Atlantic Highlands Democrats Host Fundraiser for 2023 Candidates
By JF Grodeska
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS – Atlantic Highlands Democrats hosted its official 2023 campaign kickoff, announcing the candidacy of Lori Hohenleitner for mayor, the reelection campaign of council member Jon Crowley, and the first run for council by newcomer Alyson Forbes.
A crowd of more than 50 supporters and donors listened as the candidates addressed the crowd.
Crowley spoke about how Atlantic Highlands Democrats have a record of setting goals and achieving those goals. He went on to describe accomplishments such as the increased transparency of municipal government through the livestreaming of borough council meetings; council office hours during which residents can come to Borough Hall and speak with a member of the council; and the installation and implementation of the new 1690 AM radio station that provides borough information and is also part of the town’s emergency network.
Crowley also reiterated the Democrats’ commitment to the environment, citing that Atlantic Highlands initiated one of New Jersey’s earliest implementations of an ordinance banning single-use plastic bags. The state later followed suit.
He went on to speak about the ongoing negotiation to acquire the Mother Teresa Regional School property, located at 55 South Ave., for a town recreation center, additional open space and affordable housing for senior citizens.
Hohenleitner was credited for her behind-the-scenes work as an advocate for residents inside Borough Hall. She committed to continuing her work “as a collaborator.”
Alyson Forbes explained to the crows that she was motivated to run for council because of the welcoming spirit she felt from the moment she and her husband Nick settled in the small borough.
Hohenleitner will face current Republican council member James Murphy. Crowley and Forbes go up against Republicans Ellen O’Dwyer-Woods and Arthur V. Whitehead for the open council seats in the General Election Tuesday, Nov. 7.
Also on the ballot this November for Atlantic Highlands voters are Republican incumbent state Sen. Declan O’Scanlon and Democrat Lucille LoSapio for state senate; Republican incumbent Assembly members Gerry Scharfenberger and Victoria Flynn and Democrat Danielle Mastropiero for New Jersey General Assembly; and Republicans Erik Anderson and incumbent Ross Licitra and Democrats Alison DeNoia and Arthur Schlossbach for Monmouth County Commissioners.
If you are uncertain if you are registered to vote, visit the New Jersey Voter Information Portal.
The article originally appeared in the August 17 – 23, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
