FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ — Candidate Chris Novella is running for election to the Township Committee in the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
In November, Novella (R) will run for one of two open full-term seats on the committee alongside incumbent Alan C. Walker (R).
No nominations have been made for Democratic candidates in the Township Committee race.
Ahead of the election, Patch posed several questions to Novella about his campaign platform, experience and what sets him apart from other candidates running. His replies are below.
Editor's Note: The following article contains information about one of the candidates running for the Freehold Township Committee in 2026. Responses are written as received by Patch and only edited for style.
Patch has contacted all other candidates in this race with the same questions and will post replies as they are received.
Are you running for election in Freehold? Contact Sara Winick at sara.winick@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Patch.
Chris Novella
Age: 60
Town of Residence: Freehold Township, New Jersey
Education: Bloomfield College, graduate, 1988
Occupation: Senior Project Manager, Schindler Elevator Corporation
What drove you to seek public office?
Freehold Township has been my home for 26 years. Through coaching and community service, I've seen how much our neighborhoods, parks and recreation programs mean to families.
I'm running to preserve what makes Freehold special while preparing it for the future. I want the children who grow up here to have the opportunity to return, raise their own families and build their lives here.
What sets you apart from the other candidates?
I bring hands-on community service together with financial and project management experience. I've worked with families on our playing fields, served in recreation leadership and managed
complex projects professionally.
My approach is to listen, ask practical questions about costs and impacts, and follow through. I want decisions to serve both today's residents and the next generation.
What are past accomplishments or experiences that make you qualified for this position?
I've served on the Township's Parks and Recreation Commission for 14 years, including two years as vice chairman and two years as chairman.
I also held board and leadership roles in Little League and Pop Warner and coached football, baseball and lacrosse.
Professionally, I'm a senior project manager at Schindler Elevator Corporation and a five-time recipient of its National Elite Sales/Project Management Award. I spent 13 years as a member of the American Stock Exchange.
These experiences have taught me teamwork, financial responsibility and problem-solving.
If elected, what will be your top priorities in your new role?
My priorities will be responsible spending, strong public safety and thoughtful development that accounts for traffic, drainage and infrastructure.
I'll work to protect established neighborhoods and open space, maintain our parks and recreation programs, support seniors and encourage appropriate housing opportunities for young families.
I also want municipal services and information to be easier to access, with clear communication and meaningful resident input.
Name one thing about Freehold Township that always makes you smile.
Seeing children playing on our fields and families cheering them on.
After years of coaching, those moments capture what I love about Freehold: neighbors coming together, children building friendships and a community helping raise the next generation.
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