Manasquan Election Profile: Mike Mangan For Borough Council

MANASQUAN – Three people have filed to run for two seats in the Manasquan Council primary election on Tuesday, and the council's president is among those on the ballot.

Two Democrats – Michael Mangan, the council president, and Councilman Jeffrey Lee – will face Republican Patricia Connolly in the November election. All three will be unopposed in the July 7 primary.

The primary was delayed from June 2 to July 7 because of the coronavirus outbreak. Absentee options will be available for voters.

Mangan, the president of Endurance Flooring, says dealing with the economic fallout from the coronavirus, as well as improving parks and roads while keeping the tax rate stable, are among his top priorities.

Patch submitted a question-and-answer form to Mangan, who provided information on why he's running again and what he's promising. Contact Tom Davis at tom.davis@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile.

Age (as of Election Day)

36

Position Sought

Councilman

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Wife Dana, 37; together, we have 3 sons – William 7, Matthew, 5, James 2

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

BA Communication, The George Washington University
Graduate, Marine Academy of Sciences and Technology

Occupation

Self Employed Business Owner

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Manasquan Borough Council 2007-2009, 2011-Current

Campaign website

www.squancampaign.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I believe that my experience and my passion for service provide me with a unique perspective on how to best bring government resources to bear during times of need. Equally important, I am a firm believer in having the most transparent and efficient government possible – that means stability in the tax rate and fees. It also means that we are honest about the financial challenges in achieving the improvements for the community: parks and roads. But now, for the first time ever we have the beginnings of a plan to address both in a sustainable way – a way that doesn’t lead to spikes in the tax rate. I am seeking elective office because I believe that there is more work to be done on behalf of the residents – I have never forgotten what a privilege public service is. I humbly ask the people of my great town for another term to continue to work on their behalf.

The single most pressing issue facing our community is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Economic recovery from COVID-19 will be the most significant issue facing our town. We need to continue to do two things: get government out of the way where possible, and bring talent and experience together to help make things better for businesses and individuals where we can.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

By nature I am a uniter, not a divider. Success in government is about building coalitions – about bringing people together. I am not ideological, or agenda driven – I believe in getting the best results for the town, period.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Other than recovery from COVID-19, the main issues of my campaign are to achieve in the next three years: a budget-sustainable park and playground improvement plan, a budget- sustainable road paving program, and a self-funding recreation program complete with cull time staff and a community center.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

The biggest accomplishment of our team is to deliver sustainable, transparent, and efficient government for the residents. Predictability and stability matter a lot in government, and we have worked hard to achieve those. We’ve made sure that everyone can plan financially by having stable taxes and stable fees. And we’ve continued to improve where we can without spiking taxes – paving the three main arteries for our town: Brielle Road, Stockton Lake, and Main Street, as well as working with the county to pave Broad Street. We improved mallard park and our boat docks as well as playground upgrades. But I am more excited about what is to come than what has been done!

The best advice ever shared with me was:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I remain as humbled and as excited by my role in town today as I was the first day I was sworn in.