Melonie Marano: Somerset County Freeholder Candidate Profile

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — There is a contested race for the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders election this upcoming November election with two candidates vying for the one open seat.

Democratic newcomer Melonie Marano of Green Brook is challenging incumbent Republican Patricia L. "Pat" Walsh for the only three-year seat in the election being held on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Here is a look at who Marano is and why she is running. Candidates were asked to answer the same questions and each candidate profile will be posted on Patch's site as it gets closer to the election.

Melonie Marano

Describe yourself:

I am a hard worker with the experience, talent and desire to make Somerset County a better place for everyone living, working and visiting here. For more information visit Marano For Freeholder on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.RussoMarano.com.

What experience do you have that would help you serve?

Between my upbringing, education, business experience, and government service, I am well qualified to serve on the Somerset County Freeholder Board.

I grew up in a humble extended family home in New Jersey, the daughter of parents that owned a small business. I started typing invoices for the hardware store when I was 14 and ultimately went to Rider College and earned an accounting degree. I worked for an accounting firm, then moved on to auditing for a music licensing organization and was promoted to management within the company. As life goes full circle, I currently work with my husband at our small business where I am the Vice President of business development.

Education, hard work, and family were important to me growing up and those values remain with me today. I am blessed with a wonderful husband of 30 years, and two successful adult children that I am so proud of.

In early 2003 I was unhappy with the way things were happening in Green Brook, and I decided to run for Township Committee. Unknown to me at that time, I was about to become the third Democrat to win a seat in Green Brook since 1962. Needless to say, I needed to work much harder than my opponents to succeed. I was re-elected and served for six years, with my final year as Mayor. After my term, I was appointed as a Commissioner to the Somerset County Tax Board. I’ve served on the board for eight years, earning my Tax Assessor Certificate from the State of NJ.

Between my personal experiences, my work ethic, and my values, I have what it takes to create positive results and real progress for Somerset County.

What issues would you like to address if elected?

Economy, education and environment are all areas of concern for me.

We must proactively recruit new companies to the county while expanding our current businesses to ensure high-paying jobs are available. This will also help to lower our residential property taxes.

Exploring new opportunities such as tourism will help us preserve our rich history and beautiful environment while also working to stimulate our local economy. Doing so will help us maintain our open space and passive recreation instead of building a pipeline through the county. Becoming a destination will also serve as leverage in our efforts to reinstate direct train access to New York City.

Employers need a well-trained workforce, so we must ensure our schools are producing top talent and giving our students the skills they need to thrive. We must expand partnerships with the Vo-Tech and make Raritan Valley Community College affordable to students to set our next generation up for successful careers.

Why should voters vote for you?

Because we can do better than simply doing the same old thing. We are one vote away from a Freeholder Board that will fight for a better Somerset County — advocating for direct train access to NYC, to stay vigilant that our actions keep the planet’s health in mind, and to represent all of Somerset County’s residents.

— (If you are a candidate and would like to participate in the election profile, email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com)

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