Holland Joins Republican Party: Felt forced out by local Dems

Manalapan Township Committeeman and life-long Democrat Don Holland has announced that he will cross party lines and seek re-election as a Republican in November.  

Holland formally made the announcement in a Feb. 11 press release and cited his major differences with the local Democratic Party as the reason for the decision.

“I don’t view this as leaving the Democratic Party. I view this as joining a team that more closely reflects the values of serving the best interest of Manalapan. This has not been an easy decision, but my loyalty to the residents of Manalapan is what motivates me,” stated Holland.

Holland began a three-year term on the Committee in January 2009. 

“The decisions I make are always based on what’s best for our residents.  I don’t believe in the petty bickering or partisan politics that permeates the Manalapan Democratic Party.  I want to focus all of my energy on making Manalapan an even better place to live, and the members of the Republican Party share that mindset,” he stated.

If re-elected, Holland will join three Republicans, Mayor Andrew Lucas, Deputy Mayor Ryan Green, and Committeeman Jordan Maskowitz, for a commanding majority.

“Mr. Holland has put aside the silly partisan bickering and has always been a gentleman and a problem solver. He truly has served Manalapan well, and we’re thrilled that he wants to continue his service to Manalapan and its residents,” said Lucas in the press release.

Prior to earning a seat on the Committee, Holland served on the Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Environmental Commission and chaired the Planning Board.

His began his involvement in local politics six and a half years ago, when he founded and chaired the Agricultural Advisory Committee.

Since then, this committee has helped to preserve over 1,200 acres of Manalapan’s farmland. Holland is the owner of Misty Meadow Farm, which was part of the preserved acreage.

In recent months, the farmland preservation process has proven to be a hot-button issue.  

Democratic Committeewoman Michelle Roth has with Mayor Lucas, saying that Lucas “violated the public trust” by coordinating a land deal that involves taxpayer money.

Roth also criticized the Mayor for not recusing himself from a vote on a Jan. 12 resolution which, in effect, lowered his own property taxes. Lucas admitted the oversight, and the Committee voted to reauthorize the resolution on Feb. 23.

On both occasions, Holland voted in support of the resolutions and did not voice opposition to Lucas’s actions.

In the last two years, Holland has voted with Republicans on the budget and other proposals and has shown a willingness to work with the majority.

Holland’s decision to formally join the Republicans has not shocked his former running mate, who is accustomed to being the sole voice of opposition on the Committee.

“I’ve been the lone Democrat for quite awhile. His change comes as no surprise,” said Roth to Patch.  

“It’s her policies and ideals that I guess I have a problem with,” said Holland when asked about Roth.

He said that his membership in the Manalapan Democratic Party became “untenable”, and he felt forced out of the organization.

“Everything seems to be a Democratic line, and I’m more concerned with the Manalapan line,” he said. He holds the belief that politics should end when the polls close.

“They let me know that they were disappointed in me. They didn’t like the way I was voting and they didn’t like me helping Republicans,” said Holland.  “I wasn’t helping Republicans; I was helping people in Manalapan.” 

Holland admitted that he is concerned about how voters will react to his decision. 

“I’m not out to hurt anyone. If anything I hurt myself,” said Holland. He hopes that people will know that he hasn’t lost his values and that his good intentions will come across in person and in televised Committee meetings.

“I still want to do what’s best in Manalapan,” said Holland. “I think I can do it now. I hope it turns out that way.”