EATONTOWN – Republican candidates James Corcoran and Vito Paolantonio Jr. are two of seven candidates who seek to fill two open seats on the Eatontown Borough Council.
The winners in the Nov. 6 election will serve three-year terms beginning in January.
In addition to Corcoran and Paolantonio, the candidates are Democrats Jasmine Story and Lisa Murphy; and independent candidates Christine Caruso, who is running under the One Eatontown banner, Virginia East and Ralph Anderson.
This article features the Republican candidates. See separate article for the independent candidates. The Democrats have not responded to a request for information.
Asked why he is running for office, Corcoran said, “I have been a resident with my wife, Hope, and son, Timmy, since 1999. We chose to move to Eatontown due to the lifestyle the town offered, nice homes, friendly people, a thriving business community and proximity to all modes of transportation.
“Much has changed since 1999. While change can be good, our current local representatives have lost sight of moving Eatontown forward during this period. I believe I can bring fresh eyes to revitalize the borough through communication with residents and the business community. I also believe my financial background will be a positive attribute in balancing the costs of future opportunities to grow our community,” he said.
Asked what he would like to accomplish as a member of the governing body, Corcoran said, “Upon election, I will undertake a comprehensive view of the borough’s budget to search of potential cost savings areas such as shared services, the elimination of redundancy and the elimination of wasteful spending, which has become rampant under the existing council.
“Further, I want to be deeply involved with the business community to listen and address borough issues to assist them in prospering. A solid business community directly translates into major benefits to the residents,” he said.
Corcoran, who is the director of revenue requirements at New Jersey Natural Gas, is a current member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Asked why he is running for council, Paolantonio said, “I was born and raised in Monmouth County. I have been a resident of Eatontown for 23 years, currently residing here with my wife, Debbie, and sons, V.J. and Joe. This will be my first time running for a seat on the council, I have run for the Board of Education in the past.
“I have decided to run because I want to be a part of making Eatontown the crown jewel of Monmouth County as far as places to live. We are so centrally located with a great mixture or business and residential interests. I believe there is a lot of growing Eatontown can still accomplish – the development of Fort Monmouth properties as an example – and I would love to be a voice of the people as this happens,” he said.
“Upon being elected, I would first strive to be the voice of the common residents. I would look at the expenditures of the current administration and see where we can save costs, whether it be by stopping frivolous spending by our current slate of elected officers, looking into savings such as shared services with other towns, or helping stop the exodus of businesses in our community. I want to see the council work as one, but with checks and balances that will keep excess and waste to a minimum, if not eliminated,” Paolantonio said.
Paolantonio is a service adviser at Tom’s Ford in Keyport.