Hailing from Austin, Texas where they met and studied computer science, Linda Ness and Munir Cochinwala have enjoyed decades raising their family in Basking Ridge. While Linda grew up on a dairy farm in southern Minnesota, and Munir in Pakistan, this dynamic pair shares common ground in their support for democracy in all its iterations.

While Munir says, “In Pakistan, you can’t not be involved with politics,” he remained on the political sidelines here in the U.S, until after he retired. When he decided to become involved at the local level, he did so through his ties to the the Islamic Society of Basking Ridge, which in turn connected him with Nancy D’Andrea and the BTDC.

Linda followed Munir’s lead, and today they’re both district reps and quite involved with local efforts. Linda enjoys canvassing, phone banking and meeting other residents in all manner of engagement. Looking forward, she says, “I hope the Democrats can get more representation on the planning and zoning committees, so we have more input and outreach among different groups in town.” She also believes, “There’s an opportunity to unite our neighbors more. I liked John Tompkin’s idea of local dinners and block parties and more occasions for people to meet.”

Munir also supports the idea of building a greater sense of community. He’d like to see a stronger selection of restaurants and shops in downtown Basking Ridge as well.  In addition, “I believe our township should create a science and technology committee,” he says, feeling many processes and transactions residents deal with could be streamlined and made easier.

Great ideas and the energy and willingness to see them through are qualities that define this thoughtful couple. Linda would love to see the BTDC’s open meetings continue featuring guest speakers, candidates and others able to educate our constituents. She also believes a refresher course on the U.S. Constitution would be great. “Maintaining, reinvigorating and repairing our constitutional representative democracy will require a lot of attention,” she says.

Both Linda and Munir are advocates for transparency and exploration of new approaches to meeting affordable housing obligations. They look forward to being part of an effort toward building an even greater sense of belonging in this community they call home. The Cochinwalas have two married daughters, and today their brood includes three granddaughters and a grandson. They adore spending time with both families, who reside in Bernardsville and Florida.

– Jen Aaron