Courtesy Joshua Halpern
By Allison Perrine
FAIR HAVEN – Borough resident Joshua Halpern was unanimously selected as Fair Haven’s new mayor during Tuesday night’s council meeting, Oct. 12.
Halpern, a Republican, will be sworn in as the borough’s new leader in the coming weeks, likely at the next council meeting. He replaces former mayor Benjamin Lucarelli who resigned abruptly in September during his 10th year in the position.
“When I was nominated, I was honored; now that I’ve been selected as mayor I’m floored,” Halpern told The Two River Times. “I’m just so excited about this opportunity to not only set a good example for my kids and the youth of the Borough of Fair Haven but just also to give back to a community that has given so much to us as a family. It’s an indescribable honor.”
Because Lucarelli is a Republican, the Fair Haven Republicans organization was tasked with nominating three candidates to fill the vacancy. That list included Halpern, former council member Jon Peters and current Councilwoman Elizabeth “Betsy” Koch. Councilman Michael McCue made the motion to select Halpern and unanimous approval followed, though neither Koch nor other council members made comments.
Chris Rodriguez, council president, later extended his congratulations to Halpern, a 10-year borough resident. His term will expire at the end of December 2022.
Halpern holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware. He currently serves as the director of sales for Bunzl Distribution NA, an international packaging company. Before his move from Manhattan to Fair Haven in 2011, he served on executive boards for several co-ops and apartment buildings where he reviewed financial statements and negotiated leases, according to a biography of Halpern on the borough website. He has no previous government experience.
“It’s not often that someone with my background would be able to have an opportunity like this so I fully intend to take advantage of it,” he said.
Outside of his professional career, Halpern is a registered 9/11 rescue and recovery worker who proudly supported the rescue and cleanup efforts after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers. Locally, he hosts various social and charitable events such as the Fair Haven Bingo Social Club and the Halpern Invitational Charity Ping Pong Tournament, with recent proceeds going to the Local Food Bank of New Jersey, the bio states. He also coaches recreational and travel teams and serves as a referee and participant of the Fair Haven Men’s Basketball League.
A married father of two, Halpern said, overall, he is excited to collaborate with Fair Haven residents, business owners, council members, volunteers and borough staff. “As it relates to me, I’m going to let my governing do the talking,” he said.
“We appreciate the skill sets and willingness of all GOP nominated candidates to serve and want to welcome Josh Halpern to his new appointment,” said Rodriguez. “We have a lot to accomplish as a governing body for the Borough of Fair Haven going forward.”
Lucarelli has not commented on his reason for resigning but did tell The Two River Times that he is “looking forward to spending more time” with his family. The announcement came the morning of Sept. 14 after serving the borough for 12 years, 10 as mayor. He got involved in local politics in the mid-1990s after learning of volunteer opportunities in town. Soon after he was approached about running for council.
Lucarelli shared with The Two River Times earlier this year that during his time on the dais, one of his proudest accomplishments was establishing bike lanes in town. “But my proudest moments are the times when I can help residents solve their issues or assist them in advancing their career goals in government.”
Halpern’s nomination comes weeks before the upcoming general election Nov. 2 when four candidates will compete for two full-term seats opening on the dais. According to the Monmouth County Votes website, candidates on the ballot include Republicans Tracy Cole and incumbent Betsy Koch, and Democrats Robert Gasperini and Sonja Trombino. For a full list of candidates running for election in the Two River area, see page 1.
The article originally appeared in the October 14 – 20, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
