FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP – Two Democrats and two Republicans have announced their intention to seek a pair of three-year terms on the Township Committee in Freehold Township this year.
Democrats Jenan Agnihotri and Jennie Jeanette Mistretta will seek the seats that are currently held by Republicans Anthony Ammiano and Thomas Cook. Ammiano and Cook are seeking re-election. Agnihotri and Mistretta are profiled in a separate article.
Amminao, who is serving as mayor this year, has been a member of the governing body since 2001. He is the Chief Financial Officer/treasurer for DelSano Contracting Corporation, Union.
“I am seeking re-election to continue the work our Township Committee has done over my 18 years in making Freehold Township a premier community in Monmouth County,” Ammiano said. “To name some items that require continuity, I would like to continue to serve as a member of the Board of Heath and assist with the township expanding its reach within the county to perform health services for other communities.
“In my duties as parks and recreation liaison, we are planning another playground in our parks, targeted to children of all abilities, so all kids have a place to safely play,” he said. “I also would like to continue as a Planning Board member, as the shape and character of our community is reviewed with every application that comes before the board. Finally, as Finance Committee chairman, keeping our budget stable and our taxes low are a continuing battle I am pleased to fight for our residents.”
Cook, who is serving as deputy mayor this year, has been a member of the committee since 2013. He is the reprographics director for an international law firm in New York City and previously spent 12 years in the aerospace field.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my six years on the Township Committee and I am very proud of what we have accomplished over that time,” Cook said. “Our tax levy is more than $1.3 million under the state tax levy cap, and our municipal taxes are some of the lowest in the county. I am running for re-election to see through some of the plans we have put in place, and to continue to serve the people of Freehold Township.
“I am also committed to working closely with our Board of Education on the many shared responsibilities both our governing bodies are faced with, in an effort to find a unified approach to township-wide solutions,” he said. “Being a third generation resident of Freehold Township, my sense of duty to keeping this community safe and beautiful is very personal to me and I welcome voter support in allowing me to continue.”
Republicans hold all five seats on the Township Committee.