Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Janice Kovach. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Janice, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Everyone has crazy stuff happen to them, but often small business owners and creatives, artists and others who are doing something off the beaten path are hit with things (positive or negative) that are so out there, so unpredictable and unexpected. Can you share a crazy story from your journey?

During a particularly fierce snowstorm in February 2021, I received a call from a distraught resident. My phone number seems to have found its way into the universe, becoming a beacon for those seeking answers. This individual called late in the afternoon, deeply upset because her road had not yet been plowed, and her grandson could not get to school. As it happened, New Jersey had just experienced a recent storm, and many towns were still in the process of clearing roads.
After several questions to understand her predicament, I finally asked if she lived in Clinton Township. She affirmed, but there was a twist: I am the mayor of Clinton Town, not Township. To add to the confusion, after a quick check on Google Maps, it turned out she was calling from Clinton Township, Michigan—not New Jersey.

Understanding her frustration and the challenges she faced, I took her name and number, promising to make some calls. It quickly became evident that contacting anyone in Clinton Township, Michigan’s municipal or county offices was a Herculean task. Despite multiple attempts that day, I had no luck.
Determined to help, I reached out to a friend in the New Jersey Governor’s office. Our Governor at the time was collaborating closely with Gretchen Whitmer, the Governor of Michigan. I explained the situation to my friend, asking if she could reach out to her counterpart in the Michigan Governor’s office to assist this resident with the snowplow issue. She thought I was a bit crazy, but she made the call nonetheless.
To my delight, the next day, I received a call back from the resident in Michigan. She expressed her gratitude, thanking me for getting her road plowed. Whether it was our intervention or simply good timing, her road was cleared, and her grandson could go to school.
This incident serves as a testament to community spirit and the power of unexpected connections. It highlights how, even in times of distress, a little effort and the right contacts can bridge states and bring about a positive outcome.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

After a period of time in operations consulting, I decided to take a step back from the professional world to focus on my family. During this brief hiatus, we moved back to my hometown, a decision that would set the stage for my future in public service. It was at this juncture that I became politically involved and ran for local Council. To my delight, I won the election, marking the beginning of my commitment to serving my community.
My political journey continued with a run for the State Assembly, although this time, I did not win. However, this setback led to an incredible opportunity: running the NJ Division on Women as a gubernatorial appointee. In this role, I focused on programs designed to support underserved women, a cause that remains close to my heart. When a new administration took office, my service in state government came to an end, but my passion for public service did not wane.

In 2011, I decided to run for Mayor of my town. I won the election and have been serving ever since, securing three more terms. My tenure as Mayor has been marked by a deep commitment to my community and the broader New Jersey populace. In 2014, I ran for Congress, although I did not win, the experience further solidified my dedication to public service.

With the advent of the current administration, I sought to continue my service through a different avenue. I requested to serve as a commissioner on the NJ Motion Picture and Television Commission, a position I was appointed to in 2019. This role has allowed me to combine my passion for the arts with my dedication to public service. I work closely with commission staff and production teams to navigate the complexities of NJ local, county, and state government, striving to make the process as seamless as possible for all involved.

Throughout my career, I have been driven by a desire to give back and fight for my community, as well as other communities across New Jersey. With 564 towns in NJ, it can be challenging to stand out and be heard, but I ensure that my voice is loud, not just for Clinton, but for any town in need. I collaborate with other elected officials to provide them with the resources they need and to give them a platform to share about their communities.
One of my newest initiatives is hosting a 30-minute segment called “myTown,” where I give mayors and other elected officials the opportunity to discuss their communities on a local streaming service. This platform has fostered a sense of unity and shared purpose among New Jersey’s diverse towns and cities.

My journey has been one of service and dedication, and I am grateful for every opportunity to make a difference. The experiences and relationships I have built along the way continue to inspire me to serve and advocate for my community and beyond.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My availability and willingness to fight for someone or something are grounded in the belief that everyone deserves a voice. Too many individuals in our communities go unheard, and while I don’t always achieve the outcomes I strive for, the recognition that I have fought passionately is what drives me forward. The work I do as mayor comes with a modest stipend of $4,900 a year, and my commission role offers no financial compensation at all. This speaks to the essence of public service—not for personal gain or party loyalty, but for the communities we serve.

I vividly remember stepping into my role as mayor and seeking someone from whom I could learn. I was fortunate to find such a mentor, and now I am committed to paying it forward. We need more individuals who are willing to put themselves out there for the right reasons. It’s not about the accolades or financial rewards, but about making a tangible difference in people’s lives.

