During an afternoon chat with Sanjay Bery, it became clear that no matter where he volunteers or with what organization he works, his aim is to activate members to be truly involved and ensure that group’s success.

As the local Democratic representative for District 21, Sanjay wants to see every precinct’s rep truly committed to promoting the electoral process.  “Remember, we still are living in a red town in a blue county,” he says affably, indicating hard work ahead. “But local politics need not be as divisive or hard-edged as they are. Both parties should be working for the township’s good,” he adds.

Early on, Sanjay could have become a Republican (“I liked their fiscal policies.”) but signed up with the Dems whose social policies and “rainbow” acceptance of people suited him better. After retiring from his career (a financial services technology entrepreneur) and overcoming past health challenges, he had more time to call his own and became involved with the BTDC.

Very modestly, he said, “I’m pretty good with numbers,” so he volunteered as the campaign treasurer in the Bernards Township Committee elections in 2020 & 2021. He passed the state certification test for treasurer.

Hailing from New Delhi in Northern India, Sanjay and his wife Seema settled in Basking Ridge 20 years ago and raised their two children here. Son, Soven, now works and lives in New York, and his daughter Sanya is completing her second of two master’s degrees: one in environmental sustainability, the other in urban planning.

Sanjay is the Somerset County affiliate of the New Jersey South Asian American Caucus, (SAAC) which gives members a platform within New Jersey’s Democratic State Committee. They address relevant issues and support members interested in running for office. Members include those from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Nepal. In 2024, he also helped arrange a meet & greet for Andy Kim and Sue Altman in Harry Dunham park under the auspices of SAAC.

With dismay, as vice president of the executive board of his HOA in The Hills, he sees lack of turnout from the 2,600 homeowners who could attend governing meetings and vote. Only a handful regularly show up. Despite no-shows there and at the polls, Sanjay retains hope for the democratic process. Keeping his spirits up, he enjoys walking and lots of reading — especially biographies.

– MJ Walsh