HOWELL – A trio of newcomers will represent the Howell Democrats in the June 5 primary election as they seek to be confirmed as the Democratic Party nominees to run for three four-year terms on the Township Council in the November general election.
John Bonevich, Kristal Dias and Paul Dorato will not face a primary challenge. They filed nominating petitions at the April 2 deadline and are expected to be confirmed as their party’s nominees for seats on the governing body.
Bonevich, Dias and Dorato said they want to support Democratic Mayor Theresa Berger in her efforts to make Howell a productive and sustainable community for business owners and for families.
Bonevich is a marketing and technology professional specializing in geolocation
advertising and event coordination. He has been a resident of Howell for 24 years and owns two businesses in Monmouth County. He resides in the township with his wife and three young children.
Democrats said Bonevich has been an active member of the community, “where he has worked to change the current council stronghold that has been rubber-stamping approvals for overdevelopment” in the township.
Bonevich said he believes Howell has been ruled by one party for too long, which he said has been hindering progress and discounting the concerns and interests of many residents. He said he would focus on providing balance to all decision making in the best interests of Howell and its residents.
Dias is a lifelong resident of Monmouth County and has resided in Howell with her three children for 12 years. She is employed at Ocean Health Initiatives as the senior executive assistant to the chief executive officer. Ocean Health Initiatives is a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center. The CEO of the organization is Berger, the mayor of Howell.
The Howell Democrats said Dias is an active volunteer, having served as a Confraternity of Christian Doctrine teacher, chair of an elementary school arts program and Girl Scout leader.
Dias said that as a member of the council, she would work in the best interests of residents with a focus on ensuring informed, sound, fair and just decisions.
Dorato is the president of a packaging company. He has been a resident of Howell since 2005 and resides in the township with his wife and three children.
The Howell Democrats said Dorato and his family are active in the community, where he is a coach with the Howell Soccer Club and the Pinelanders Youth Soccer Club. He has served on the Toscana Homeowners Association for two separate terms.
Dorato said that as a member of the council, he would focus on fiscal responsibility and creating value for residents.
Bonevich, Dias and Dorato are expected to face Republicans Bob Walsh, Pamela J. Richmond and Thomas Russo in November. Walsh is a current member of the council. Republican council members Robert Nicastro and Pauline Smith are not running for re-election.
