Meet The 4 Aberdeen Republican Council Candidates

ABERDEEN, NJ — Four of the six Aberdeen town Council seats are up for election this year. The election is Tuesday, Nov. 7.

All four Aberdeen Council members seek re-election. They are: Greg Cannon, Arthur Hirsch, Robert Swindle and Connie Kelley, all Democrats.

They will be challenged by four Aberdeen residents who are Republican: Susan McGowan, Michael Olesen, Carl Zanchelli and Michael Vail.

Here are bios on the four Republican candidates and why they're running:

Michael Vail: A 30-year Aberdeen resident of the ‘B’ section of Strathmore, Mike is a CFO of a national trucking company and a Seton Hall graduate.

Vail ran for council during the last election. His efforts brought him very close to victory. Now, to earn his seat, he's determined to work harder to meet more voters during this election.

Once elected, Vail vows to focus on Township finances, utilizing his financial expertise. Vail will review Township debt, capital expenditures and Aberdeen tax base.

Susan McGowan: McGowan is a 22-year Aberdeen resident in Wyndham.

She is a Kean University graduate and owns a full-service real estate company in Aberdeen; she is a former English/civics teacher. McGowan is the creator of Aberdeen’s Got Talent. She's a member of the Aberdeen-Matawan Chamber of Commerce and recently served on the Aberdeen Economic Business Council.

When elected, McGowan would seek to expand commerce, to fill the many commercial vacancies in town. She will work to implement a platform for residents to voice concerns, offer suggestions and get involved. She also desires to broaden the township’s Senior program.

Mike Olesen: Known as "Cliffwood Mike," Olesen is an 18-year resident of Cliffwood Beach and is employed as a security manager.

Olesen is "an Aberdeen diehard but believes too many neighborhoods are being ignored by the incumbent Democrats."

Olesen would like to see more timely improvements to roads, sidewalks and curbs amongst other issues. That's why he's fighting hard for his "Sidewalks & Speed humps Plan," which is a push for more sidewalks, curbs and speed humps in Cliffwood Beach and other parts of Aberdeen where needed.

Carl Zanchelli: Zanchelli is a 5-year resident of the “I” section in Strathmore.

He has prior elected experience as a fire commissioner in Deer Park, New York and graduated from the New York City Police Academy.

He is the business representative for the New York City District Council of Carpenters. He also serves as the President of Local Union 1556 Dockbuilder/Timbermen.

Zanchelli’s background will be a strong asset to the council. Once elected, Zanchelli will put his efforts into a road repair plan and other prudent infrastructure improvements. Further, Zanchelli is very interested in providing more opportunities for Aberdeen youth.

To learn more or contact any of the above contacts, here is the Aberdeen Republican Party website.

4 Democrats, 4 Republicans Run For Aberdeen Council Seats In 2023