Former Red Bank Democratic Chairman 'Passes The Torch' To New Leader

RED BANK, NJ— Councilwoman Kate Triggiano has been elected municipal chairperson of the local Democratic organization at its biannual municipal reorganization recently.

The newly elected municipal committee members here also elected Wilson Beebe as vice-chairperson, according to a news release from the Monmouth County Democrats.

And for Ed Zipprich, also a Red Bank councilman, it marks the end of 12 years as chairman of the municipal Democratic committee, and he said "it is time to pass the torch."

"I wish her (Triggiano) well, and much success with the organization," Zipprich said Wednesday.

He said 11 challengers won places on the municipal committee, compared with 7 incumbents.

"It will be a hybrid municipal committee," he said, "but we are all Democrats and we uphold Democratic principles."

He said the Red Bank Council can focus now on the future, including plans to re-establish the "Broadwalk" for business and visitors, now that construction on Broad Street is nearing an end.

He said the borough's strategic plan needs to be updated, as well as its vision plan.

He said the work of the Red Bank Charter Commission will also impact local politics, should a nonpartisan form of government be recommended.

He said the municipal committee will not have as big an impact on local politics if that change is ultimately proposed and then approved by voters.

The recent mayoral primary showed the divisions on the local Democratic party as current Mayor Pat Menna was not supported in favor of Councilman Michael Ballard, under Zipprich's leadership of the municipal committee. Ballard was ultimately defeated in the Democratic mayoral primary by newcomer Billy Portman, supported by Triggiano.

The Monmouth County Democrats organization also announced full support for Portman after he defeated Ballard.

The organization criticized Zipprich last month for notarizing a petition by Democratic Councilwoman Jacqueline Sturdivant to run as an independent in November. But her petition has since been withdrawn.

Portman will face a Republican challenger (Brian Irwin, as of the June 7 primary) in November, although the borough Democrats have prevailed for many years.