Holmdel Residents Ask For Nonpartisan Government

HOLMDEL, NJ — During the Holmdel Township Charter Study Commission public input session residents made it clear that they want a change.

At the virtual Feb. 3 meeting, community members came forward and advocated for nonpartisan government to the commission members. Over a dozen residents spoke candidly of the partisan style Holmdel uses and how that is no longer serving the community.

Before the public forum section, Kin Gee, the charter commission chair, outlined the goals of the commission."The mandate it to study and explore how we can improve our form of local government," said Gee.

The township currently operates under a five-member partisan committee-style government in which all mayors are selected by others on the dais. Community members strongly feel that mayoral elections and expanded representation are necessary changes.

One resident, Betty Rauscher, said, "I am in favor of the idea of a directly elected mayor, and I like the idea of moving to non-partisan elections at the local level." Rauscher continued, "I wish that the first two ballot columns did not so much influence the results for local candidates. Nonpartisan elections in Holmdel would encourage votes to be based on a local candidate’s own merits."

Similarly, resident Sheila Gilstein said, "It’s time to have fair, equal elections."We need to bring back home rule for Holmdel." She also suggested that all Holmdel elections be held every two years, in-between presidential elections and that the township should increase its number of elected officials from five to seven."The two-party system with independence is no longer working for Holmdel, it is time to change."

One of the last speakers of the night, James Yanello, said, "We want what’s best for this town. It’s time for Holmdel to run Holmdel.”

The full committee meeting is posted below.