Holmdel Township Committee Primary Election 2025: Prakash Santhana

HOLMDEL, NJ — This year’s Republican primary race is packed in Holmdel Township with four candidates competing for two of the party’s open spots in the race for Township Committee.

Candidate Prakash Santhana is running for one of the party’s open spots with Greg Buontempo against incumbents Brian Foster and Kimberley LaMountain.

In the town’s Democratic Primary, Allan C. Roth is running for one of two open spots for their party’s nomination.

Early voting for the Primary Election will run from June 3 through June 8. Primary Election Day is June 10.

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

Prakash Santhana

Town of Residence: Holmdel, NJ
Education: MBA Finance (The Wharton School), PhD (ABD) Mathematics (Northeastern University)
Occupation: Consultant

What drove you to seek public office?
I want to reduce the tax burden on Holmdel families and improve the way local government works for residents — especially by using smart tools like AI to deliver faster, better services.

What sets you apart from other candidates?
My background in finance and experience preventing fraud and waste for Fortune 500 companies give me the tools to bring real accountability to Holmdel’s government.

What do you see as the biggest issue Holmdel is facing, and how will you resolve it?
Our biggest challenge is the high property tax burden. I’ll soon release a detailed plan focused on smarter spending, shared services, and long-term savings to give residents relief.

What are past accomplishments or experiences that make you qualified for this position?
When I was first elected, Holmdel had nearly $16 million in high-interest short-term debt. I led the effort to refinance it at near-zero rates — saving taxpayers millions. I also helped push for the central firehouse, which improved our town’s fire rating and lowered homeowners’ insurance premiums. That was a hidden tax on all of us, and we fixed it.

If elected, what do you most hope to achieve in Holmdel?
I want to give Holmdel families real tax relief and modernize our town services. With the right use of technology, we can make government faster, more efficient, and more responsive to residents.

Name one thing about Holmdel that always makes you smile.
Our schools. They’re the heart of our community and the reason so many families choose Holmdel. That always makes me smile.