Election 2024: Stafford Township Council Candidate Erik Tramontana

STAFFORD, NJ — The 2024 general election will likely be a high-turnout year with a presidential race on the ballot, along with candidates for New Jersey's U.S. House and Senate seats. But there will also be local decisions to be made in Stafford Township, with municipal elections on the ballot.

The Stafford Township Council has six seats up for election. Ahead of Election Day on Nov. 5, Patch sent questionnaires to all candidates seeking their responses. Here is the response from Democratic candidate Erik Tramontana.

Editor's Note: Patch sent out emails to all candidates to the email addresses listed for their campaign provided to the office of the clerk. The responses received will be published between now and the Nov. 5 general election. These responses will be published edited only for style. Candidates who would like to participate but did not receive one (for whatever reason) can contact veronica.flesher@patch.com.

Name: Erik Tramontana
Age: 47
Town of residence: Stafford (Ocean Acres)
Occupation: Teacher

What drove you to seek public office?

I am running for council because I want to do everything I can to help keep Stafford a great place to live. My wife is from North Jersey, I grew up in Stafford, and I am now raising my own kids here. After looking in other towns, we knew that Stafford was the right place for us to start our family. I want to ensure that other families have the same opportunities we have had, when deciding to live here.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

Having grown up here, I remember when Route 72 had the old drive-in and a McDonald's, and that was pretty much it. I still have a button from the grand opening of the new Shop-Rite in 1988! It’s amazing to see how our town has grown over the years, but we still maintain a tranquil and safe place for all of our residents to call home.

What is the most pressing issue facing Stafford?/How do you plan to keep taxes low while still maintaining services for Stafford?

To keep taxes low and services strong, we need to reduce spending and curb excessive borrowing, so that taxpayers won't be stuck with massive debt that needs to be paid off. We need to be fiscally responsible today, in order to avoid being stuck with the bill tomorrow.

In your opinion, what is the best part of living in Stafford?

We have a beautiful town, with great natural resources and friendly people. I am proud to call Stafford home, and hope my kids will feel the same way when they are grown.