DUNELLEN – The Dunellen’s Future Together Team has officially announced its 2025 Borough Council slate. Incumbent Council President Daniel "Cole" Sigmon and incumbent Councilwoman Trina Rios will seek third terms in office.

Daniel "Cole" Sigmon has been an active member of the Dunellen community since moving here with his wife, Lauren, in 2013. Together, they are raising their three sons in the town. After settling in, Cole became involved by joining Dunellen’s Playground Committee, which led him to regularly attend council meetings. It was here that he developed relationships with council members and gained a deeper understanding of the work and dedication required to keep Dunellen running.

Over the past six years, Cole has worked closely with the Mayor and Council on several key initiatives, including advocating for the revitalization of downtown Dunellen, improving pedestrian safety through the Mayor’s Traffic & Pedestrian Safety Task Force, supporting the creation of a Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) within the Office of Emergency Management, and delivering responsible budgets as Finance Committee Chair. Additionally, he has served as a council liaison to several borough organizations, including the Dunellen Police Department, Dunellen Fire Department, Dunellen Rescue Squad, Dunellen Parks & Recreation, the Plainfield Area Regional Sewerage Authority (PARSA), the Green Brook Flood Control Commission, and the Department of Public Works (DPW). This year, Cole was unanimously elected Council President.

"I am running for re-election because I believe in the power of local government to make a real difference in people’s lives,” Cole said. “Serving on the council has allowed me to advocate for responsible development, support our first responders and volunteers, and find creative solutions to the challenges our community faces.” He continued, “I want to continue this work—to ensure Dunellen remains a place where families and businesses can thrive, where residents feel heard, and where we make smart, forward-thinking decisions for our future."

Trina Rios and her family moved to Dunellen 15 years ago, quickly recognizing it as the perfect place to call home. She and her husband, Robert, knew Dunellen was where they would raise their two children, Jaxon and Hudsun, and build a fulfilling life. From the moment they arrived, Trina immersed herself in volunteering, demonstrating her commitment to the community from day one. Over the years, Trina has taken on many roles, including Boy Scout den leader and advocate for the Hispanic community. She works closely with local churches to distribute food to those in need, further showcasing her dedication to helping others.

Her involvement with the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and Dunellen Education Foundation (DEF) highlights her passion for education. In 2016, Trina’s love for literacy led to her appointment to the Library Board of Trustees, where she continues to serve as the Mayor’s Representative. She was sworn into the Dunellen Borough Council in 2020 and re-elected in 2022. During her tenure, Trina has acted as a liaison to several borough committees, including the Finance Committee, Dunellen Parks and Recreation, DDMO, BOE, Dunellen Fire Department, and Dunellen Police Department. She has also previously served as Council President.

Trina expressed her excitement about seeking re-election, saying, “The strength and unity of our community have always been my inspiration. It’s this collective spirit that motivates me to continue serving and seek re-election, ensuring that Dunellen remains a place we’re all proud to call home.”

Rios and Sigmon have earned the full endorsement of the Dunellen Municipal Committee. Additionally, Mayor Jason F. Cilento has proudly supported both candidates, stating, “Cole and Trina have worked tirelessly for the betterment of our community. Their leadership, dedication, and proven track record are exactly what Dunellen needs to keep moving forward. I wholeheartedly support their re-election and look forward to the progress they will bring in another term.”

Rios and Sigmon are eager to connect with Dunellen residents in the coming weeks, canvassing door-to-door to earn every vote. Their campaign focuses on doing what’s best for Dunellen—an effort that transcends political affiliation and looks toward a brighter future.

Join Rios and Sigmon for Dunellen at DaLuca’s Cafe Saturday, March 15th at 12 PM

For a petition-signing meet-and-greet with State Senator Jon Bramnick, who is running for Governor, as well as Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz and Assemblywoman Michele Matsikoudis, who are seeking re-election for the State Assembly in LD21. All registered Republicans and unaffiliated voters are encouraged to attend and sign the petition in support of the candidates.

Where: DaLuca’s Cafe, 350 North Ave, Dunellen, NJ 08812 When: 12 PM, Saturday, March 15, 2025 What: Petition-signing meet-and-greet with D. Cole Sigmon and Trina Rios for Dunellen Borough Council, Jon Bramnick for NJ Governor, and Nancy Munoz and Michele Matsikoudis for State Assembly.

Note: Any registered unaffiliated voter who signs a partisan petition for any office will automatically be registered as the same party as the candidate for whom they sign the petition.