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Simone Jelks-Bandison
Simone Jelks-Bandison (Democratic Party) ran for election for an at-large seat of the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders in New Jersey. She lost in the Democratic primary on July 7, 2020.
Elections
2020
See also: Municipal elections in Essex County, New Jersey (2020)
General election
General election for Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders At-large (4 seats)
The following candidates ran in the general election for Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders At-large on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Patricia Sebold (D) | 19.6 | 247,302 |
| ✔ |  | Brendan Gill (D) | 19.4 | 245,701 |
| ✔ |  | Rufus Johnson (D) | 19.3 | 244,645 |
| ✔ |  | Romaine Graham (D) | 19.1 | 241,755 |
| Alexandra Campisi (R) | 5.8 | 73,053 | ||
| Monique Headen (R) | 5.6 | 70,949 | ||
| Gynise Gotto (R) | 5.6 | 70,797 | ||
| Bernarda Quezada (R) | 5.6 | 70,475 | ||
| Total votes: 1,264,677 | |||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders At-large (4 seats)
The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders At-large on July 7, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Romaine Graham | 22.4 | 78,221 |
| ✔ | | Patricia Sebold | 21.2 | 74,055 |
| ✔ | | Brendan Gill | 20.5 | 71,657 |
| ✔ | | Rufus Johnson | 20.5 | 71,533 |
 | Simone Jelks-Bandison | 5.3 | 18,546 | |
 | Anthony Diaz | 5.2 | 18,022 | |
 | Sabre Burroughs | 4.9 | 17,170 | |
| Total votes: 349,204 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders At-large (4 seats)
Alexandra Campisi, Monique Headen, Gynise Gotto, and Bernarda Quezada advanced from the Republican primary for Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders At-large on July 7, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Alexandra Campisi | 25.4 | 9,559 | |
| ✔ | Monique Headen | 25.0 | 9,432 | |
| ✔ | Gynise Gotto | 25.0 | 9,425 | |
| ✔ | Bernarda Quezada | 24.6 | 9,282 | |
| Total votes: 37,698 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
2019
See also: New Jersey General Assembly elections, 2019
General election
General election for New Jersey General Assembly District 34 (2 seats)
Incumbent Thomas Giblin and incumbent Britnee Timberlake defeated Bharat Rana, Irene DeVita, and Clenard Childress Jr. in the general election for New Jersey General Assembly District 34 on November 5, 2019.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Thomas Giblin (D) | 41.9 | 19,012 |
| ✔ |  | Britnee Timberlake (D) | 41.0 | 18,593 |
 | Bharat Rana (R) | 7.9 | 3,596 | |
 | Irene DeVita (R) | 7.8 | 3,527 | |
| Clenard Childress Jr. (Stop The Insanity! Party) | 1.4 | 658 | ||
| Total votes: 45,386 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for New Jersey General Assembly District 34 (2 seats)
Incumbent Thomas Giblin and incumbent Britnee Timberlake defeated Simone Jelks-Bandison in the Democratic primary for New Jersey General Assembly District 34 on June 4, 2019.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Thomas Giblin | 44.5 | 7,935 |
| ✔ | | Britnee Timberlake | 44.2 | 7,894 |
| Simone Jelks-Bandison | 11.3 | 2,019 | |
| Total votes: 17,848 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for New Jersey General Assembly District 34 (2 seats)
Bharat Rana and Irene DeVita advanced from the Republican primary for New Jersey General Assembly District 34 on June 4, 2019.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Bharat Rana | 50.5 | 532 |
| ✔ | | Irene DeVita | 49.5 | 521 |
| Total votes: 1,053 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign themes
2020
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Simone Jelks-Bandison did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.
2019
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Simone Jelks-Bandison completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2019. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Jelks-Bandison's responses.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
1-Continue to support the Economic Development Authority investigation. 2-Work on restoring the funds due to NJ Pension 3- I would sponsor or co sponsor legislation that would include public school system to receive funding from Tax Exemption PILOT funds.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Criminal Justice Reform, with the legalization of marijuana on the rise from State to State-there needs to be reform at the justice level. Also with in that same legislation occupants of said cities of state that legalize marijuana need to be the first to be able to obtain licenses to grow and distribute.
