Candidate Q&A - Daniella Mendez

Daniella Mendez

Challenger (D-Ward 1)

Assistant Director, Community Engagement, EdgeNJ

BIO

 Daniella Mendez is a dedicated public servant with a record of results and a deep commitment to Dover.

She was elected to the Dover Board of Education in 2021. In 2023, she earned the unanimous support of her colleagues to serve as Board President, making state and possibly national history in the process. Under her leadership, the Board responded effectively to community needs and strengthened collaboration across the district.

She has made Dover her home for nearly a decade. It’s where she has built her life, connected with neighbors, and dedicated herself to public service. She attended Passaic County Community College, where I began her journey into community work and advocacy.

Daniella currently serves as Assistant Director of Community Engagement, where she leads efforts to connect residents to vital health, housing, and support services.

She brings statewide experience and perspective through her work on the boards of the Mental Health Association, Garden State Equality, and the New Jersey Public Education Coalition. Appointed by Governor Murphy, she serves on the Advisory Commission on Advancing LGBTQ+ Youth Equity and Inclusion. She is also a founding cabinet member of Emerge NJ and serves locally as a Dover Shade Tree Commissioner.

Daniella leads with integrity, collaboration, and a vision for a stronger future for all, from local neighborhoods to statewide policy tables.

Q&A

Why are you running for council?

I’m running for Town Council because I love Dover and I believe in its potential. I’ve spent nearly a decade building relationships, showing up for our community, and working to solve real problems. I’m running to ensure that Dover is a town where everyone feels welcome, heard, and supported. For too long, decisions have been made without fully engaging the people most affected by them. I want to change that. I’m running to put people first and bring real accountability, transparency, and inclusive leadership to Town Hall.

What makes you qualified for office?

I bring both lived experience and proven leadership. As President of the Dover Board of Education, I successfully brought people together across divisions and delivered results for our students and families. In my professional life, I lead community engagement, helping connect people with critical resources, especially those who are too often left out. I serve on multiple boards across the state, each role deepening my understanding of policy, advocacy, and effective governance. But more than that, I’ve built trust in Dover by showing up, listening, and getting things done. 

What are your top three priorities?

1. Affordability and Housing Stability: Dover families are being priced out of their neighborhoods. I’ll champion policies that protect tenants, promote homeownership, and ensure that housing remains within reach for working families.

2. Quality of Life Improvements: From fixing potholes and cleaning up streets to improving public safety and green spaces, I want Dover to be a place people are proud to live in. That means getting the basics right and doing it consistently.

3. Restoring Trust in Local Government: I’ll lead with transparency, open communication, and responsiveness. We need a Town Council that’s accessible and accountable to the people. I’ll hold regular meetings with Ward 1 residents and make sure every voice has a seat at the table.

How will you address challenges over residents’ immigration status?

Dover’s strength is its diversity, including our immigrant neighbors, many of whom are the backbone of this town. I will always advocate for policies that protect all residents, regardless of immigration status. That means ensuring people can report crimes without fear, access town services without discrimination, and participate in civic life without barriers. I’ll also push for partnerships with local nonprofits and legal aid organizations to connect residents with the resources they need. Every person in Dover deserves dignity, safety, and a voice.

Do you support the Immigrant Trust Act?

Yes, I strongly support the Immigrant Trust Act. This is about protecting the rights and safety of immigrant communities and ensuring that local law enforcement focuses on public safety, not immigration enforcement. Trust between residents and local government is essential. When people are afraid to call the police, report abuse, or seek help, everyone is less safe. Supporting the Immigrant Trust Act is not just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do for the well-being of Dover.

How will you try to build relationships with Dover residents?

Relationship-building starts with listening and showing up consistently. I’ll host regular Ward 1 community meetings, both in-person and virtual, to keep people informed and involved. I’ll organize monthly “ward walks” so residents can speak to me directly and see me active in the neighborhoods. Building trust takes time, transparency, and follow-through, and I’m ready to put in that work every single day. Dover deserves leadership that meets people where they are and stays in the conversation year-round, not just at election time.