Howell Council Election 2024: Rebecca Scott

HOWELL, NJ — Patch is again publishing profiles of local candidates in the 2024 election, set for Tuesday, Nov. 5.

In Howell Township, the mayor and one council seat are up for election.

There are two candidates seeking to succeed Theresa Berger as mayor. John Leggio is the Republican candidate running on the No Strings Attached slogan, after winning a three-way primary in June. John Hughes is the Democratic candidate.

There is one seat open on the Township Council. Incumbent Evelyn Malsbury O'Donnell, a Republican, is seeking re-election to the four-year seat. Rebecca Scott is the Democratic candidate, and Betty Lou Velez-Gimbel, running on the Vision With Action slogan, is an independent.

The candidates received the same questions. Here is the response from Rebecca Scott.

Name: Rebecca Scott

Age: 38

Family: Wife and mother of 3

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Georgian Court University

Occupation: Private Equity Accountant

Any previous elected office or appointments in local government? No.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for. None.

Why are you running for office? I decided to run for office because of the many issues Howell residents are facing. The overdevelopment in residential areas, businesses leaving town and a lack of confidence in our current representation. We also have a lack of affordable houses in Howell, which makes it difficult for families like my own to stay in Howell. I'm involved in our community through various organizations and want to continue to give back to the community. I have children that are growing up in this community, I want to keep it a great community with amazing schools and people.

What do you see as the biggest issue facing Howell Township right now and how would you address it?

I think the biggest issue Howell Township is facing right now is the overdevelopment and use of open spaces being purchased for warehouses. We need to re-evaluate our zoning/planning board appointments, so we are not building a warehouse in the middle of a residential neighborhood. Our roads were not designed to support the weight or use by trucks and construction vehicles.

Name one thing about Howell Township that always makes you smile.

I love attending the Howell Township Farmers Markets on Sundays at Echo Park. I love seeing different vendors and farmers that grow different veggies and flowers etc.