Holmdel Township Committee 2025 Election: Brian Foster

HOLMDEL, NJ — Incumbent Brian Foster is running for re-election to the Holmdel Township Committee in the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

In November, Foster (R) will run for one of two open seats on the committee. Other candidates running include Gregory Buontempo (R) and Allan C. Roth (D).

Ahead of the General Election, Patch posed several questions to Foster about his campaign platform, experience, and what sets him apart from other candidates. His replies are below.

Editor’s Note: The following article contains information about one of the candidates running for the Holmdel Township Committee in 2025. Responses are written as received by Patch.

Patch has contacted all other candidates in this race with the same questions and will post replies as they are received.

Are you running for the Holmdel Township Committee? Contact Sara Winick at sara.winick@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Patch.

Brian Foster

Age: 51
Town of Residence: Holmdel, NJ
Education: Bachelors
Occupation: Mortgage Banker

What drove you to seek public office?
I never set out to run for public office. My family moved to Holmdel in February 2012 when our daughter Elle was born. Shortly after, I began volunteering with the local EMS squad as an ambulance driver — I spent seven years there and truly believe it’s one of the finest groups in town.

During that time, I was asked to serve as an alternate on the Planning Board. I accepted, and after a year, I was appointed to a full four-year term. While serving on the Planning Board, I was encouraged to run for the Board of Education. With four children in the school system, it felt like a meaningful way to contribute further. I ran in 2018 and won.

At the end of my term in 2021, several people approached me again — this time, asking me to run for Township Committee. I’ve always had a hard time saying no when it comes to serving this town. I ran, was elected, and now I feel we’re in the middle of real progress. There’s still work to be done, and I want to see it through.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?
Results. It’s that simple.

Election season in Holmdel has become what some call “silly season,” and as the incumbent, I’ve found myself targeted from both sides — even within my own party. But the record speaks for itself.

My opponent, Mr. Buontempo, served for 12 years but never supported the school system the way we have. His idea of helping was offering $10,000 and expecting the schools to cover all security costs. The safety of 3,000 students and their families is a townwide issue — not just a Board of Education concern.

Over the past three years, the Township has funded police presence in our schools and contributed additional support for educational programs. That’s never been done before.

It’s ironic that Mr. Buontempo claims I’ve diverted funds from the schools when the majority of the Board of Education — including the Superintendent — publicly thanked me at a recent meeting.

As for Mr. Roth, I don’t know him personally, but his campaign mailer and text messages echo Mr. Buontempo’s talking points. He’s never served Holmdel in any capacity, and that’s concerning.

Claiming I’ve made “political appointments” ignores the fact that the recent promotions were earned by employees who’ve served the town for 24 and 5 years, respectively. It’s hard to see how Mr. Roth or Mr. Buontempo plan to work collaboratively with town staff when they treat them as political targets.

While they focus on attacks, I’ll continue focusing on results.

What past accomplishments or experiences make you qualified for this position?
I've served Holmdel in multiple roles — EMS volunteer, Planning Board member, Board of Education trustee, and now as a member of the Township Committee. When I ran in 2022, I committed to focusing on three key areas:

1. Schools:

• We’ve fully funded school security — a major shift from the previous $10,000 allocation. In addition, we’ve provided financial support for various educational programs and facility improvements.

2. Public Safety:

• Earlier this year, we brought in Medstar (Monmouth County EMS) during daytime hours when volunteer staffing was low. In February, we were missing 30% of EMS calls. Since Medstar’s involvement, we haven’t missed a single call — all at no additional cost to taxpayers, as it’s already covered by the county tax portion. We’ve also fully staffed our police department.

3. Open Space Preservation:

• Holmdel’s rural character is one of its greatest assets. Over the past three years, we’ve protected the Holmdel Horn Antenna and over 35 surrounding acres that were once targeted for housing development. We also acquired 11 acres from St. Catharine’s Church, are closing on 18 acres at Potters Farm, and are actively working to preserve the 49-acre Papas Farm. Our team has refused developer donations — something my opponents cannot say.

If elected, what will be your top priorities?

• Preserving Open Space: We’ll continue to pursue every opportunity to protect land from overdevelopment.
• Strengthening Partnerships: We’ll maintain and grow our relationship with the Board of Education to support students and families.
• Saving Taxpayer Dollars: We’ve already implemented shared services this year and are positioned to expand those efforts.
• Continuing Good Governance: We’ve brought professionalism and stability back to town hall. We hired a new administrator, and our team is aligned on moving Holmdel forward. Our meetings are efficient, calm, and productive — usually under an hour, with low public complaint, which is a sign things are working.

Name one thing about Holmdel that always makes you smile.
Lately, it’s seeing my name on signs and flyers from opponents filled with misrepresentations — because I know the truth, and so do the residents. Every time one of those attacks goes out, I get messages of support from friends and neighbors, and it reminds me why I’m doing this.

I love this town. And when I put my head on the pillow at night, I smile knowing I’ve done everything I can to help keep Holmdel the incredible place it is.