Third Ward Council Seat Up for Grabs

It's only a little over a year ago that Michele Charmello, an Avenel resident, was appointed to fill the Third Ward council seat vacated by former Councilman Greg Bedard. Saying he wanted to devote his time to his family, Bedard resigned his seat the day after he cast the only vote against dropping Avenel Colonia First Aid Squad (ACFAS) from the township's emergency response maps.

Charmello was appointed to fill Bedard's seat by the Democratic council. She's running for election on Tuesday to retain the Third Ward council slot. Pradip Kothari - "Pete" to his friends - is a successful American businessman of Indian descent. He's also a Republican who has waged a low-key campaign for the Third Ward seat.

Michelle Charmello (incumbent appointee)

Party: Democrat
Age: 42
Resides: Avenel
Occupation: director for a Hudson County non-profit working with children with disabilities.

"One of the things I'm proud of is that we've started a lot of work on the Route 1 redevelopment. We're getting rid of some of the unsightly buildings there, and getting more jobs into the township. It's the first step to what I'll be working on in the future. The General Dynamics site is another place we're working to rehabilitate. That will being in more business and jobs into the township.

"I'm proud of Port Reading Day. We never had it before this year. It was a big success. I have two towns in my ward, and it's time Port Reading got some attention.

"I'm a big believer in giving kids a lot of opportunities. There are a lot of sports things in Woodbridge, but not too much in the arts. Younger kids, teens, even adults can all use exposure to the arts. It's made me a much more well-rounded person. Expanding arts programs is one of my goals. 

"Working on wetlands preservations is another issue, as well as redevelopment in Port Reading; that's down the road a little bit. I'm a big proponent on supporting local business, including the ones we have now as well as getting new businesses into town. 

"I'm proud of the resolution with the Avenel Colonia [First Aid] Squad.  We worked hard with the new leadership and board of directors. They've been doing a tremendous job. The safety of the community was a priority. Now not only has it reopened, but it has reopened with the right people. That's something I'm proud of."

Pradip 'Peter' Kothari 

Party: Republican
Age: 65
Resides: Avenel
Occupation: owner of several businesses which cater to the Indian community, including a travel agency, an insurance agency, and a funeral home

"I've been around politics in Woodbridge for awhile. I've run for the state assembly before as a republican.

"I've been in the United States since 1972. I know Woodbridge, the ups and downs of this town, like the back of my hand.

"There are a lot of things that happen around here. Corruption is a big issue in Woodbridge. We have to make sure that elections are clean, and people can trust their government. People in elected office have to be held accountable. The way the Avenel Colonia First Aid Squad was handled was just terrible. The things that were done by the [McCormac] administration, bullying and lying. The former councilman [Greg Bedard] resigned because of it. 

"I have nothing against [Michele Charmello] who is appointed. She's a nice lady. But she knows nothing about this town. People who are appointed are heavily into politics and appointed for that reason above all others. The General Dynamics property, for example, requires immediate attention, and if it's developed, it's going to be an additional burden on the town taxpayers. Lawsuits are going on because of it. "If I'm elected, I want a moratorium on new taxes for the next three years. I won't support it under any circumstances. I'm also concerned about the [Avenel] sex offender facility and [East Jersey State] prison. I will try to use my ability with other politicians to get grant funding to improve safety so that people who live in that area can have peace of mind. 

"Flooding is another issue in the area that needs to be solved. I won't be a rubber stamp on the council. Jobs have to go to Woodbridge residents. So many people who work for the town now don't live here. We can't keep paying for people who take our money and benefits but who don't think enough of Woodbridge to actually live here."