RED BANK DEMOCRATS NOMINATE MICHAEL BALLARD FOR MAYOR
March 3, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RED BANK DEMOCRATS NOMINATE MICHAEL BALLARD FOR MAYOR
Candidate is first African American to run for the position
Red Bank NJ – In an historic nomination, The Red Bank Democratic Municipal Committee has chosen two-term Councilman Michael Ballard to run for Mayor. Ballard is the first African American in the 114 year history of Red Bank to be nominated for the Borough’s top job, defeating four-term Mayor Pasquale Menna at the local Democrats’ annual convention held at 5pm Wednesday, March 2nd.
Ballard’s nomination received the majority of votes from the 18-member elected committee, winning 10 of the 17 cast.
Accepting the nomination, Ballard pledged to renew Red Bank’s commitment to the unique small town charm that has made the Borough a magnet for residents, businesses and visitors seeking modern day amenities and turn-of-the-century appeal.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to be the choice of our duly-elected Red Bank Democratic County Committee,” Ballard said of the nomination. “Throughout my life, as a Postal Service Union Rep, as a member of the Board of Education and as a Council person, I have dedicated myself to speaking up for people and bringing their vision forward. I pledge to continue to do all it takes to make our residents feel heard and proud.”
East Bergen Place resident John Jackson won the nomination for Council with 14 votes, while Councilwoman Angela Mirandi, who is serving the remainder of former Councilman Yngstrom’s term, was nominated with 11 total votes to run for a full term.
Five-term Councilwoman Kathy Horgan did not submit a letter of intent to the Red Bank Democratic Committee and was not on the ballot, but did receive two write-in votes, as did Branch Avenue resident Steven Hecht, who also did not submit a letter of intent to run in the June Primary.
Mirandi and Jackson each thanked the Committee for their support and joined Ballard in pledging to be a voice for residents.
“After living here almost 30 years, I want to be a voice for the regular residents and taxpayers who feel like they’re not being heard” said Mirandi.
Jackson agreed adding, “I promise to be the type of leader who will make our residents proud.”
