Reporting by Sunayana Prabhu, Stephen Appezzato
In our continuing coverage of the general election Nov. 7, The Two River Times reached out to candidates in our coverage area to get their perspective on effective governance and the impact voting can have on a community.
Each week until the election we will highlight local candidates’ responses to the following question:
Voter turnout during off-year elections – those without a presidential or midterm race – is notoriously low. Why are local elections (for municipal and county seats) so important and what is the best way to boost voter turnout during an off-year election?
This week includes answers from candidates in races in Middletown and Shrewsbury. Candidates are listed alphabetically with their party affiliation noted.
To learn more about your local candidates and their views on issues facing your community and to check your voter registration status or register to vote, visit vote411.org.
Responses have been lightly edited for style and to fit the allotted space.
Middletown
Middletown Township operates under the township committee form of government with five members elected at-large to staggered three-year terms. The committee selects one of these members to serve as mayor and another as deputy mayor for one-year terms each. This year, Republican incumbents Kimberly Kratz and Ryan M. Clarke are on the ballot for reelection against Democrat candidates Rocky Rios and Paige Gregario.
Ryan M. Clarke (R): “Question 1, I think that on both the county and municipal levels the elections are so important because the decisions at these local levels have an effect on the day-in and day-out operations of the municipalities served as well as the lives of the residents. Unlike state and federal lawmakers whose policies primarily influence over a larger area, our local governmental decisions have a direct and palpable effect on taxes, municipal services, and overall quality of life. Those three areas directly influence a citizen’s decisions on election outcomes and desire to remain in the local town and county.
Question 2, To boost voter turnout in a low-turnout year we need to educate everyone on the importance of voting and how truly special it is to have and exercise the right to vote. With vote by mail, early voting, and Election Day voting it has never been easier to cast a vote. Everyone needs to know that their vote counts no matter the type of election; in fact, their vote could have a larger impact in a low-turnout year as the policies and operations of their respective municipalities are shaped by the elected officials. When someone asks me, “How can I make a difference?” my first answer is always VOTE!”
Paige Gregario (D):
“Local elections are important because they are most impactful to the individual voter. Local elections affect our community in a different way than national elections might.
Middletown’s local government should focus on the residents and incorporate positive changes for our entire town. I am a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and as of late, it has been incredibly disheartening how the current Middletown Town- ship Committee treats that population. The current committee, along with the current Board of Education, is on the wrong side of history as they disrespect our residents and put our LGBTQ+ student population at risk. It is very clear that the present leadership in town is weighed down by partisan political beliefs, and with that they have lost focus when it comes to helping its residents.”
Kimberly Kratz (R): “Local elections are so incredibly important as they afford our residents and voters an opportunity to have influence in their backyards. Public officials are responsible for being good stewards of every tax dollar and are tasked with making important decisions on improving roadways, parks, and municipal services like garbage and recycling as well as the dozens of programs that benefit the community. While there is less coverage of local elections by the media, the Middletown Township Committee and I have a deep connection with our community and as candidates, Ryan and I devote our time to volunteering and having a pulse on what is important to residents in Middletown.
When attending various community events or through social media, we make ourselves accessible to every resident. It is important to continue to encourage and remind voters of the three ways they can exercise their right to vote. We are confident that the voters of Middletown know their voices and opinions matter on every issue and are we are ready to lead Middletown into the future.”
Rocky Rios (D): “Voter turnout during off-year elections for local positions is vital to the prosperity and well-being of our community. Middletown residents and voters across the country often underestimate the significance of these elections, but they have a profound impact on our daily lives. Local elections hold the key to shaping the immediate future of our town. Here’s why they are critical:
• Local Governance Matters Most: While national elections garner significant attention, it’s local officials who make decisions that directly affect our daily lives. From property taxes to school funding and public safety, local leaders have a direct hand in shaping our community.
• Accessibility: Local politicians are more accessible, allowing for greater scrutiny and accountability. In Middletown, where roads, parks, and small businesses matter, we can’t overlook these decisions.
• Fiscal Responsibility: Rising property taxes, a significant concern, are primarily influenced by local decisions. Electing fiscally responsible leaders ensures an affordable cost of living. In the face of rising property tax assessments and oppressive ordinances targeting our small businesses, this election is critical.
