Brick Mayoral Election 2023: John Catalano

BRICK, NJ — Election Day 2023 is near, and Brick Township voters will be going to the polls to cast their ballots for candidates at the local, county and state levels.

In Brick, there are two candidates seeking the four-year term as mayor.

Patch sent a questionnaire to both candidates all six candidates seeking their responses. Here are the replies from John Catalano. They are unedited except for typographical errors and punctuation.

Your Name: John Catalano

Age (as of Election Day): 74

Party Affiliation: Republican

Campaign Website: Brickgop.com

Family: Wife Bethann, daughter Jenna

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for. No.

Education: Bachelor's of secondary education in physical education and English, Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, Texas.

Occupation: Business owner: Retail Jeweler, 35-plus years; Deli Luncheonette Owner, 26 years; Marine construction, Owner 5 years; JBJ Elizabeth, Construction business, 15-plus years.

Previous or current elected or appointed office: Brick Township Councilman August 2011 to December 2011; NJ State Assemblyman, 2021-present

Why are you seeking elective office?

I have enjoyed my time in the Assembly fighting for fair and just laws that would support the life that we all want to enjoy. This is the life that the residents of Ocean County deserve. I have always had the desire to be Mayor of Brick and my heartstrings are pulling me to that. My experience in the Assembly has equipped me with the expertise and connections to be the leader that Brick Township requires. I remain committed to fighting the detrimental impacts of school funding cuts, which significantly contributes to our tax burden. I will always support the rights of parents to ensure that they have the knowledge they need regarding their children's experience in our schools.

Crime has been a concern for months across New Jersey. What do you think should be done at the local level in Brick Township to ease residents’ concerns?

As Mayor I will form a dedicated task force including the Brick Chief of Police, Ocean County Sheriff and the Ocean County Prosecutor. Together, we will strategize to increase police presence on our streets. Additional Sheriff deputies patrolling will significantly bolster the efforts of the Brick Police Department. I envision receiving regular updates, possibly on a weekly, if not daily basis, from both the chief and myself, ensuring that our residents stay informed. It is my goal to restore our township to its rightful place as one of the safest communities in America to call home.

The township has refurbished its parks and expanded recreation programs for all ages over the last 10 years. What programs or facilities would you like to see brought to Brick Township?

I will form a committee to establish a townwide event, possibly a 5K, that maybe happens twice a year. The purpose would be to build an account that would be able to help Brick Township families who are faced with a catastrophic event. I would also like to develop several pocket parks in small vacant parcels throughout the township where we may only have swings and tables.

People persistently complain about property taxes. What do you believe Brick can do at the township level to mitigate the effects of state-mandated increases in the school district property tax levy? If you would make cuts, what township programs would you cut?

School tax is the largest part of our tax bill. As part of the Republican Caucus in Trenton I have a bill that would bring Brick and all districts back to adequacy, but the Democrat Assembly Speaker constantly is refusing to have our bill sent to committee and the floor. I will continue to work with the Republicans in Trenton to see that we have the financial support that our schools deserve. I will run a government that is efficient, effective and fiscally sound, continuing to ensure that Brick Township remains affordable for our seniors’ citizens and young families.