MANCHESTER – Two candidates are seeking one open seat on the Township Council in November.
Incumbent Councilwoman Michele Zolezi, who was appointed to the governing body in July, is facing challenger Joe Hankins.
Hankins said, “I am 60 years old and 53 of those years I’ve spent as a Manchester resident. I am a retired Manchester Police Officer of 25 years and currently the Vice President of the New Jersey State Fireman’s Association. I am looking forward to the opportunity to serve our residents as their councilman because I believe Manchester deserves a team that will listen to their needs and work hard to improve the quality of life in our town.
“We are in need of economic development but it must be done responsibly,” he said. “We need to preserve Manchester’s rural characteristics and prevent over development while giving life to our local economy to keep property taxes low for our residents and providing amenities they want to see in our town.”
Hankins said “we’re blessed to live in a town that is a hidden gem in Ocean County. Our strengths lie in having a quiet, rural atmosphere where you can both raise a family or enjoy your golden years in retirement.”
He added that “residents deserve more outreach from their local elected officials. They want to know what’s going on at town hall and know their representatives are tuned in to what the community’s needs are. In my first year in office, I will address the communication gap and make sure our residents are heard at town hall. In addition, I will work with the governing body to attract new businesses and bolster our local economy.”
Concerning development in the township Hankins said, “Manchester needs a team who has the courage to think outside the box. Before we let another dollar store break ground, we need to fill the empty store fronts in Whiting – which my running mate and I have already begun to address by talking with the owners of those plazas and determining ways we as elected officials can help them.”
“I’ve served and protected our community for decades and that experience has built within me the skillset of a leader. As a detective of the Manchester Police Department and the Fire Chief of the Manchester Volunteer Fire Company, I’ve had to make life-saving decisions in difficult situations. My background has prepared me to serve as a member of council by giving me the ability to make the tough choices necessary for the good of the community.
Zolezi, 49, said, “I have been a life-long resident of Manchester, as my family moved here in 1978. I grew up swimming in our lakes, enjoying our parks, attending our schools, and representing Manchester with excellence. I truly believe that there is no better place to raise a family. With my two children, we have been involved in the community through clubs, sports, ceremonies, and a host of wonderful events over the years.
“By profession, I am a manager and environmental executive with a background in environmental consulting, land use, and business operations. I’ve risen to the top of organizations and businesses alike during my 25 years in the sector. Continuing to serve as councilwoman is the perfect forum to utilize my experience, knowledge, talents, and love for Manchester Township,” she added.
Zolezi said she feels the most pressing issue is taxes. “Keeping our taxes low while staving off overdevelopment is critical to maintaining Manchester Township’s affordability and character. I plan to accomplish this by working with our Economic Development Task Force to ensure smart economic growth. I will never stop finding ways to keep our taxes low while ensuring our open spaces are protected.”
“I have been serving on the Town Council since July. Prior to the council, I served on the Township Planning Board for nearly a decade and as Board Chairwoman since 2017. I have been a member of the Open Space Committee, Master Plan Committee, and Plan Endorsement Citizens Advisory Committee. I would like to continue serving on these committees to preserve our natural resources, enhance our existing open spaces and parks, and plan for growth, while preserving the character of the town. In addition, I would like to work with our Economic Development Task Force to foster opportunities and ensure smart economic growth,” the candidate said.
On the subject of bringing in new desirable businesses to the township she said, “we must maintain our quality of life in Manchester by limiting development. One of the best ways of preventing overdevelopment is by purchasing open space and large parcels for preservation. Our purchase of 25 acres along Ridgeway Road last year is just one example of our commitment, and the town is currently looking at additional options.”
Zolezi added that “we must also spur economic interest in town by attracting small businesses that create jobs and establish ratables, which equates to keeping our taxes low. Attracting businesses to Whiting and both of our commercial corridors along Route 37 and Route 70 is vital. Potential improvement projects will result in new commercial businesses opening in Manchester. Additionally, implementing our Economic Development Task Force will help foster opportunities and ensure SMART economic growth.
“For years I have been working with our community, neighbors, business owners, and our municipal government, which allows for a seamless transition to the duties of councilwoman. Professionally, I have comprehensive experience in all aspects of corporate and environmental affairs, regulatory compliance, business management, operations, budgets, contracts, and personnel,” she said. “I work collaboratively with employees, committee members, colleagues, and regulators to accomplish goals in the best interest of all parties involved, and I will continue to utilize these attributes for the betterment of Manchester.”
