Lacey Township Committee Election 2025: Peter Curatolo

LACEY, NJ — Election Day is Nov. 4, and voters will have their say on New Jersey's next governor. But in Lacey, residents will also vote on local, school board and county elections.

Ahead of the 2025 election, Patch will be publishing profiles on local candidates. Here's what Peter Curatolo had to say.

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. 4 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: Peter A. Curatolo
Age: 57
Education: A.S., BA Criminal Justice, Master of Arts in Education
Occupation: Mayor of Lacey Township and Coordinator of Community Health Services at the Ocean County Health Department.
Government experience: 30 years combined in the Municipal, County and State level.
Family: Wife, Eleanor, Nurse Practitioner, Daughter, Eleanor who is a junior at Monmouth University.
What drove you to seek public office?

I have a genuine drive to help people not only as our Mayor but as a 19-year veteran of PublicHealth.

What sets you apart from other candidates?

This is no place for on-the-job training. There is no other candidate in the race with the amount of time in every level of government that I have. I know how it works and I know how to make it efficient. The trust I have built with all other elected officials enables me pick up the phone and call for advocacy for our residents. That is a trust with my colleagues at the State level that was built over time that I have and others don't. When it comes to Township planning, budgets and any crisis that may arise such as the Jones Road Fire, it is a value-add to our residents that our State officials and, our Congressmen are there when I call.

What is the most pressing issue facing Lacey?

Your home is the most valuable asset you own. I vowed to keep those values at historic highs and in 2025 since I assumed the office of Mayor, that is the case. To answer directly, I see Holtec as a strategic partner in our Lacey economy moving forward. Since 1969, history tells us that when that location thrives, we in Lacey Township fare well so it is in our best interest for that location to continue as a rate payer and a driver of economic activity that reverberates throughout the region.

If elected, what will your top priority be?

As an Mayor, my eye is always on cost. I think about the single mom at the supermarket with four kids trying to afford groceries. My mom was that mom and that is not lost on me. At budget time, I am very deliberate and precise. I demand accountability and our department heads apply for grants andbthat reduces the tax cost to residents. My top priorities have always been public safety, budgeting, the tax levy and efficiency. I know how to do it. I have done it, and I want to continue to do it.

What is your favorite thing about living in Lacey?

The people. When there is a kid with cancer, we all come out of the woodwork to help. When we have a festival, parade or the 4th of July fireworks, it seems like the entire town is there. Our police who not only protect us but have a presence in our schools with our kids and how about our perfect parks! In summary we celebrate our wins. We comfort those who need comfort and we are a strong people here in Lacey. That is why I love it here and that is why I want to continue to stand strong and advocate for all of us.