Old Bridge – The Old Bridge Democratic Organization today released its endorsed slate of candidates for the 2017 Township Council Election.

On the evening of Thursday March 9, the Old Bridge Democratic Organization (OBDO) met to select the candidates they will endorse in this year’s election. After listening to statements from the candidates, the members from each ward voted on which would receive their endorsement.

The endorsed candidates for the 2017 Township Council race are: Dave Merwin in Ward 1, Zeeshan Siddiqui in Ward 2, Edina Brown in Ward 3, Mark Razzoli in Ward 4, Anette Hopman in Ward 5, and Ken Totten in Ward 6.

All the candidates who received the OBDO’s endorsement have spent years working to improve Old Bridge. Dave Merwin, the endorsed candidate in Ward 1, worked as a Housing Officer in Old Bridge for 42 years before retiring to start his own small business. He also serves as a member of the Citizen Advisory Group helping to clean up the Raritan Bay Superfund site as well as a labor organizer and volunteer leader of the Laurence Harbor First Aid Squad.

Edina Brown, running in Ward 3, has lived in Old Bridge for nearly 10 years and has spent that time working to improve mental health services as an active advisory member of Old Bridge’s local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and helping young people start careers with Jobs for America’s Graduates.

Ward 4 candidate Mark Razzoli has lived in Old Bridge for 12 years with his wife and daughter. In addition to protecting New Jersey families as a law enforcement officer and saving lives as a volunteer first responder after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Razzoli has also coached his daughter’s school track team, supported the Sayre Wood South Little League, and been involved with events supporting the Special Olympics.

The candidate running in Ward 5, Annette Hopman, grew up in Old Bridge and has been involved in the community since graduating from the Old Bridge School District. In addition to working for the school district for 11 years and serving for 15 years on the Board of Education, Hopman has also served on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, chaired the Old Bridge Housing Authority, and helped establish the Domestic Violence Crisis Team.

Ken Totten, the candidate for Ward 6, has lived in Old Bridge his entire life and raised 4 children in the town. He is the President and CEO of Roosevelt Savings Bank and served as the District 3 Fire Commissioner and Treasurer for 18 years. Totten also coached many youth sports including local basketball, baseball, football, and soccer teams.

“We are incredibly proud to endorse this slate of candidates who not only know our community well but also know how to listen to the people they represent,” said Old Bridge Democratic Organization Chairman Mark Razzoli, “These candidates will never slam the door on the people of Old Bridge. They will listen and act as the community’s voice.”