With our limited local resources, we’re employing a strategy to bolster voter turnout through a targeted outreach campaign. Our goal is to ensure every potential voter receives a reminder at least five times, whether through mailers, phone calls, social media, direct canvassing, our web presence at YourMiddletown.com, or engaging fundraisers and events. We’re dedicated to emphasizing the importance of every election and providing voters with essential information about how we will support Middletown residents.”
Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury’s government consists of a mayor and six council members. Mayor Erik Anderson is currently serving a four-year term which expires in 2026. Council members serve three-year terms on a staggered basis.
Two of the six borough council seats are up for grabs as council president Brendan Gilmartin and council member Jim Daly’s terms expire in December. In September, Daly was appointed by the council to complete former council member Jackie Woehnker’s remaining term after she stepped down. Democrat newcomers Russell Goldman and Alexander Howard look to oust the incumbents.
Jim Daly (R): “When I talk to families on how somebody should vote in an election, my answer is always “Vote for What or Who will have the Impact on you the most.” And this year, it is an election on what impacts you on a daily basis. Local elections are important since the policies decided by these officials affect our everyday lives. This election for Shrewsbury is so critical as it will shape how the town is going to adapt to change with a focus on safety, balanced budgets, and providing quality services for our residents. I have served on Shrewsbury’s Land Use Board for 12 years, recently been appointed to council, I’m a parent of three, worked locally in Shrewsbury, and am a longtime Monmouth County resident. Through these roles, I have the experience and reputation to be not just a voice for our residents, but a listener to help solve those challenges we face every day. With the education of residents on key voting dates, and constant promotion to the residents in the town, we will get the vote out in this election.”
Brendan Gilmartin (R): “The most visible and impactful decisions on the lives of small town residents are made at the municipal level. Whether it’s a park project, roadway construction, or service upgrades and changes, local leaders bear tremendous responsibility ensuring that the community evolves to suit the needs and aspirations of all our Shrewsbury neighbors. This requires a great deal of time and commitment and I firmly believe the Mayor and Shrewsbury Council show up day in and day out delivering on their promise to enrich and enhance our special, tight-knit community. Voters know this and will show up at the polls to support our team.”
Russell Goldman (D): “Voting is the bedrock of our representative democracy. Yet voter turnout, at least in mid-term, off-year elections is generally low.
Voting in local elections is important. Elections have consequences, and people who are eligible to vote but choose not to are letting other voters make those choices for them. National elections are important too of course but it’s at the local level where the residents can most directly influence the decisions by local officials that affect their day-to-day lives.
At the local level, such as elections for borough council, voting is important because it determines the character and future direction of the borough. The council determines the budget, sets priorities, and oversees all borough operations, such as police, public works, and so forth. In addition, local officials can influence decisions at higher levels, such as at the county and state, that affect us.
The way to boost voter turnout is to show that each vote matters, that voting is not a pointless waste of time and effort, that the voters are never taken for granted, that voters have a real voice. Voters need to know that their local elected officials are approachable and that they are being heard about what concerns them. I am running for council because I want to help the borough succeed and prosper and believe that I can bring a new voice to council as a representative of the residents of this beautiful town.”
Alexander “Max” Howard (D): “We are told that we live in a fractured nation. The screens and airwaves influencing our view of the world daily reinforce a view that the population is divided into distinct ‘red’ and ‘blue’ versions of reality. The message often seems to be that of the ‘others’ as the cause of the problems we face. Rhetoric is escalated, contributing to a sense that cooperation and meaningful accomplishment are increasingly futile on a civic and governmental level. It can be easy to fall prey to cynicism, even a sense of paralysis. From such an apocalyptic lens, why would my town’s election matter?
I believe that the antidote for this frustration is engagement. Talking with strangers has been a lifelong trait of mine. I’ve knocked on doors for other candidates for years before becoming one myself. I’ve appreciated the stories from people I just met about what matters to them. I’ve also appreciated the consideration often shown by people who strongly disagree. It’s cathartic and energizing to connect with others. We are all in this together. We are stronger as a community. If elected, I will do my best to listen, learn and serve.”
The article originally appeared in the October 5 – 11, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
