named to seek seat on Township Committee
Republican candidate
named to seek seat on Township Committee
By dave benjamin
Staff Writer
MANALAPAN — A newcomer to politics will mount a challenge to a Township Committee member in the June 3 Demo-cratic party.
The winner of the June 3 primary will become the Democratic nominee for the governing body in the November general election. The only term at stake in November will be for three years.
Committeeman Drew Shapiro, 43, who is serving as mayor in 2003, said he will seek re-election to a second term. He is the vice president of Vintage Creations. Shapiro said he is being endorsed by the Manalapan Democratic Club Committee and his fellow Township Committee members Rebecca Aaronson and Beth Ward.
Challenging Shapiro will be Michael Bain, 28, who is seeking political office for the first time. Bain is being endorsed by Manalapan Democratic County Commit-tee Chairman Raymond Raya.
The Manalapan Republican Club has announced the endorsement of Joseph Locricchio as its candidate for Township Committee.
"Joe is an energetic newcomer to Manalapan politics who is unsatisfied with the status quo in the township’s government," said Rebecca Ginsberg, vice president of the Manalapan Republican Club. "The Manalapan Republican Club believes that Joe is determined to develop innovative ways to keep our taxes down, shrink the budget and fix the road congestion in our town."
The candidate is also endorsed by Alan E. Ginsberg, Manalapan Republican municipal chairman.
Locricchio, 38, a local businessman who sells, services and installs in-ground swimming pools, is married and has two children attending the Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District.
The deadline for candidates to file a petition to run for office was Monday.
Shapiro has been a member of the committee since Jan. 1, 2001. He previously served on the Planning Board, where he was chairman for two of his 11 years, and the Zoning Board of Adjustment. He has served as a recreation commissioner and has coached youth soccer for 11 years.
"I’ve been aware for the last week of who is running against me," said Shapiro. "I’m sure he is a nice person. I only hope he is running for the right reasons and not being influenced by other people."
Bain, who is self-employed, said, "I grew up in the town and I read the papers. I’ve been reading what’s going on and there were things that were putting a pretty bad taste in my mouth. I’m proud of Manalapan and I thought I could get involved and help.
"I don’t have any political experience," said Bain, "but I am self-employed. I’ve had my own business since I was 20 and the skills I’ve learned in my business, I think I can apply to running the town."
Bain said he was a volunteer coach for recreation basketball for about three years.
"I grew up in the town," said the candidate. "I’m a product of Manalapan schools. I’ve seen the changes in the town and I’m looking to get involved, just to help. I have no political interest, I have no experience in politics, Based on my interest and business knowledge, I think I can do good things for the town."
The candidate said he is concerned with issues which include township growth, taxes and quality of life.