Red Bank Council Primary: Who's Running, How To Vote

RED BANK, NJ - Four Democrats are vying for two spots on the November ballot for Red Bank Borough Council.

The June 8 Democratic primary ballot features two incumbents and two newcomers, marking an unprecedented contested primary for the all-Democrat council.

Republican candidates Jonathan Maciel Penney and Christine Stout serve as two “placeholder” candidates, according to Red Bank Green.

In-person voting will be available to all registered voters this year. Voters may vote in person at their assigned polling place (to locate a polling location, click here). Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Here is what you need to know about the upcoming primary elections:

What And Who Are On The Ballot?

Kate L. Triggiano and Hazim Yassin, both who currently serve on the seven-member council, are running for re-election. The two other Democrats who filed are Bruce Maida and Jacqueline Sturdivant.

Sturdivant is a 20-year Red Bank resident who serves as the vice president of the Board for the Courtyard of Red Bank Association and is a supporter of the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center, according to a press release posted by TAPInto Red Bank. She is employed in the business sector as a global corporate strategy and leadership development executive.

"Together, Maida and Sturdivant pledge to curb rampant overdevelopment, raise the morale of Red Bank municipal employees, ensure fair housing standards, implement green acres initiatives and encourage open, honest communication between our businesses and residents," the release reads.

Maida is a retired Project Manager and Principal Engineer for National Grid and is one of two Democrats (alongside Sturdivant) supported by the local party, including party chairman and borough council member Ed Zipprich.

"I could not be more thrilled to have such an outstanding running mate," Maida said of Sturdivant.

"Jacqueline and I are fellow engineers who will work with the Mayor and other members of Council to effectively utilize governmental resources, ensure transparency in government, respect all Borough employees and volunteers, and maintain rock-solid support for our public schools, our Public Library, our existing Senior Center, riverfront parks and ALL our neighborhoods."

Earlier this year, Triggiano, Yassin and fellow council members Kathy Horgan and Erik Yngstrom "joined with Mayor Pasquale Menna in calling for a change to Red Bank's form of government," according to a statement initially posted by Red Bank Green. The self-proclaimed "majority" Democrats have butted heads with Zipprich and councilman Michael Ballard over issues like the Red Bank senior center, spending, the borough redevelopment agency and more, according to the publication.

Triggiano is a School of Visual Arts graduate and has been a councilwoman in Red Bank since January 2019, according to LinkedIn. She currently serves on the Finance & Personnel, Public Safety, Police & Fire and Parks & Recreation committees.

Council President Yassin has served since January 2019 as well and currently serves on the Finance & Personnel, Code Enforcement, Environmental Control, Health, Welfare & Building Codes and Parks & Recreation committees.

"These are two extraordinary leaders I have gotten to know over the past number of years," Gov. Phil Murphy said at a virtual event hosted by the Monmouth County Democrats in February. "You're outstanding Democrats and you do what the residents need you to do which is to make government work for them, especially for those who have nowhere else to turn, and that's the most compelling reason they deserve to win re-election."

According to a statement from the campaign, Yassin is the first Muslim-American elected in the Monmouth County history. Triggiano is a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

Both council members are currently endorsed by Red Bank Mayor Pat Menna, Councilwoman Kathy Horgan, and Councilman Erik Yngstrom.

"I am proud of the work we have accomplished in Red Bank, but our work is not done. To ensure Red Bank stays the progressive leader of Monmouth County, we must protect our environmental resources, sustain our public safety and community relations, and continue to make sure all residents are heard," Triggiano said.

How to vote:

The June 8 primary election will be conducted primarily in-person this year, according to the Monmouth County Clerk's Office. Mail-in ballots for the 2021 primary election are also available, with applications to Vote by Mail sent by U.S. Mail due seven days before an election. For the June 8 primary election, the date is Tuesday, June 1.

Voters may also apply in-person at the Monmouth County Clerk's Elections Office located at 300 Halls Mill Road in Freehold up until 3 p.m. the day before the election. When applying in person, voters can obtain and cast their mail-in ballot early. Voters may submit their ballot to the County Board of Elections for counting either in-person at the Board of Elections at 300 Halls Mill Road or via one of the County's ballot drop box locations.

Voters who are not affiliated with a political party, but wish to participate in the partisan primary of their choice will receive mail-in ballots for both political parties. The voter must then choose which ballot to vote and vote using only one ballot.