By Sunayana Prabhu
HOLMDEL – Three candidates are running for two open seats on the township committee in the Nov. 4 general election. Voters will see two familiar faces, both Republicans – incumbent Mayor Brian Foster and former mayor Gregory Buontempo – and Democrat Allan C. Roth.
Foster joined the committee in 2022 and is seeking re-election to his seat. The second available seat is currently held by Deputy Mayor Kimberley LaMountain, who lost her bid for re-election in the Republican primary to Buontempo in June.
Holmdel operates under the township form of government. The five-member committee, elected at large to serve overlapping three-year terms, functions as the governing body. Each year, during its annual reorganization meeting, the committee selects one of its members to serve as mayor.
To help voters make informed decisions, The Two River Times invited each candidate to share information about their background and experience and to discuss their top priorities for the township in areas such as development, fiscal management and community engagement.
Their responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order by last name.
Greg Buontempo (R)
My decision to return to public office stems from a deep and enduring commitment to the Holmdel community – the place where I’ve raised my family and proudly called home for nearly 30 years. I’ve seen firsthand how impactful local government can be in people’s daily lives, and I want to continue playing a role in making that impact a positive one.
During my tenure as mayor, this commitment was especially evident as I led daily communications with residents throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time when there was widespread confusion, particularly among our senior population, I provided clear, consistent guidance and helped ensure essential services remained accessible.
The biggest challenge Holmdel faces today is maintaining our high quality of life while managing the rising costs of inflation and keeping taxes stable. Fortunately, we’re in a strong position thanks to the successful redevelopment of Bell Works – a project I helped guide over a decade ago, which continues to be a valuable ratable asset for our community.
To address budget pressures without reducing services, we’ve embraced shared service agreements that cut costs and improve efficiency. Going forward, I will continue to look for innovative, fiscally responsible solutions to keep Holmdel thriving without placing additional burdens on taxpayers.
Brian Foster (R)
Foster provided this statement in response: Brian Foster is a dedicated Holmdel leader and 14-year resident, running for re-election with a clear record of protecting the town’s character, expanding critical services, and promoting responsible development.
Foster has made preserving open space a cornerstone of his work. He led the effort to secure the historic Holmdel Horn Antenna and its surrounding 38 acres, protecting a nationally significant landmark. He also acquired the 11-acre St. Catherine’s tract and negotiated the preservation of Potters Farm, saving another 18 acres from development. Foster is currently working to protect 49 additional acres at Pappa Farm, continuing his mission to safeguard Holmdel’s rural charm.
In 2025, Foster addressed longstanding concerns about emergency response by bringing Medstar’s supplemental EMS coverage into Holmdel. This step was crucial in improving daytime response times and ensuring residents have access to timely medical care at no cost!
Foster has also been a strong advocate for Holmdel’s schools, providing support that previous administrations failed to deliver. His commitment to better governance was further demonstrated by his role in bringing in a new township administrator in 2025, aimed at improving transparency, accountability and efficiency.
On the issue of affordable housing, Foster has fought to maintain Holmdel’s quality of life. He challenged the state’s affordable housing mandate and successfully reduced the town’s obligation from 134 units to 106 units, helping to manage growth in a way that aligns with community values.
Whether it’s protecting open space, strengthening public safety, or supporting education, Brian Foster’s record reflects a thoughtful, hands-on approach to leadership. As Holmdel looks to the future, Foster remains committed to preserving what makes the town special while delivering smart solutions for the challenges ahead.
Allan Roth (D)
My name is Allan Roth, and I am running for Holmdel Township Committee. Holmdel’s local property taxes are getting out of control. We need experienced leadership to move Holmdel forward without changing the fabric of our community. While I have never held elected office,
for the last 35 years, first with the State of New Jersey as a Deputy Attorney General, and then as legal counsel for municipalities and counties, I have seen and worked with New Jersey residents and elected officials at all levels and all parties to ensure that these public bodies run efficiently.
I would like your support to do the same for our township. My wife, Erika, grew up here, and we moved back here with our two daughters, Sydney and Devon, 12 years ago for a better education and lifestyle. Holmdel has provided all of that for us, but at costs and changes that are spiraling out of control.
As legal counsel to various municipalities, libraries and boards of education, I have seen how smart planning and proportionate growth can deliver the needs of a community without killing it with over taxation and abatements. In my almost 20 years working in the Human Resources Department for a large city, I have seen how the hiring of staff who put customer service for residents first, and how shared services, can bring more efficiency at a cost savings to the taxpayer.
As the chairman/commissioner of the Monmouth County Board of Elections, I worked with both parties and the state and county government to modernize the election process in the county, while preserving the integrity of your vote, which is one of the most precious privileges we have as Americans.
With your support on Election Day, we can move Holmdel to be better for all of us.
The article originally appeared in the October 16 – October 22, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
