Atlantic Highlands Candidate (s)
In their first official notice of who they are and what they stand for, the Atlantic Highlands Republicans formally announced the trio they anticipate will win election in November to be the new Mayor and council members in the borough.
Jim Murphy, currently serving his second term on the borough council and a third generation Atlantic Highlands resident. Is seeking the mayoral candidate for the first time and is joined by Ellen O’Dwyer and Vinnie “Coach” Whitehead, seeking seats for the three-year terms on Council.
The official press release formally introducing the team includes background on each of the candidates that highlights their active participation in all phases of community efforts.
Murphy’s history of serving the community dates to his earlier years leading a high-school youth group for Our Lady of Perpetual Help St Agnes Parish. His life is richly steeped in service to the Atlantic Highlands Community in many capacities, including serving as Council President, Police Commissioner, and Chair of the Department of Public Works for most of his tenure on Council.
The mayoral candidate also served on the Planning Board, OEM, (Office of Emergency Management) and Open Space committees. Once elected Mayor, Murphy vows to lead, listen and embrace citizens, and most importantly include them in the due process of his mayoral role.
First and foremost, the press release continues, he represents the “voice of the community” for the Town Council. Murphy believes “Transparent leadership” is key to the successful future of Atlantic Highlands.
Ellen O’Dwyer is an active member of the Atlantic Highlands community. The council candidate earned her MBA in marketing from Seton Hall and an undergraduate degree from Rider University where she honed her skills and today remains a highly regarded and recognized leader in the field of Biological Sciences.
Following her formal education, Ellen served as Captain in the US Army Medical Service Corps. Today, she is passionate about Atlantic Highlands, its government, environment and future. Currently serving as Captain of the Atlantic Highlands Sustainable Green Team and in prior roles as a member of the Environmental and Shade Tree Commissions, O’Dwyer has led a number of successful Green initiatives for the town, including a Sustainable Jersey certification. The candidate is highly passionate and committed to the future of the borough, and knows her abilities as a successful businessperson, hands-on volunteer, community ambassador and environmental steward will further that commitment.
Once elected to Town Council, O’Dwyer’ s expertise and skill set will have a continued positive impact across the community.
Vinnie “Coach” Whitehead is most recognized for his beloved role within the Atlantic Highlands community as an educator and coach at Henry Hudson Regional High School for 44 years. Coach’s multi-generational relationships, proven mentoring, and leadership amongst adults, parents and children provide him with the knowledge, strength and skill set to navigate the role as a town council member.
A listener, a calming force, and a mentor who leads by example. Candidate Whitehead is committed to “building into other people’s lives, especially young people, the values needed to be productive citizens in society.
Through his enduring commitment to serve, once elected to council, Whitehead will bring with him his lifelong history of guidance, leadership, preparedness and faith.
“Our three Republican candidates are standing, strong in their commitment to unify ALL ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS CITIZENS, the GOP membership pointed out .
Our Atlantic Highlands Strong team has four core principles, the release pointed out: FAMILY, INFRASTRUCTURE, SAFETY, and EDUCATION, otherwise known as the F.I.S.E. Initiative TM.
“With so many proposed community altering decisions that are on the table and anticipated in our future, the F.I.S.E. Initiative TM. places these four values at the forefront of all the candidates’ decisions. In so doing, every issue, challenge and decision can be evaluated for its impact on the community, its people, commerce, and ecosystem.”
“Jim, Vinnie and Ellen agree that it is the RIGHT of our citizens to learn about and be notified of proposed changes, ordinances, and community legislation while in process, not after the decisions have been made, “the press release continues. “We are 100% aligned that it is a pivotal time in the future of our community. We believe our town is crying out for fresh and non-partisan leadership to lift up our community and listen to the voices of our citizens while navigating the future of Atlantic Highlands. We are excited to share more about our initiatives and pledge to the Atlantic Highlands community.
Beginning July 15, interested persons will be able to visit www.ahstrong.org and learn more about upcoming events, fundraisers, town halls, and opportunities to meet with the candidates. All are invited to reach out via email to Smkayata@gmail.com and learn more about how individuals and neighbors can partner with the Republican AH Strong team by volunteering, donating, or sharing thoughts and ideas. In that way, the press release concluded, “we can truly become AH Strong and unify our Atlantic Highlands citizens today. For information please contact: Susan Kayata at smkayata@gmail.com
“…listen to the voices of our citizens while navigating the future of Atlantic Highlands”.
What they aren’t reminding you about is that the current Mayor of this same party wants to impose speaking-time limits on the public in attendance at Council meetings, her third attempt to due so in 3.5 years.
How can they “listen to the voices” of the citizens if this same party is looking to impose on the citizens that care enough to attend meetings about THEIR town: “sit down and be quiet…your time is up, so won’t hear what you have to say!”?
THAT is speaking out of both sides of their mouths.
That is limiting every Atlantic Highlander’s right to freedom of expression. It is also viewpoint discrimination, which is unconstitutional.