Election Profile: Ronald E. Emma 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.

Emma, 56, is running under the "We The People" ticket alongside Buontempo (both candidates are Republicans). Earlier this year, Buontempo said he split from the Monmouth County Republican Organization after they continued to support former mayor Eric Hinds throughout his censure investigation last year.

Emma has worked for over 30 years in the supply chain logistics industry and currently serves on the Holmdel Township Planning Board. He is married and lives with his wife and daughter.

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Why are you seeking elective office?

I have become engaged in community affairs over the last few years after witnessing developments in our town that deeply concerned me. The back room politics and the seemingly overt disregard for citizens concerns has motivated me to get involved. We are an affluent community. Why is our educational ranking in the State of NJ falling year after year? Why are our recreational facilities in disrepair? Let's have those conversations to expand facilities geared toward Holmdel residents, only after we fix what we already have . Why is upgrading our fire apparatus a years long process? These all seem like logical questions to ask and that require common sense solutions. We will not all agree on everything, but I hope to bring this common sensibility to the issues we face in an open and forthright process.

The single most pressing issue facing our community is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Transparency. In my opinion, the governing body of Holmdel in the last few years has been mired in dysfunction and infighting. The last election really proved how upset and disillusioned the citizens were. Two Independents were elected, soundly defeating an incumbent Mayor. The positive energy and new openness surrounding the newly formulated Township Committee is something I hope to build on if elected. We need to move this town forward and accomplish local goals and initiatives that matter to Holmdel residents.

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

I am a political newcomer with no agenda or baggage. As candidates, I believe we all have the best interests of Holmdel at heart. I entered this race as a concerned citizen who is willing to speak their mind and not worry about outside influences. I am beholden to no one and if that means my political career is limited to one term, I will sleep at night knowing I did what I thought was best for the residents of our great town.

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

n/a

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Fire Safety- This is an issue very close to my heart. As you may know, Holmdel had two Firehouses supporting our town. Fire Company #1 was closed in 2016 on my side of town. That left South Holmdel with a glaring deficiency in fire safety. The response times were negatively impacted as evidenced by the four major structural fires in South Holmdel in the last 2.5 years. The newly announced centrally located firehouse is a huge step in the right direction. If I am elected, I will ensure that fire safety will not become a back seat priority. A taxpayer funded study by Dr. Harry Carter, PhD , highlighted both the positives of our dedicated First Responders, as well as the inadequacies of our current fire apparatus and related equipment. Why wouldn't' we follow through on his expert advice? Let's have these conversations in an open and transparent manner.

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

In my 30 year career of sales negotiations, I have dealt with a wide array of individuals. I believe this will suit me well on the Township Committee. Being able to have a dialogue with varying opinions and still come out with a win/win outcome has served me well over the years.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

As former House Speaker Tip O'Neill (not a fan of his politically) once famously said " All politics is local." This rings especially true in Holmdel. Let's not let outside forces dictate what happens in our great town. Let's solve the issues, that are unique to our bucolic community, ourselves without any outside influences.

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

Again, I am going into this with eyes wide open as a political neophyte. However, this will not deter me in speaking my mind on issues that I believe in. Those who know me well, will attest to my honesty and independence. It is my believe that the current administration is on the right track and needs to continue the newfound momentum that the last election has demanded. I hope to be part of that forward looking governing body. Thank you!