BY JENNIFER DOME
Staff Writer
BRICK — Township Councilman Gregory Kavanagh announced last week that he will not run for re-election this November.
In a March 16 press release from Mayor Joseph Scarpelli’s office, Kavanagh said he has decided against seeking the Democratic Party’s nomination for this year’s Township Council election. He said he wants to devote more time to pursuing a private electrical business opportunity.
“It has been a great privilege to serve the people of Brick Township as a councilman for eight years,” Kavanagh said. “However, I have been presented with a wonderful opportunity to pursue my professional goals. This new venture will require my undivided attention, which is why I have decided not to seek my party’s nomination.”
Kavanagh was elected to serve on
the council in November 1997 and won his re-election bid in 2001. During six of his eight years on the council, Kavanagh chaired the Public Safety Committee.
“Throughout my time on the council, the safety of Brick Township’s residents has been a top priority of mine and my colleagues. I have always considered protecting the people, job No. 1,” Kavanagh said.
“Greg and I have been friends for a long time,” Mayor Joseph Scarpelli said during a phone interview Friday. “He’ll be missed, but I wish him the best.”
The township Democratic Municipal Committee issued a press release earlier this month stating that the selection process for November’s election has begun. Along with Kavanagh’s seat, council members Fred Underwood and Kathy Russell are also up for re-election this year, as is Scarpelli’s mayoral seat.
In the press release, dated March 1, the Democratic Municipal Chairman Michael Blandina and Brick Democratic Club President Harvey Langer said they would announce the party’s slate of candidates in a few weeks.
The Republican Club announced earlier this year that Councilman Stephen Acropolis will have their support for the mayor’s seat. The Republican council candidates are Dan Toth, Domenick Brando and Joseph Sangiovanni.