FREEHOLD – Two three-year terms on the Borough Council and the four-year mayor’s term will be on the ballot in Freehold Borough on Election Day, Nov. 5.
Democrat Nolan Higgins, who has served as mayor since 2012, is not seeking re-election. His term will end on Dec. 31.
The council terms of Democrats Kevin Kane and Margaret Rogers will expire on Dec. 31. Kane will be seeking the office of mayor. Rogers and Adam Reich will be the Democratic candidates for council.
Republican Marianne Earle is running for mayor. Seeking council seats on the GOP ticket are Lori Annetta and Michael Lichardi. The Republicans are profiled in a separate article.
Kane is the director of community development in Marlboro. He has been a member of the Borough Council since 2001 and is serving as council president for 2019.
“I have had the honor of serving on the council and working to bring positive change and growth for Freehold,” Kane said. “I believe I can better contribute to the continued progress of our community as mayor.
“In that role, I will work with my council colleagues to move forward with the initiatives started by Mayor Nolan Higgins, including the Transit Village designation, a downtown crosswalk, updating the vision plan, increased government transparency and public participation.
“Being a lifelong resident, a 15-year volunteer member of the fire department and a travel coach and board member of the Freehold Soccer League, I understand the value of being part of an engaged community,” he continued.
“My vast experience in municipal government, coupled with my recent completion of the Master of Public Administration degree at the Rutgers University Graduate School, has allowed me to develop the knowledge, communication and leadership skills necessary to become mayor.
“The complexities of today’s municipal government requirements demand the experience and education I can provide. I have the vision to blend our rich history with the modern innovation necessary to move Freehold Borough forward.
“I look forward to speaking with residents and enhancing civic engagement to bring everyone’s best ideas forward to champion the vision for the future of ‘Our Hometown,’ ” Kane said.
Reich is the project coordinator and architect at Zimbler Architecture, LLC, Freehold Borough. He is running for council for the first time.
As a volunteer, Reich is a member of the Planning Board. He has served on the board since 2009 and has served as chairman since 2016.
Reich served on the Freehold Borough K-8 School District Board of Education from 2004-11. He served as a liaison to the Freehold Borough Historic Preservation Commission from 2014-18 and as a member of the Freehold Development Committee in 2016, the Freehold Borough Educational Foundation from 2004-11, Freehold Beautiful from 1990 to 2013, and the Freehold Recreation Commission from 1990 to 2005.
“I am seeking election to the Borough Council because I was raised with a strong sense of volunteerism and a desire to give back to my community whenever possible,” Reich said. “I hope to bring to the council the same enthusiasm and commitment I have brought to my career field as an architect and as a participant with the various borough organizations and committees.
“I would like to work with our residents to increase their involvement in the same. I would also like to take an active part in the discussion of issues that concern our residents and work together with the members of council and our community in that common goal of making Freehold Borough a star on the map of New Jersey,” he said.
Rogers is a business engineer in the information technology department for International Flavors & Fragrances and has been with the company for 20 years. She was appointed to the Borough Council this year to fill a one-year unexpired term.
She served on the Freehold Borough Board of Education from 2013-18, leaving the school board upon being appointed to the council.
“I’m seeking re-election to the council because I see many ways in which I can contribute,” Rogers said. “In the three months I have served, I have already seen initiatives that have and will benefit the town, like participatory budgeting and paid parking.
“I want to continue to work with the mayor and council to find ways to keep taxes down without sacrificing the quality of life. These items are at the top, although I feel my most important role is to be a voice for those who feel they may not otherwise be heard,” she said.
Democrats hold all six council seats and the mayor’s office.
