By Sunayana Prabhu
TINTON FALLS – Borough residents will see 12 candidates seeking municipal offices on their ballots this election year, with three different slates announcing their candidacy for mayor and borough council.
Tinton Falls operates under a mayor-council form of government. The mayor is elected for a four-year term and the five-member borough council is elected at-large for staggered four-year terms. This year, there are two full-term seats to fill and one two-year unexpired term.
Tinton Falls holds nonpartisan elections; the candidates have chosen to run under the following slates: Team Tinton Falls (Risa Clay, Greg Alessi, Lawrence Neis and Kahyap “Kash” Parikh); Tinton Falls First (Anthony Guarino, Rob Mauro, Elizabeth Perez and Richard Riccardi); and Your Voice. Our Mission. One Future (Angie Swaroop, Lawrence Dobrin, AJ DeRosa and Jenn Lupo).
The election is Tuesday, Nov. 4.
The Two River Times reached out to each candidate to provide voters with information about their backgrounds and to offer their thoughts about the top issues facing Tinton Falls residents. Their answers have been lightly edited for clarity and length. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order by last name.
Mayor
Risa Clay (incumbent, Team Tinton Falls)
For the past five years, I have served on the Tinton Falls Borough Council, where I was council president and liaison to the K-8 board of education. In March, I was unanimously
chosen by the council to assume the position of mayor,
and I have been serving in this role both in the office
and out in the community, gaining a deep understanding of all aspects of the position. In this capacity, I have
overseen budget development, addressed community concerns, strengthened public safety, and navigated questions around development and environmental issues.
My professional background as principal of Red Bank Regional High School prepared me for this work. I managed a multimillion-dollar budget, supervised a staff of 160, and supported a student body of 1,200. I built consensus among diverse stakeholders, developed innovative programs, and secured millions in grants to expand services. My leadership earned recognition from the NAACP, NJEA, and other organizations, as well as awards for founding and growing The Source, a counseling center still serving students today. These experiences, combined with my personal resilience living with a vocal cord disorder, have taught me perseverance and the importance of serving others with integrity and compassion.
The greatest challenge facing Tinton Falls is affordability. Families, seniors, and young residents are struggling with rising costs, and while we cannot control groceries or healthcare, we can control property taxes. As mayor, I ensured our municipal tax rate did not rise despite increases in healthcare and pension costs. While council president, we secured hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants for infrastructure and I received $325,000 in funding to assist our EMS, police, library and nonprofits. I’ve also worked to educate seniors on new tax-saving programs.
I am committed to supporting our workforce. As council president, I championed a Project Labor Agreement, guaranteeing that Tinton Falls union workers are prioritized for local projects. Looking ahead, I am preparing our community for growth by advancing a Film Ready Ordinance to partner local businesses with Netflix, and by working closely with Bell Works and RWJ Barnabas to ensure development benefits our residents.
I will continue to focus on fiscal responsibility, community partnerships, and keeping Tinton Falls a place where families, seniors, and businesses can thrive.
Anthony Guarino (Tinton Falls First)
A 32-year resident of Tinton Falls, Anthony is a dedicated husband of 37 years and proud father of two. As a seasoned coach and past president of Pop Warner, he has spearheaded programs that have positively impacted generations of local youth. Currently, he serves as a paraprofessional in special education and coaches football and baseball at Monmouth Regional High School. With a diverse professional background as a small business owner, chef, security director and law enforcement officer, Anthony brings a wealth of experience in service, leadership, and community commitment.
On behalf of the entire Tinton Falls First team our campaign revolves around community-centric values, emphasizing collaboration and the development of effective solutions. We are committed to listening to the concerns of all residents, fostering strong partnerships between community members, business owners, and local authorities. In any thriving municipality, infrastructure serves as the cornerstone of progress. Our streets, highways and bridges are essential components that impact our daily lives, economic growth, and public safety. Infrastructure is not merely about growth and expansion; it is about connection – linking our schools, local businesses, parks, recreational facilities, and homes.
It is about ensuring our community has a voice and proper development plans are implemented to meet the needs of the entire community.