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
I look up to my mother. She and her mother before her and her mother before her which whom I knew as a child has taught me the how to be the woman I am today. It is not without their sacrifice that I have been afforded the opportunities that I have today including and not limited to running for State Assembly.
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
Be truthful and transparent. Also to remember that you a servant of the people, all the people.
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
I am un-compromised. I am willing to roll up my sleeves and do the job that needs to get done.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
To use your vote and your voice to offer the best representation you can. Lead with compassion, fight for the rights of others and follow the Constitution.
What legacy would you like to leave?
The legacy I want to leave is that I was a constituent who was called to action and stepped up to be the change in Essex County politics she sought. It is my aim to make my family proud and leaving life long positive changes in the world not just NJ.
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
I seem to remember Ronald Reagan being President. I was approximately 5 years of age.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
My first job was at Hoboken Gourmet Company in Hoboken NJ. The owners at the time were Karen and Tony. Karen was also the manager. I always credit Karen for giving me the work ethic I have today. I have often joked with some of my past supervisors when they have complemented me that besides coming from a family of hard worker that Karen really laid a great foundation in the then 17 year old. I worked there through out my Junior and Senior year of high school through summer breaks between my college years (out of state) until I moved into off campus housing when I was 21. I was employed with the company for approximately 4 years.
What happened on your most awkward date?
My most awkward part of a date would probably when he was digging in his ear with his pinky while we ate and looking at it before wiping it on the napkin.
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
One of my favorite holidays would be Christmas. It just feels me with so much joy, the music, the decorations, and being able to give my friends and family presents. It's just such a wonderful feeling around that time of year. I also instill gratitude in my children. It is also time that we give back to the community and to those that not as fortunate. It carries on from Thanksgiving where we feed the homeless and donate to charities.
What is your favorite book? Why?
The Secret Life of Bee’s by Sue Monk Kidd. I read quite some time ago but I know that I read it more than once. I just recall that I really enjoyed it.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?
Wonder Woman.
What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?
My favorite part of my home is the lounge section of our couch. I bought it to look out my window, if you sat there at the right time of day the view from my apartment was amazing. Just as the sun was setting the orange and red glow of the trees and hills made time almost stop and for those moments despite the dishes in the sink or the kids running around everything just felt perfect.
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
Baby Shark...
What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
Having a positive body image.
Every state besides Nebraska has two legislative chambers. What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?
NJ being a bicameral state we have both the Senate and the Assembly. They both work to pass laws the only major difference is that there are 2 Senators from each state and the number of Assembly representative are dependent of the size of the state. NJ currently has 80 Assembly Persons 2 from each of the 40 electoral districts.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion?
N/A
Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?
I do not.
What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?
One of the greatest challenges is keeping long term or life long residents from moving out of the state.
What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?
I believe that they need to a positive bipartisan work relationship, one that is free from bias and compromise. It is imperative that despite party, local affiliation that the greater good for New Jersey prevails. This happens with and open ear and the ability to be logical, be willing to compromise, and put people first.
Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.
It is imperative to build relationships with other legislatures. There is always an opportunity to learn and build with others.
What process do you favor for redistricting?
They should create fair representation. It should be done independent of political party to prohibit gerrymandering. Legislation needs to first address how they will us and count those incarcerated in their districts as well as those who are incarcerated in other areas.
If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?
Yes, Housing and Community Development, Law and Public Safety, State and Local Government, and Agriculture and Natural Resources.
If you are a current legislator, what appealed to you about your current committees?
N/A
Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?
Yes. I truly admire Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as well Britnee Timberlake and her success with local and state legislature.
Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?
It is possible.
Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?
Yes, I met with a barber who lives in East Orange, NJ but has his business in an adjacent city. He told his taxes are $19,000 and he can't keep affording to send his child to private school. He explained that the Public School System poor and he didn’t want to send his child there. He didn't understand because he said for as much as he pays in taxes the roads should be good and the schools should be to but it just isn't. He doesn't know if he can afford to stay. Hearing his story as I have heard so many others is worrisome. We cannot allow people to be taxed out of their homes.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2020 Elections
External links
Footnotes
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