By Matthew Sockol
Staff Writer
SAYREVILLE – Two Democrats and two Republicans have announced their intention to seek a pair of three-year terms on the Borough Council in Sayreville this year.
Republicans Paul Campagna and David Pawski will seek the seats that are currently held by Democrats Victoria Kilpatrick and Mary Novak. Kilpatrick and Novak will seek re-election in the November general election.
Campagna is making his first bid for public office. According to his campaign profile, he works in the video game entertainment industry and has held positions such as information technology manager and director of technology, currently serving as director of production and development.
“I believe that I possess a unique skill set in both information technology and software development and feel that my experience would be beneficial to the town of Sayreville,” Campagna said in his profile. “In service to my neighborhood and community as a whole, I also serve as chairman of the Main Street By-Pass Advisory Committee where we work tirelessly to voice concerns and provide feedback to the governing body.”
According to the Democrats’ campaign page, Kilpatrick is a sixth grade teacher at Sayreville Middle School. She joined the council in 2015.
“[Kilpatrick] is committed to providing our children a great public school education,” the page reads. “As a leader in the Sayreville Education Association, [Kilpatrick] also knows that our children can only receive a great public school education through teamwork between educators, parents and the mayor and council.
“[Kilpatrick’s] family goes back three generations in Sayreville and now she and her husband are raising their kids right here, because they know what a special place we live in,” the page reads.
Novak is a past president and life member of the Sayreville Emergency Squad, according to the campaign page. She first served on the council from 1995 to 2000, then rejoined the council in 2012.
“[Novak] has used that knowledge [on the Sayreville Emergency Squad] to advocate for safety improvements in Sayreville,” the page reads. “[Novak] championed the approval of a redevelopment plan for the old Club Bene nightclub site, which will transform an area that has become a blight into a benefit for taxpayers. She also brought energy choice to Sayreville, giving residents a chance to save an average of 10 percent on energy costs.”
Pawski is making his first bid for the Borough Council. He is currently a sheriff’s officer with Middlesex County and previously served in the United States Army National Guard, according to his campaign profile. In 2016, he ran for Middlesex County Sheriff.
“I feel that my experience can bring many positives to our town,” Pawski said in his profile. “I am a natural leader, one that believes in accountability with a true foundation of strength, effectiveness and trust.”
Independents have until June 6 to file for the November election.