The success of any organization is only as good as its leaders. This is also true for a municipality. In Asbury Park this year’s election is the first following the change of government to staggered terms. Three City Council seats are available and there are six candidates running for the three seats. Although all elections are important we believe this one is exceptionally important for the city which has seen a major resurgence over the last few years. We want to see it continue and for this reason we believe the best choice is the Asbury Together team of Amy Quinn, Yvonne Clayton and Eileen Chapman.
Amy Quinn, who has served the longest of the team, was elected on Mayor John Moor’s ticket and serves as deputy mayor. She supports lot by lot development of the beachfront, which we also have long supported, and has continued to seek redevelopment for the Springwood Avenue corridor. She was also involved in the very successful Mayor’s Rodeo held earlier this year at the Stone Pony which raised enough money for recreation so that no child was turned away from the program due to finances.
Yvonne Clayton has been most involved in quality of life issues. She also has the vision to work toward the city’s future. She supports a transit village along Memorial Drive, a plan also endorsed by Neptune and Bradley Beach. The council has applied for a transit village grant which, if approved, will give the city access to experts and additional grants. A transit village would be a big plus for the city with the potential for bringing in new housing along Memorial Drive.
The newest member of council, Eileen Chapman, has only served since March but brings to the table a wealth of experience. She is the associate director of Performing Arts at Monmouth University and was a founding member of the Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation. She also helped coordinate the Riverfest Jazz and Blues Festival and served as Clearwater Festival’s Entertainment Director. In a city such as Asbury Park with such a rich musical history, Chapman’s background is unsurpassed. She was the Stone Pony’s general manager from 2001 to 204 and later managed McLoone’s Rum Runner restaurant in Sea Bright. Her business acumen is unquestionable.
All three work well with the mayor and Councilman Jesse Kendle. Going forward the city needs this kind of a united, dedicated team. We believe these three smart women have the best interests of the city at heart. For these reasons we believe they should be returned to office.
Pictured: Amy Quinn, Yvonne Clayton, and Eileen Chapman for Asbury Park City Council. Image courtesy of Asbury Together and Victor Bubadias Photography