As I continue my journey, I remain dedicated to fighting for the voices that are often overlooked. My commitment is to ensure that every town, regardless of its size or prominence, has the resources and platform it needs to thrive. This mission is at the heart of everything I do, and I am honored to serve my community and beyond.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

The past 20 years in government and politics have witnessed innumerable changes. The one constant has been the inevitability of change itself, often occurring at an alarming pace. Among the myriad of challenges faced by those in public office, none have been as profound as those encountered during the pandemic. The global health crisis brought about widespread shutdowns, instilled fear, and fueled anger among the populace. Simultaneously, the tragic murder of George Floyd reverberated through every community, shaking the very foundations of trust in those sworn to protect and serve.

The pandemic tested the resilience and adaptability of public officials. As the virus spread, cities and towns across the nation were forced to implement drastic measures to curb its impact. Businesses closed their doors, schools transitioned to remote learning, and social gatherings became a distant memory. For public officials, the task was not just to enforce these measures, but to offer reassurance and support to fearful and frustrated citizens.
In Clinton, a small yet significant town, the pandemic’s effects were deeply felt. Residents grappled with the uncertainties of the health crisis, and the local government had to navigate uncharted waters to ensure the safety and well-being of the community. The challenges were multifaceted—ranging from managing public health directives to addressing the economic fallout that left many without jobs or financial stability.

Amid the pandemic, the murder of George Floyd brought to the forefront long-standing issues of racial injustice and police brutality. The outpouring of grief and anger manifested in marches and protests across the country, including in the small town of Clinton. For public officials, this period was marked by a delicate balance between upholding the right to peaceful protest and ensuring public safety.

My own sons, high school students at the time, informed me of a planned walk in town by some students. Understanding the importance of their cause and the potential risks involved, I collaborated with the local police chief to ensure the safety of the marchers. On the day of the walk, nearly 1000 people gathered to voice their demand for justice and equality. However, the event took an unexpected turn when a group of older white men attempted to taunt the walkers. Despite the efforts of the marchers to ignore the provocations, some confrontations ensued.

The presence of town officers was crucial in maintaining order and preventing escalation. They succeeded in de-escalating the situation and ensuring that the march continued without further incident. Yet, the perception of law enforcement’s role varied among the participants. Some saw the officers’ actions as protective, while others viewed them as a threat. This dichotomy highlighted the complexities of maintaining public order during times of heightened emotions and distrust.

In the aftermath, social media became a battleground for public opinion. Criticism was swift and aimed primarily at myself and the police chief for not doing more to safeguard the marchers. While I stood by my oath to uphold the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech—even for those whose views I disagree with—the backlash underscored the challenges of leadership in an era where actions are scrutinized and opinions are amplified online.

The incidents during the pandemic and the protests underscored a fundamental dilemma for public officials: balancing the freedom of speech with the responsibility to protect public safety. Upholding the constitutional rights of all individuals, even those whose actions may provoke or offend, is a cornerstone of democracy. At the same time, ensuring the safety and well-being of the community remains a paramount duty.

The experiences of navigating these crises have imparted valuable lessons. Firstly, the importance of clear and empathetic communication cannot be overstated. Providing accurate information, addressing concerns, and demonstrating genuine care can help build trust even in the most challenging times. Secondly, collaboration and coordination with law enforcement and community leaders are essential in managing public events and crises effectively. Lastly, the role of social media as a double-edged sword necessitates a proactive approach to addressing misinformation and fostering constructive dialogue.
As we move forward, it is crucial for public officials to remain adaptable and resilient. The challenges posed by the pandemic and social unrest have highlighted the need for continuous learning and improvement in governance. By embracing transparency, fostering community engagement, and upholding the principles of justice and equality, we can navigate the complexities of public office and emerge stronger as a society.

However, the aftermath of the protests brought an onslaught of personal attacks, emails, and calls for me and my children to kill ourselves, threats to burn the town down. Heartbreakingly, some of these threats came from people who had known me for years. During this tumultuous period, I addressed the comments and stood firm in my conviction that we had acted appropriately, and eventually, some walkers and a newspaper article clarified the situation. Despite this, the month-long period made me question myself, my job performance, and whether I was still the right person to lead our community.
What ultimately helped me through this dark time was the unwavering support I received from residents, business owners, and even members of the opposite party who stood by my side. Their encouragement and belief in my leadership rekindled my resolve and strengthened my commitment to serve.

In conclusion, the journey of public service is fraught with challenges, but it is also a path of profound impact and fulfillment. The experiences of the past years have reinforced my commitment to serving my community and advocating for the voices that are often overlooked. As we continue to face new challenges, let us draw upon the lessons learned and work together to build a more equitable and resilient future for all.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janicekovach/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaniceKovachNJ https://www.facebook.com/mayorjanice
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janice-kovach-0906a37/
• Twitter: https://x.com/janicekovach https://x.com/clintonmayor
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@janicekovach
• Other: https://www.knetstream.tv/mytown