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Freehold Borough Council {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

Freehold Borough Council - Full Term - Vote for TwoFreehold is governed under the borough form of New Jersey municipal government. The governing body is comprised of the mayor and the borough council, with all positions elected at-large on a partisan basis as part of the November general election.A mayor is elected directly by the voters to a four-year term of office. The borough council is comprised of six members elected to serve three-year terms on a staggered basis, with two seats coming up for election each year in a three-year cycle.[7] The borough form of government used by Freehold is a weak mayor / strong council government in which council members act as the legislative body, with the mayor presiding at meetings and voting only in the event of a tie. The mayor can veto ordinances subject to an override by a two-thirds majority vote of the council. The mayor makes committee and liaison assignments for council members, and most appointments are made by the mayor with the advice and consent of the council.

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    Richard "Ricky" Gartz
    (Rep)

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    Autumn Nonnenmacher
    (Rep)

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    Adam Reich
    (Dem)

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    Margaret Rogers
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

What is a major challenge facing the community, and how would you address this challenge if elected?

How has your personal and professional experience prepared you to serve in the municipal government?

What policies, if any, will you to pursue to help mitigate the effects of climate change and preserve environmental quality in the community?

How would you address the issue of affordable housing in the community if elected?

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Slogan New Voices, New Choices
Education BA History and BA Elementary Education New Jersey City University
Employment Calvary Christian School
For years, redevelopment projects have been promised but not delivered, while taxpayers are already paying interest on bonds for projects that haven’t broken ground. At the same time, rising rents, absentee landlords, and increasing property taxes are straining families who have called Freehold home for generations.
My personal and professional experiences have prepared me to serve Freehold Borough with both dedication and accountability. As a 5th grade teacher, I work every day to set high expectations, create structure, and support children and families through challenges—skills that translate directly into serving an entire community. Teaching has taught me how to listen, mediate differing perspectives, and find solutions that benefit the whole group.

In addition, my role as a community emergency response member has given me first-hand experience in public safety, organization, and crisis management—critical areas for any municipality. I know what it means to be calm under pressure and to put the well-being of residents first.

Finally, as someone raising my family here, I bring the perspective of a resident who is directly impacted by every council decision, from taxes to redevelopment to public services. My professional background, community involvement, and personal investment in Freehold make me ready to lead with transparency, common sense, and care for our town’s future.
Climate change may feel like a global issue, but its effects are felt right here in Freehold Borough—whether it’s heavier flooding after storms, hotter summers affecting seniors and children, or the pressure redevelopment puts on green space. Preserving our environment is also about preserving our quality of life.

If elected, I would pursue policies that are realistic, local, and effective, such as: • Improving stormwater management to reduce flooding in our neighborhoods and protect property. • Expanding tree planting and green space preservation, which lowers temperatures, improves air quality, and makes our town more walkable. • Encouraging energy efficiency in redevelopment projects, so taxpayers aren’t left with outdated, costly infrastructure. • Exploring shared clean energy opportunities (like solar co-ops on municipal buildings) that reduce utility costs for residents while cutting emissions. • Promoting walkability and safe bike access, reducing car dependence while connecting neighborhoods.

These are practical, community-level steps that protect our town today while contributing to a healthier future for the next generation of Freehold families.
Affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges we face as a community. Rising rents, absentee landlords, and poorly managed redevelopment have made it harder for families and seniors to stay in the Borough. Too often, decisions are made reactively instead of with long-term planning, and residents are left to deal with the consequences.

If elected, I would address affordable housing by: • Protecting the character of our neighborhoods by enforcing property maintenance codes and addressing quality-of-life issues tied to overcrowding. • Prioritizing redevelopment that serves residents first, focusing on projects that create mixed-income housing while reducing the financial burden on taxpayers. • Working with county and state partners to bring in funding and programs that support both renters and first-time homebuyers. • Promoting homeownership opportunities that allow families to build equity and stay rooted in Freehold.

Freehold deserves housing solutions that are fair, responsible, and sustainable—not quick fixes that increase density without addressing affordability or quality of life.
Slogan Leadership | Vision | Commitment
Education Syracuse University - Bachelors of Architecture
Employment Zimbler Architecture, LLC.
A major challenge facing our community is managing budget constraints while still meeting essential needs like public safety, infrastructure, and municipal services. If re-elected, I would continue to prioritize transparency and efficiency in budgeting, ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. I’d work closely with our administrative departments to identify cost-saving measures, use our grant writing team to pursue state and federal grants, and engage the community in setting clear spending priorities. Responsible financial planning is key to maintaining services without overburdening residents.
Being a lifelong resident of Freehold Borough has given me a deep understanding of our community’s values, challenges, and potential. Having previously served on the local school board and the planning and zoning board, as well as my previous two terms as a councilmember, that time has provided me with hands-on experience in decision-making, budgeting, and long-term planning. These roles have taught me how to listen, collaborate, and lead with accountability—skills that are essential for effective municipal government. I'm committed to using my experience to serve our community with transparency and dedication.
To help mitigate the effects of climate change and preserve our community’s environmental quality, I would advocate for expanding the use of renewable energy and supporting green technologies. This includes investing in solar infrastructure on public buildings, offering incentives for energy-efficient upgrades, and promoting sustainable transportation options. By embracing clean energy and innovation, we can reduce our carbon footprint, lower utility costs, and build a healthier, more resilient community for future generations.
To address the issue of affordable housing, I would continue to support a balanced approach that includes both smart redevelopment of underused properties and incentivizing new development. By updating zoning policies and partnering with responsible developers, we can create more mixed-income housing options without displacing current residents. Redeveloping vacant or blighted areas also allows us to revitalize neighborhoods while increasing the affordable housing supply. The goal is to make our community more livable and accessible for everyone.
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