Infrastructure Repairs On Belmar Republicans’ 2023 Agenda

BELMAR, NJ - Two familiar faces and one newcomer are running for a seat on the Belmar Borough Council this year, with infrastructure repairs and improvements top of mind.

Mayor Mark Walsifer and councilmember Jim McCracken are running for reelection in 2022, the municipal clerk confirmed to Patch. Longtime Belmar resident and town hall meeting regular Katrina Clapsis is also seeking an open seat on the council.

Councilman Tom Carvelli, whose term is also up this year, will not be seeking reelection. Read more: Belmar Councilman Won't Seek Reelection

In a joint press release, all three Republican candidates cited their top 2023 goals, namely infrastructure repairs and betterment. Major projects sought upon election include:

• Completion of the Safety Building on 12th and Main for Belmar Fire & First Aid
• Finalization of regionalized Emergency Medical Services
• Continued marina repairs & enhancements
• Expanded water and sewer infrastructure improvements, including road paving
• Strengthening of the Borough’s budgetary state, attacking debt and increasing solvency

Walsifer noted that marina, borough hall and recreational facility repairs were pillars of accomplishment during his tenure on the council, which began in 2016.

“We’ve improved our marina, helping to bring back lost revenue from empty slips each season. We’ve made road repairs, updated our infrastructure, installed new beachfront equipment for kids, and, most importantly to me, we purchased badly needed police vehicles and a brand-new fire truck,” McCracken said. “This is exactly the kind of work I want to be doing, and it is exactly the work that Belmar residents expect from us.”

McCracken also noted the current administration’s strides during the COVID-19 pandemic for local businesses and restaurants to help navigate the changing mandates out of Trenton, as well as small business promotions conducted via the borough’s social media platforms.

“When [Walsifer and McCracken] came into office, Belmar finances were a wreck,” Clapsis said. “They could’ve done what the previous regime did – kick the can down the road and claim everything was fine. They didn’t do that. They had the integrity to tell our community the truth and face the problem head-on. All of us are better for it.”

“That is the kind of leadership Belmar deserves, and that is why I’m running this year,” she added.

Democrats Maria Rondinaro and Mark Levis will be seeking the two contested seats on the council as well, alongside Gerry Buccafusco, who is vying for the mayoral position. Read more: Who Filed For Belmar Mayor, Council In 2022?

Are you running for local office in 2022? Contact Nicole Rosenthal at nicole.rosenthal@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate profile and submitting campaign announcements to Patch.

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