By Peter Elacqua
Staff Writer
HOWELL – Two positions in Howell’s municipal government will be on the ballot on Election Day, Nov. 8.
Democrat Theresa Berger and Republican Daniel Cardellichio are running for a four-year term as mayor.
Democrat Joseph Montella and Republican Evelyn O’Donnell are running for a four-year term on the Township Council.
Mayor William Gotto and Councilman Ed Guz are not seeking re-election.
An independent candidate who was running for mayor, Patience Nolan, recently announced through social media that for personal reasons, she is no longer seeking the position. Nolan’s name will appear on the ballot.
Berger has lived in Howell for more than 20 years with her husband, Eric, and her two sons. She is the president and CEO of Ocean Health Initiatives Inc.
“Howell is rich in family history and culture. It is in close proximity to major cities and the Jersey Shore, allowing one to experience multiple amenities,” Berger said. “We need to fix and maintain our roads, stabilize taxes, minimize unnecessary over-development, and develop our town in ways that allow residents to live in a more inspiring and verdant environment.”
Cardellichio moved to Howell 15 years ago with his wife and they are the parents of an 8-year-old son. He has served as vice chairman of the Zoning Board of Adjustment for the past three years. Cardellichio has been a chiropractor for 25 years and is a clinical nutritionist.
“Running for mayor was the next logical step for me. My love for Howell, being community oriented and with my business experience, I am well prepared to take on the position. I believe public servants should be informed about the issues of the town they want to serve. The only way to become informed is to be involved.
“I want to continue to protect the quality of life in Howell,” he said. “I want to continue to protect Howell families against high taxes. Currently, municipal taxes are stabilized and Evelyn (O’Donnell) and I will continue with that trend. There have been clean, diverse ratables brought in to help stabilize taxes and Evelyn and I will continue with that. Over-development is an issue and Evelyn and I will protect the rural character of Howell and prevent over-development.
“I want to continue to promote investments in public safety. Recently, seven police officers were hired. This was done with less than $5 in taxes per household … as a result of ratables. Evelyn and I … will work for all residents … we are problem solvers. We like helping people live better lives and being part of something bigger than ourselves. We enjoy working as a team to make the community better and we will work tirelessly for all of Howell,” Cardellichio said.
Montella is a graduate of Howell High School and a 28-year-resident of the community. He is married and has a son in the Howell school system. Montella is a union electrician and coaches youth basketball and baseball.
“Howell was always great to me … I have made lifelong friends growing up here. When I tell people that I still hang out with the same people I have known since the day I moved here, people are always surprised.
“As a homeowner now, one thing that I along with most of the people in town have an issue with is the high taxes we pay with very little in return. Another issue is the constant push to develop any open space we have. Those two things go hand and hand. If we slow down the over-development, hopefully we can also stabilize taxes.
“I also feel the lack of a township recreation program is hurting the youth of the town. We are growing by leaps and bounds and we need to instill programs for the children. Hopefully, if elected, we will be able to fix these issues, among others, that are currently plaguing this town I love so much. Hopefully we can make a positive change in Howell and be the new voice residents need,” Montella said.
O’Donnell is a long-time resident of Howell who went through the township’s school system. She is married and has two sons. O’Donnell currently serves on the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
She has been a PTA president, she served nine years on the Howell K-8 School District Board of Education, and she served on the Howell Economic Development Committee, the Howell Environmental Commission and the Finance Committee.
“My vision for Howell includes a continuation of keeping Howell clean and green,” O’Donnell said. “Preservation of land will be enjoyed for many years to come by many generations. Keeping our municipal taxes low while maintaining safety and services are a key element in our community.
“The 17 cents of each tax dollar that is collected to run the municipality must be carefully spent for the common good of our town. The remainder of every tax dollar that is collected is not spent by the municipality, but is spent by Monmouth County, two school districts and a fire district.
“I will properly plan growth to ensure that building in our town will not create over-development. As a councilwoman, I will work fairly and with honesty. I believe Howell is our home and I will keep it that way,” she said.