Angie Swaroop
(Your Voice. Our Mission. One Future)
For nearly two decades, Angie Swaroop has proudly called Tinton Falls home. She and her husband are raising their two children here, both of whom attend Tinton Falls Middle School. As the owner of a construction company specializing in public bid projects, Swaroop brings hands-on expertise in infrastructure, operations, and fiscal responsibility – skills she says will guide her leadership.Swaroop is deeply rooted in community service.
She serves as president of the Tinton Falls PTA executive board and vice president of Tinton Falls Little League, where she champions youth programs and
fosters stronger community ties. Over the years, she has also been a Cub Scout leader and Cubmaster for Pack 124, and for the past six years has managed the Little League Snack Shack, helping fund league operations. She also played a key role in building the Sycamore Fields Softball Complex.
Her civic involvement extends beyond youth programs. Living on the south side of town, Swaroop has long experienced the impact of the Monmouth County Reclamation Center. As a former member of the county’s Reclamation Committee, she has advocated for solutions to protect local families from its effects. Recently appointed to the Tinton Falls Zoning Board, she has gained valuable insight into the town’s infrastructure, challenges, and opportunities for growth.
In 2023, Swaroop was recognized as Tinton Falls Citizen of the Year for her integrity, compassion, and dedication.
I grew up in a family very involved in politics. While I would not call myself a political person, I believe you don’t need a career in government to do right by the people. I am dedicated to being part of the solution, not the problem. If honored to serve as mayor, I will work side by side with our neighbors – at the same level – to make life better for all residents. I will fight to control property taxes, ensure fiscal responsibility in every decision, and balance infrastructure growth with preserving the beautiful green spaces that make our town special. Every voice deserves to be heard.
Borough Council
The competition for borough council is stiff this year, with nine candidates seeking three council seats – two full-term seats and one unexpired seat left vacant by the sudden passing of longtime council member John Manginelli in November 2024.
Greg Alessi
(full term, Team Tinton Falls)
Greg Alessi currently serves as a Tinton Falls council member and as liaison to the zoning board, Shade Tree Commission, and the Monmouth County Reclamation Center. A life-long resident of Tinton Falls, Greg has built his life around giving back to the community through both public service and philanthropy.
For more than five years, he has been a top-tier spon- sor of the Tinton Falls Little League. He also leads annual toy and sock drives during the holiday season and volunteers with the Visiting Nurse Association. His generosity has been recognized nationally as well, receiving a Top Donor Award from the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
He first served the borough as a member of the zoning board of adjustment before being appointed to council. From the start, he approached the role with determination and a desire to make an impact – not just to hold a title, but to deliver meaningful results. Since joining council, Alessi has spearheaded an ordinance to improve e-bike and scooter safety, helped reinvigorate the Shade Tree Commission, and begun developing an economic plan to support local small businesses and residents who own them.
Most recently, Greg helped the borough secure $325,000 in grant funding to improve quality-of-life aspects throughout town – tangible results that will directly benefit residents.
With a professional background in real estate, Greg is dedicated to smart development, sustainability, and preserving the unique character of Tinton Falls. He brings heart, integrity, and a deep commitment to public service, always with the goal of keeping Tinton Falls a great place to live today and for future generations.
As part of a bipartisan ticket, Greg believes in working with all levels of government—local, county, state, and federal—regardless of who is in office. By building partnerships across the aisle, he ensures Tinton Falls continues to move forward in a positive and unified way.
AJ DeRosa
(full term, Your Voice. Our Mission. One Future)
I have been proud to call Tinton Falls home for the past 16 years. When my family and I recently moved, it was a priority for us to stay in Tinton Falls – we love this community and are committed to it. My wife, Jennifer, and I are raising our two children here, and as a family we value giving back. I’ve dedicated more than eight years to coaching youth sports in town, while Jennifer has been active in the PTA and com-munity events, where I’m always happy to lend a hand.
I don’t come from a political background, and that’s by design. Our ticket is grassroots, and I believe my professional and personal experience is what makes me a strong candidate. As a five-time technology start-up entrepreneur, I’ve built
teams, shaped cultures, and managed budgets while driving growth. These are skills I intend to bring to serving the residents of Tinton Falls.If elected, my top priorities will be: First and foremost to listen to the community. Fiscal responsibility, managing taxpayer dollars wisely, with transparency and accountability. Smart growth, encouraging responsible development while preserving the rural character that makes Tinton Falls special. Supporting first responders, ensuring our police, fire, and EMS teams have the resources they need to keep our community safe. Community services, providing programs and resources so children, seniors, and residents with disabilities can live full and rewarding lives. Communication, improving how the town communicates with residents so everyone feels informed, included, and heard.
