Shawn Klein, MD
Commissioner At Large
Mayor, Physician, Father
Dr. Shawn Klein believes that if the Democratic Party is going to be the party of good government then it has to provide solutions to peoples’ problems.
Dr. Klein has done that as Livingston’s mayor and councilman over the last 12 years. He has provided innovative, effective and compassionate leadership.
Under Dr. Klein, some highlights include:
Livingston implemented new technology and placed more officers on patrol reducing crime rates by more than 75% in major categories such as house break-ins and car thefts
Spearheaded energy aggregation programs to save Livingston residents money on their electric bills by buying cheaper, greener electricity on the free market using our aggregate purchasing power.
Kept tax increases below the rate of inflation, making Livingston government smaller and more efficient, resulting in a bond rating increase to Aa1.
Innovated in environmental protection by mandating building standards that decrease carbon footprint in areas of redevelopment, been a strong advocate for plastic use reduction, and started “Pick It Up, Livingston!” - an annual volunteer day with hundreds of residents cleaning streets and waterways.
While doing all of this and so much more, he has continued to emphasize Livingston’s proud character as a diverse and inclusive town which celebrates all of its residents.
Dr. Klein has also been a key supporter for many state-wide issues including mandatory FAFSA submission to graduate high school which is helping students get millions in federal financial aid. He has served on the Legislative Committee for the League of Municipalities as well on Governor Murphy’s transition team.
Outside of government, Dr. Klein works as an eye surgeon specializing in cataract and glaucoma with offices in Elizabeth and Millburn. He graduated with honors from both the University of Pennsylvania and Rutgers Medical School. He did his ophthalmology training at University Hospital in Newark and taught medical students and young doctors there for many years afterwards. Dr. Klein believes that all patients deserve access to excellent medical care. In private practice, Dr. Klein enthusiastically accepts Medicaid patients, who often can have trouble finding physicians who will help them.
Dr. Klein was born in Essex County, grew up here, and he and wife and returned here to raise their two sons who go to public school in Livingston. Essex is his home and he wants to keep it the place that we all keep coming back to.