Meet The Scotch Plains Council Candidates: Roshan “Roc” White (D)

Roshan “Roc” White is seeking reelection to the Scotch Plains Council in November, running on the Democratic ticket. Union County Life is sharing his answers from TAPinto SPF’s “Meet The Candidates” series, which profiles candidates for the council. White has lived in Scotch Plains for more than 22 years.

White served six years in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he earned the rank of sergeant. He was an infantry squad leader and platoon guide with G Company, 2/4, 2nd Marine Division. After his service, he completed a five year plumbing apprenticeship through UA Plumbers Local Union 24. He later graduated from the United Association Instructor Training Program, sponsored by Michigan State University and Washtenaw Community College. He has been married to Bonnie White for 29 years. The couple raised two children, both graduates of Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School.

Asked why he is running, White pointed to his first campaign. “Eight years ago, I ran for Scotch Plains Council because I wanted to make a positive difference in our town,” he said. He said he is “extremely proud of the work we have accomplished together over the past eight years” and that “there is still more work to be done.”

White is the business manager and financial secretary and treasurer for UA Plumbers Local 24. He oversees day to day operations and helps manage multimillion dollar pension, welfare, and education trust funds. During town budget discussions, he said, he pushes the town manager “to stretch every taxpayer dollar and find ways to do more without spending more.”

Asked about his proudest accomplishments, White cited maintaining strong financial ratings while investing in infrastructure, parks, public safety, and the community. He pointed to investments in emergency services and the police department. He said he supported the purchase of the SHERP Emergency Response Vehicle, which lets responders reach residents trapped by flash flooding in flood prone areas. The vehicle can also reach hikers or patients in heavily wooded areas where a standard ambulance cannot safely travel.

White also named several businesses that have recently opened in town. They include Embellish Beauty & Brow on Mountain Avenue, Outsiders Coffee Roasters, Card Lounge, and Meet Again Café on Route 22, as well as Sushi BBY Omakase and Scotch Plains Crossing on Second Avenue.

White listed baking as a hidden talent. This profile reflects only White’s answers. Views from other council candidates are not included in this article.

Find more Scotch Plains election coverage, local government news, and community updates on Union County Life.

Q: Who is Roshan “Roc” White?
A: Roshan “Roc” White is a Scotch Plains resident of more than 22 years who is seeking reelection to the Scotch Plains Council. He is a former Marine and a union plumbing professional who serves as business manager and financial secretary and treasurer for UA Plumbers Local 24.

Q: Is White running for reelection?
A: Yes. He is seeking reelection in November on the Democratic ticket.

Q: What does White say are his main accomplishments?
A: White said he helped maintain strong financial ratings while investing in infrastructure, parks, public safety, and the community. He pointed to investments in emergency services and the police department.

Q: What is the SHERP Emergency Response Vehicle?
A: White said he supported the purchase of the SHERP vehicle. He said it lets responders reach residents trapped by flash flooding in flood prone areas and reach hikers or patients in heavily wooded areas where a standard ambulance cannot safely travel.

Q: What businesses did White mention?
A: White named Embellish Beauty & Brow, Outsiders Coffee Roasters, Card Lounge, Meet Again Café, Sushi BBY Omakase, and Scotch Plains Crossing as recently welcomed businesses.