I am running because I care deeply about the future of Tinton Falls and believe my leadership experience, combined with my family’s long-standing commitment to service, can help our community continue to thrive. I would be honored to earn your support.
Lawrence A. Dobrin
(full-term, Your Voice. Our Mission. One Future)
I have resided in the Borough of Tinton Falls for 39 years, along with my wife and three children. I am currently the Tinton Falls Council President and running for re-election this November for a four-year term as councilmember at large. My life and work experience have been beneficial to our residents in helping me to analyze issues and make sensitive, well-reasoned decisions for the good of our Borough. I am a graduate of Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, DMD, and a board-certified forensic odontologist. I continued for 38 years as the Chief Forensic Dentist for the five boroughs of New York City, Office of Chief Medical Examiner. I have been a member of Homeland Security, FEMA, and am currently an as-needed member of HHS (Division of Disaster Mortuary Response Team). I have been deployed by the federal government for many U.S. disaster events, both World Trade Center attacks, hurricanes (Katrina, Sandy, Maria), and airline disasters as well. I am also a qualified expert in evaluating child abuse injuries in civil and criminal courtroom testimony.
During my past four years on the Tinton Falls Council, I was instrumental in making sure the library in town was reopened after several years of closure. Additional funding for this project was provided above the original projected costs, as I had promised to the Library Association Board of Trustees. Many other of my decisions, along with council members and (former) Mayor Perillo, were also beneficial to all of our residents. The passing this year of Mayor Perillo and Councilman Manginelli, both men of integrity, honesty and great leadership, has encouraged me to align with an excellent group of Tinton Falls young people, active in community service with diverse expertise, and compassionate without personal agendas. Angie Swaroop for mayor, AJ DeRosa for council at large, and Jenn Lupo for council at large. We will work together to control our property taxes, minimize Impact from the county landfill, and work with the police for traffic and personal safety for all of our residents.
Jennifer Lupo
(unexpired term, Your Voice. Our Mission. One Future)
I’ve lived in Tinton Falls for the past 14 years, and I’m proud to call this community home. I’m a special education teacher with 23 years of experience, and for the last 12 years, I’ve taught at Monmouth Regional High School. Throughout my career, I’ve been a passionate advocate for students with disabilities, ensuring they have a voice, the resources they need, and the opportunity to succeed. Now, I’m ready to bring that same dedication to our entire community.
I’m running for the two-year term because I believe in inclusive, thoughtful leadership that reflects the values and needs of our residents. I’ve volunteered with local organizations that support our youth, including the PTA, and I’ve proudly served as a cheer mom during my daughters’ earlier school years. These experiences have deepened my connection to our town and strengthened my commitment to service.
I’m also a wife and a proud mom of two girls, and I understand firsthand the importance of creating a safe, supportive, and thriving environment for families. I’m excited for the opportunity to be a voice for Tinton Falls and to work collaboratively toward a brighter future for all.
If elected, my top priorities will focus on strengthening our community through fiscal responsibility, transparency, increased community involvement, and thoughtful planning around open space and development.
As a long-time resident of Tinton Falls, a special education teacher for 23 years, and a parent, I understand the importance of making smart financial decisions that benefit our families without placing unnecessary burdens on taxpayers. I will advocate for responsible budgeting and spending that reflects our community’s values and priorities.
Transparency is essential to building trust. I believe residents deserve clear communication and access to information about decisions that affect them. I will work to ensure that our local government is open, honest, and accountable.
I also want to encourage more community involvement. Our town is full of passionate, talented individuals, and I believe we can accomplish great things when we work together. I’ll support initiatives that invite more voices to the table and make it easier for residents to participate in local events, meetings, and decision-making.
Finally, I’m committed to preserving our open spaces and ensuring that any future development is thoughtful and sustainable. Growth should enhance our community, not over- whelm it. I’ll advocate for smart planning that protects our environment and maintains the character of Tinton Falls.
