The Neptune Township Republican Organization has selected two candidates to run for two seats on the Township Committee in November.
Rachael Stolte and Jessica Ford will run on the Neptune First ticket against their incumbents Kevin McMillan and Derel Stroud, both Democrats.
Jeffrey Beekman, municipal GOP chair, said he was excited to have Stolte and Ford on the ballot this year.
“Rachael and Jessica are two accomplished and successful young women,” Beekman said. “Both are young, energetic, and have a stake in making Neptune Township a much more affordable, safer, and forward-thinking community.“
Stolte and Ford said they want to convince Neptune’s voters that they deserve better than what is received by the current all-Democratic Township Committee and their Democratic Party opponents.
“Last year, (Sen.) Vin Gopal and the Neptune Township Democrats promised everyone the world when it came to an abandoned hotel,” reflects Stolte who ran for the office the last two years. “But once again, after the election, those Democrat promises are broken, and Neptune is still in the headlines for that hotel being overrun by raccoons and the overall health hazards that it presents to the surrounding residents.
In a statement Stolte and Ford said they pose this question to voters: When is Neptune Township going to wake up and realize that those in power don’t care after an election?
This year is the first time Ford has run for public office. The political newcomer is seeking to bring attention to areas that are normally not focused on in municipal races or by elected municipal officials.
“We have to have people on the Township Committee that are looking at the children and the services they need on a town level,” Ford said. “Children need access to expanded mental health services, along with mental health education for their parents and caregivers, more recreational opportunities, and activities that focus on improving their social and emotional health…which we cannot keep burying our school system with these types of responsibilities. There is much more we can do on a town level to help our children and families, and work with our County and State officials to protect them from these serious issues.”
