Race For Caldwell Town Council Heats Up: 2024 Election

CALDWELL, NJ — The race for two open seats on the Caldwell Borough Council is heating up, with four candidates on the ballot for 2024.

Barbara Ziglear Buechner and Dana Hunkele (Republican) are running against Evelyn Seijido Loesser and Steve Zisk (Democrat) in the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 5. See a sample ballot for Caldwell here.

DEMOCRAT

Seijido Loesser and Zisk are running on the Democratic Party ticket. Learn more about their campaign platform here.

Their plans if elected include:

• Enhancing Communication with Residents - Committing to open forums and digital engagement for improved transparency
• Thoughtful Planning and Development - Focusing on community-centric infrastructure and policies
• Supporting Families and Children - Strengthening programs that provide education, health, and wellness resources
• Public Safety Initiatives - Investing in the needs of local emergency services and safety workshops
• Environmental Sustainability - Advocating for effective environmental planning and preserving greenspaces

“I want to advocate for families, residents of all ages, and champion businesses and town projects that enhance our quality of life,” Seijido Loesser said. “Our campaign is built on the principles of open communication, thoughtful planning, economic development and strong community support. We believe that every voice matters.”

“Together we can move Caldwell forward,” Zisk agreed. “Our vision for Caldwell encompasses improving vital services, supporting renters and enhancing the well-being of families. We seek to support our police, firefighters and emergency responders while revamping our downtown area to ensure its continued success.”

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REPUBLICAN

Buechner and Hunkele are running on the Republican ticket. Learn more about their campaign platform here.

Buechner currently serves on the council. Hunkele is the former Jefferson School Home School Association president.

Their campaign platform includes “financially responsible decision-making, smart rehabilitation and rebuilding of our infrastructure, retention of our small-town feel, and continued improvement of neighborly relations within our community.”

The candidates are also pledging:

• Fiscal Stewardship – “We've made strides fixing the mess left to us by previous administrations. We remain committed to spend your tax dollars efficiently and wisely.”
• Smart Redevelopment– “We must redevelop and reinvigorate our downtown – we should improve retail spaces and attract high-end retail businesses while preserving our small-town feel.”

“Things are moving in the right direction for Caldwell,” Buechner said in a campaign announcement earlier this year. “We have completed and reopened the Irene Gibbons Health and Human Services building, we have settled the lawsuits related to the sewer plant, and we are on our way to a new town hall. There is still much to do – and I am committed to see that things keep moving forward.”

Hunkele said she is proud to call Caldwell home, but added that the borough is continually evolving.

“I care deeply about the Caldwell of today, but more importantly the Caldwell of tomorrow,” Hunkele said. “Whether it's leading initiatives to improve the quality of life for our children or managing large scale businesses, I have a proven track record. I have shown I get things done and I get them done right.”

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