By JF Grodeska
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS – Borough Council President Lori Hohenleitner launched her mayoral campaign at a gathering of supporters at Zoe’s Emilio’s Kitchen on Center Avenue in the borough May 9.
In attendance were former Atlantic Highlands mayor Randi LeGrice, borough council members Brian Dougherty, Vito Colasurdo, Eileen Cusack and Jon Crowley, Freehold Borough Council members Annette Jordan and Margaret Rogers, vice chairwoman of the Monmouth County Democrats Mary Foster, Matawan Borough Council member Deana Gunn, and the municipal chairwoman of the Atlantic Highlands Democratic Organization Regina Hawley Keelen, along with an enthusiastic crowd of community supporters.
Hohenleitner addressed her supporters, first thanking those who contributed to her political career, her husband Paul, and her parents, also in attendance.
Although the acoustics of the room made it somewhat difficult to hear, her message was clear:
“I’m not just here to show up. I’m here to help our neighbors move things forward in a way that is good for Atlantic Highlands.”
Hohenleitner has been on the borough council since 2018 and became council president after the 2022 municipal election. When asked what drove her to seek the office of mayor, she said, “A lot of the work as a member of the council is done behind the scenes and, as mayor, I hope to proactively and effectively communicate to our community when important decisions are in the works.”
She also said she was “honored and humbled to have been elected president of the Atlantic Highlands Council this year. I hope I was chosen because my colleagues recognize my commitment to our residents and my collaborative approach in responding to the needs of our neighbors, our community, and our borough employees.”
She noted her many years volunteering for nonprofits and her career as executive director of the Horizon Summer Enrichment program at the Rumson Country Day School, plus her tenure on the council, have prepared her to be the borough’s mayor.
“I am proud that we have instituted office hours this year to provide open dialogue with residents,” Hohenleitner said. “It is gratifying to see we have had visitors every week and I hope to continue this and other venues for dialogue as mayor.”
As with most municipalities in 2023, Atlantic Highlands faces its share of challenges.
Hohenleitner spoke about what some of her priorities would be as mayor, including school regionalization and acquiring open space.
“This is an exciting time for Atlantic Highlands,” she said.
“With so much new housing coming on in the next couple years, I support the efforts underway to closely examine our development codes and regulations to be sure our historic business district retains its small-town feel, while improving our housing stock to welcome residents at all socioeconomic levels,” Hohenleitner said.
As a borough on the water, she also noted the importance of protecting the coastline.
“As a member of the Harbor Commission these last few years, I would like to see our vibrant, welcoming harbor create a strategic plan that maximizes enjoyment for our residents, our visitors, and our tenants,” she said, noting she is “deeply committed” making sure the borough is ready for any future weather-related events.
She also said it is important to keep the borough running smoothly by “institutionalizing information held by those who are planning to retire or have recently retired.”
The Atlantic Highlands Republican Committee has yet to declare its candidate for mayor but Hohenleitner identified what she feels sets her apart from any potential challenger.
“I am very optimistic that we are making great strides at avoiding the rancor of national politics at the local level. That doesn’t mean we have our heads in the sand as it relates to the dialogue surrounding us. What it does mean is the work of local government is to serve our residents, employees, and visitors. What I hope I can remind folks is that, at the end of the meeting, at the end of the day, we are neighbors walking our dogs on the same streets, supporting the same local businesses, and enjoying the amenities of the Jewel of the Bayshore.”
“There are qualities I know we all share,” she conceded. “We love Atlantic Highlands and are committed to our community.”
But, she said, “I do have a backbone and I will always do what I believe is right for the Borough of Atlantic Highlands.”
Noting a life of moving and travel since her high school years, Hohenleitner said that to this day, “Of everywhere I’ve been and lived, I choose Atlantic Highlands.”
Alyson Forbes will be running for Hohenleitner’s vacated council seat.
The article originally appeared in the May 11 – 17, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