Rob Mauro
(full term, Tinton Falls First)
A 25-plus-year resident of Tinton Falls, Mauro has a proven record of service in education and community leadership. He served 10 years on the Tinton Falls schools and Monmouth Regional High School boards of education, was president of the Tinton Falls Excellence in Education Foundation, and chaired the Tinton Falls Technical Council. A former youth softball coach, he combines his passion for education with professional expertise as a semiconductor sales engineer, backed by a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology. Beyond service, he’s a husband, father, grandfather, and a neighbor you’ll see drumming in a local band or biking on our trails.
See mayoral candidate Anthony Guarino (Tinton Falls First) for top issues.
Lawrence A. Neis
(full term, Team Tinton Falls)
In my professional experience, I have managed many projects that involved many employees over long periods of time. If you have a plan and you work toward the finished goals and along the way things change you have to change with what’s at hand and do what is best.
The cost-of-living crisis is affecting every family. We will remain committed to reducing the municipal tax rate, securing grant money to ease the burden on taxpayers, and planning strategically for the future, ensuring we preserve essential services and protect our quality of life without unnecessary tax increases.
Kashyap “Kash” Parikh
(unexpired term, Team Tinton Falls)
I was unanimously appointed to the Tinton Falls Borough Council in April 2025, following the appointment of Council President Risa Clay to mayor. Since joining council, I have focused on keeping property taxes stable, supporting grants that fund infrastructure, public safety, EMS, and our library, and helping seniors access tax-saving programs through the new PAS system – all while ensuring residents con-tinue to receive the quality services they deserve.
In addition to my council duties, I serve as liaison to the Tinton Falls (K–8) and Monmouth Regional High School Boards of Education, the Chicken Advisory Board, and the Monmouth NJ 250th Committee. These roles keep me directly connected to our schools, families, and community organizations, and ensure I bring resident voices into every decision.
Prior to council, I served on the Tinton Falls Zoning Board and Chicken Advisory Board and volunteered with the Community FoodBank of New Jersey and Habitat for Humanity. These experiences strengthened my belief in the power of service and prepared me to lead with purpose and accountability.
Tinton Falls is more than where I live, it is where my wife and I are raising our three children, and where we have found true community. As a first-generation Indian American raised in a small business household, I learned the importance of hard work, integrity and giving back. Those values shape my approach to both public service and my professional career managing large client relationships at S&P Global, where I listen, solve problems, and build consensus – skills that directly translate to effective leadership on Council.
If elected, my top priorities will be: Affordability: Keep property taxes stable and pursue fiscally responsible solutions so seniors, families, and young residents can remain in Tinton Falls. Thoughtful development: Meet state housing obligations responsibly, ensuring projects fit our town’s character, include proper infrastructure, and protect residents’ quality of life. Community investment: Support our schools, first responders, and local programs so every resident feels safe, supported, and confident in the future of our town.
My commitment is simple: to listen, serve, and ensure Tinton Falls remains strong, affordable, and a place we are all proud to call home.
Elizabeth Perez
(full term, Tinton Falls First)
My name is Liz Perez and I am a proud Monmouth County native and have called Tinton Falls home for over 10 years. Married to Anthony and mother to Luke and Aiden, I have dedicated much of my time to building programs that strengthen our community. I created and managed Tinton Falls Travel Base- ball, led the “Paint the Town Pink” initiative, and actively participated as a member of our local PTA. Through these efforts, I have worked to bring people together, support families, and create a positive, lasting impact in our town.
See mayoral candidate Anthony Guarino (Tinton Falls First) for top issues.
Richard Riccardi (unexpired term, Tinton Falls First)
A Tinton Falls resident for 25 years, Rich and his wife Christine, who works at Monmouth Regional High School, raised their four children here – all gradu- ates of the local school sys- tem. A lifelong educator, Rich has devoted his career to teaching and volunteered countless hours coaching Little League and travel teams. He also helped renovate Hockhockson Park Field #3, ensuring local baseball players have a safe, quality place to play.
See mayoral candidate Anthony Guarino (Tinton Falls First) for top issues.
The article originally appeared in the October 9 – October 15, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
