Election Profile: DJ Luccarelli For Holmdel Township Committee

HOLMDEL, NJ – The New Jersey primary election on July 7 will challenge several candidates seeking to fill two open seats on the Holmdel Township Committee. The coveted spots are being pursued by six candidates, including current committeeman (and mayor) Greg Buontempo alongside running mate Ron Emma, Victoria 'Vicky' Flynn with running mate Domenico 'DJ' Luccarelli, as well as Democrats Joseph Romano and Mike Jenkins.

Luccarelli, 46, is a Republican running on the official Monmouth County GOP bill. He is backed by chair of the Holmdel Republican Party Marcy McMullen, who is also backing Flynn.

Luccarelli has been on the Holmdel Zoning Board for three years and is the owner of Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea in Newark. He was formerly the owner and vice president of Dearborn Farms for 27 years.

Luccarelli was born and raised in Holmdel and lives with his wife Nila and three daughters: Milena, Belen and Alessandra.

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Why are you seeking elective office?

To bring back respect and dignity to the town I grew up in and love so much.
The single most pressing issue facing our community is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Divisiveness. I believe if the current leadership is reelected, Holmdel will have 3 more years of deceit and wasteful spending on personal vendettas.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am a decisive leader that is not afraid to make difficult decisions. My opponent (the current Mayor) has a record of being absent for important votes. Also, I am an advocate for unity whereas my opponent breeds divisiveness.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

The current Mayor has failed our community by lying and misleading the tax payers in Holmdel. He also lead the closing of a firehouse in town with no temporary solution in place for 5 years.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Better communication and a working partnership with the Holmdel BOE in regards ti balancing budgets. Financial responsibility to the tax payers and a more productive approach to handling town issues.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I was a proven leader in the community for 27 years as a owner and VP of Dearborn Farms. In that role I managed a staff of over 100 employees. I had a hands on approach constantly delegating and coordinating a multi million dollar operation. My responsibilities included but were not limited to procurement of supplies, marketing, branding, staffing, overseeing a production facility and budgeting. I believe the skills I have learned in business operations and my interaction with the public for 27 years will make me natural fit for this position.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

If you are going to do something, no matter what it is, do it to the best of your ability.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I take pride in completing my responsibilities to the best of my ability. I always strive to be a positive influence to those around me in order to maintain a unified and goal oriented group. My focus will be to work towards the greater good for the town of Holmdel.