RED BANK – An active volunteer in the borough and member of the board of education, Michael Ballard said he is “honored” to be given the thumbs up by county Democrats to run for Borough Council,
“I’m humbled and honored the [Monmouth County Democrats] selected me to fill Arthur Murphy’s giant, legendary shoes,” said Ballard.
“I’m running because Red Bank is my home,” said Ballard, who is a member of the Red Bank Public School District Board of Education.
“I want to help be a part of the decision making process to keep it a fun, safe and family friendly place to be.”
Ballard stressed the importance of working together with other council members to accomplish what is best for the borough.
“ I just want to be a candidate and a council person that listens to everybody and helps come to a decision that keeps the borough moving forward.”
As a career financial analyst, Ballard believes his skills would benefit the borough when budget season arrives.
“I work professionally for financial service companies and insurance companies. I bring a wide range of experience and knowledge, particularly on the finance side,” he said, adding that one of his goals is to keep the “tax rate as low as possible and the budget as flat as possible”.
Ballard said he enjoys serving in several volunteer positions.
“Ever since I moved into town I’ve been involved on a volunteer basis with the Parks and Recreation Committee and I put my heart and my soul into the community. I love being a community representative,” said Ballard, who also is a founding member and treasurer of the Two River Little League.
Ballard holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and an undergraduate degree in accounting. He has works as a senior financial analyst and senior accountant.
If elected to council in the Nov 3 general election, he said that he would resign from the board of education.
The Democratic county committee nominated Ballard to run in place of Murphy, who resigned his council seat on Aug 10 after serving on the council for 12 years.
“Michael Ballard has been an outspoken voice for the children and parents of Red Bank. He has been an advocate for public education in the borough” said borough council incumbent Michael DuPont, who will be Ballard’s running mate in the November election.
DuPont is seeking his fourth term on the council.
With Murphy’s seat vacant, the Democrats currently hold a 4-2 majority on council.
Ballard and DuPont will be running against Republican challengers Mark Taylor and Michael Whelan.