Fred Gasior: Howell GOP Candidate Opposes Overdevelopment

HOWELL, NJ — Fred Gasior, one of four candidates running for Township Council, said he wants "Howell to stay Howell" and opposes "irresponsible development."

Gasior, who is seeking one of three four-year seats in the June 7 Republican primary for Township Council, staked out his position in a Patch candidate questionnaire.

Patch asked the candidates to share their positions on issues in individual election profiles.

There is no primary contest among Democrats for the council.

Gasior explained his positions, which include a dedication to preserving open space.

• Name: Fred Gasior.
• Campaign website: https://howellnjgop.com/howell.
• Residence: Howell.
• Office sought: Township Council seat.
• Party affiliation: Republican.
• Education: Bachelor's degree, Trenton State College.
• Occupation: Retired New Jersey state trooper and schoolteacher.
• Family: Married to wife, Wendy, with two children.
• Does anyone in your family work in politics or government: No.
• Age: 70.
• Previous public office, appointed or elected: No.

The following candidate responses were edited for style, brevity and clarity.

Why Are You Seeking This Office?

I want to help my community, serve and apply common sense leadership. I love to serve and help.

The Single Most Pressing Issue Facing My Constituents And What I Intend To Do

Protecting the rural character of our community by stopping irresponsible development, preserving more open space and farmland and tightening zoning regulations to keep Howell safe.

What Are The Major Differences Between You And The Other Candidates Seeking This Post?

My running mates (Ian Nadel and Susan Fischer) and I have a documented plan that lays out what we will do. I also bring the perspective of being a homeowner and not a politician. Unlike our opponents, we only answer to the taxpayers of Howell.

If You Are Challenging An Incumbent, In What Way Has The Current Officeholder Failed The Community?

In the June GOP primary, my running mates and I are the official Republican team. We will apply conservative family values and manage every penny as if it were our last. Our primary opponent only recently became a Republican and has publicly posted some unthinkable comments attacking people based on their religion. We will represent all the people.

[Editor's note: The Howell Township County Republican Committee characterized candidate Michael Bernstein's posts about the Hasidic community in Lakewood as "antisemitic," the Asbury Park Press reported. Bernstein, who is Jewish, said his comments were taken out of context from a longer discussion thread on development.]

What Other Issues Do You Intend To Address During Your Campaign?

We will focus on stopping irresponsible development, preserve open space, hold the line on taxes and spending, apply family values in all we do, support our law enforcement and keep Howell safe.

What Accomplishments In Your Past Would You Cite As Evidence You Can Handle This Job?

As a retired New Jersey state trooper and later schoolteacher, I will apply the leadership skills I have learned to everything I do. I can help apply a law-and-order approach to keep Howell safe and ensure we are being inclusive in all we do.

What Is The Best Advice Anyone Ever Gave You?

There is no substitute for hard work. If elected, I will work hard every day to make Howell better.

Is There Anything Else You Would Like Voters To Know About Yourself And Your Positions?

I am a principled conservative who will put the best interest of Howell above all else. I will bring a common sense perspective to everything I do. I will be open, honest and transparent and look to engage residents as we make decisions. I will do everything possible to protect our town and its rural character so Howell stays Howell.

Patch contacted candidates in contested primary elections to the email addresses listed for their campaigns , as provided by the office of the clerk. The responses received will be published between now and the primary election. Candidates who would like to participate but did not receive a profile form may contact Pat McDaniel at patricia.mcdaniel@patch.com.