Darryl Barnes is a Virginia State University graduate who stood out on the gridiron before adopting New Jersey as his home and becoming a successful real estate agent at Keller Williams Elite Realty.
Now Barnes plans to use his experience, skills, and lessons learned earning a degree in Business Administration, Management, and Operations at Virginia State University to tackle affordable housing problems as a centerpiece of his 2024 campaign for Roselle Borough Council.
Barnes’s journey from a standout athlete to a dedicated community leader began with his relocation to Roselle more than 20 years ago.
His work not only helped families achieve homeownership and guided responsible growth in the borough but has also earned him the endorsement of the Roselle Democratic Committee and the Regular Union County Democratic Organization.
His involvement in community affairs dates back to 2010 when he was appointed to the Borough of Roselle Planning Board.
During his tenure, Barnes advocated for thoughtful and balanced development strategies, ensuring the needs of existing residents were met while accommodating the town’s growth. His effective leadership saw him rise to the position of chairman, where he continued to guide the borough’s growth responsibly.
Barnes has cultivated a robust business acumen through roles at leading companies such as Comcast Business, Staples, Verizon Business, Business Only Broadband, and Keller Williams Elite Realty, where he has excelled in strategic sales, account management, and leadership, demonstrating versatility and success across diverse industries including telecommunications, retail, and real estate.
Reflecting on his aspirations for the council seat, Barnes emphasized his commitment to being a new voice for the ward, which he believes has suffered from neglect and ineffective governance. He pointed to neglected properties like the deserted Sears store and the unfulfilled promises surrounding the IHOP on St. George’s Avenue as examples of missed opportunities for progress.
Barnes’s platform is built on addressing critical issues facing Roselle, with affordable housing at the forefront. He described the rising cost of homes in New Jersey as both an emergency and a crisis, highlighting the challenges residents face amid skyrocketing property taxes and a competitive real estate market.
In addition to advocating for affordable housing solutions, Barnes pledged to prioritize improving the borough’s police department and advancing the interests of local businesses. His strategic sales background, with over 20 years of experience in building client relationships, positions him as a candidate with a keen understanding of community needs and economic dynamics.
Barnes was a running back in high school, where he played on a team with NFL Hall of Famer Bruce Smith. As the defensive back of the Virginia State University football team from 1980 through 1983, Barnes said he also gained a valuable appreciation for teamwork but some Roselle politicians appear to be on the wrong side, as nearly a dozen top government jobs have gone to out-of-towners.
As the race for the Roselle Borough Council heats up, Barnes emerges as a candidate focused on practical solutions, community empowerment, and equitable development—a combination that resonates with many residents grappling with housing affordability issues across New Jersey.
Barnes’s campaign aligns with broader discussions at the state level regarding housing affordability. Legislators in Trenton are considering measures like rezoning certain properties into mixed-use developments with a percentage reserved for low- to moderate-income housing—a concept Barnes supports as part of a comprehensive approach to address housing challenges.