Meet the Candidates
Mayor Brad Cohen
Mayor Brad Cohen began his public service career in 2010 when he was elected to the East Brunswick Board of Education. By 2014, he had become Board President and played a crucial role in selecting a new Superintendent of Schools. He was first elected as Mayor of East Brunswick, in November 2016, with a vision to improve the quality of life for all East Brunswick families.
As mayor, Brad serves on the East Brunswick Planning Board, the Public Library Board of Directors, and the Arts Coalition. He has been instrumental in securing grants to expand recreation programs across arts, athletics, and education in East Brunswick.
A 30-year resident of East Brunswick, Brad is also a practicing gynecologist with St. Peter’s Physician Associates. His wife, Penny, is a dermatologist in Somerset. They have two children, Rachel and Daniel, who graduated from the East Brunswick Public School System in 2006 and 2008. An alumnus of Muhlenberg College and Rutgers, he holds both an MD and MBA. Brad is an active member of Congregation B’nai Tikvah in North Brunswick and the East Brunswick Jewish Center, the NAACP New Brunswick Chapter, and the Elks East Brunswick Chapter.
Councilwoman Dana Zimbicki
Councilwoman Dana Zimbicki was appointed to the East Brunswick Township Council in 2022, following the resignation of Councilman Michael Spadafino. After her first full-term election that year, she was unanimously elected by her peers as the Council’s Vice President. Since joining the council, Dana has focused on expanding recreation programs and services for East Brunswick residents.
With over 30 years of community service, Dana serves on the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board. She has dedicated over 25 years to teaching history in East Brunswick public schools and currently leads as the President of the East Brunswick Education Association. Additionally, she frequently volunteers with the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Bear Necessities Den.
Dana and her husband, Joe, who is part of the Local 9 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union, have two children, Dylan and Hunter, both graduates of the East Brunswick school system. Together, they operate a family farm on Ryders Lane.
Councilman Dinesh Behal
Councilman Dinesh Behal has been serving on the East Brunswick Township Council since 2021. His appointment followed the resignation of Sterley Stanley, who became Assemblyman. Behal successfully secured his seat by winning the 2021 council election.
Currently, Dinesh is an active member of the Redevelopment Agency and the East Brunswick Drug Alliance Board. Prior to this, he served on the East Brunswick Zoning Board and served as treasurer for the Library Board. He founded the East Brunswick Lions Club and played a key role in establishing the East Brunswick Cricket Club. With a bachelor’s degree in accounting, he owns a small insurance business and also works as a financial analyst and licensed real estate agent.
Dinesh is a proud member of the Ved Mandir. His wife Hansa, also works to help local families, working in local social services. Their son, Armaan, is a recent graduate of the East Brunswick school system. Dinesh balances his council responsibilities with his role as a small business owner in the insurance industry, actively working to protect families across Middlesex County.