towns like Elsinboro Township, our residents aren't just constituents--they are our neighbors, and that closeness strengthens trust, collaboration, and responsive government.
Q What do citizens expect from their municipal officials, and how has that changed over the years?
A Residents expect their municipal officials to be responsive, transparent, and committed to meeting community needs while providing essential services. Over time, expectations for transparency and timeliness have increased significantly. With the growth of the internet and social media, residents have more access to information and expect faster, clearer communication from their local government.
Q What are your goals as League President?
A My goals are to strengthen partnerships among municipalities and with state leaders, so we can meet challenges collaboratively. I aim to expand access to resources and training so every local official, regardless of town size, has the tools to lead effectively. I will also continue advocating for policies that respect home rule and empower municipalities to best serve their residents.
Q What advice would you give to someone just elected to local office for the first time?
A Never forget why you chose to run for public office. Your motivation should ground you in every decision you make. Put your residents first, even when decisions are difficult, and focus on doing the most good for the greatest number of people. Keep communication open—both sharing information and actively listening—because trust erodes quickly without it. And surround yourself with people who challenge you to think differently, work harder, and grow as a leader.
Q How would you describe your leadership style?
A I believe effective leaders adapt their approach to the situation at hand. At my core, I am a servant leader who always prioritizes the needs of my community. My continued service in emergency response reflects that commitment. I am driven, hold myself to high standards, and strive to learn and improve every day. Leadership is a lifelong journey, and I believe we are always taking new steps forward.
Q What motivates you as a leader?
A As I mentioned earlier, it’s essential to remember why you first chose to serve. I ran for office to advocate for others and support my community, and that continues to motivate me today. I love our community, our county, our state, and our country. I believe that together we can achieve great things. The trust my residents have placed in me—as a township committee member and as mayor—means everything to me, and I will never take that responsibility lightly.
Q How can local governments build better resilience in their operations and community?
A Every community is different, but all can benefit from strengthening infrastructure and improving emergency planning. We also face new and evolving risks—from cybersecurity threats to rising costs to challenges we may not yet anticipate. Our residents depend on us to be ready, adaptable, and forward-thinking. By understanding how risks affect our towns and taking proactive steps to manage them, we can build stronger, more resilient communities.