NEPTUNE TWP., NJ: Neptune Township’s Committee race is in full force this fall. The Neptune Township Republican Organization’s slate “Neptune First” is seeking votes to empower residents to be a part of “The Comeback”.

Political newcomers Shannon Kelly and Rachael Stolte are seeking the two available seats on the Township Committee to restore the resident’s voice to Town Hall. “The current regime has been in power far too long,” says Kelly. “They have taken us all for granted thinking we haven’t noticed taxes and crime have gone up over the years with no Committee plan to make things better.” The “Neptune First” team has been making the case the current all-Democratic Committee has mismanaged the town to the point where their mistakes have cost taxpayers too much money in things such as settlements from avoidable lawsuits. “With taxes continuing to rise, taxpayers deserve to know where the money is going and how it is being misappropriated,” comments Stolte. “ I want to work with our county and state leaders to find ways we can generate revenues and lower taxes for everyone.”

A common theme for Kelly and Stolte is increasing community involvement in the process. “We need to get the partisanship and cronyism out of the process,” declares Kelly. “There are too many things getting in the way of much needed progress in redevelopment plans, rehabilitating public housing communities, and crime prevention.” Both candidates have touted their private sector experience in team building and executing successful project plans as a game changer that is needed on the Township Committee. “We have wonderful people living here in Neptune Township,” says Stolte. “It’s time to encourage and empower residents to participate in town activities like community policing through a partnership with our Police Department as well as community clean-up days to increase respect and appreciation for our town.”

Both Republican candidates believe the best way for Neptune’s “Comeback” to work is to remove the unnecessary political influence on the town. “We have to get the politics out of policing and redeveloping the town,” says Kelly. “Rachael and I are going to fight to allow people to do their jobs, do them well, and deliver the kind of inclusive government Neptune Township deserves.”
The campaign can be contacted at neptunefirst.nj@gmail.com.