Meet Rick Hibell, Republican Running For Re-Election To Middletown Twp. Committee

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Nov. 4 will be an election for Middletown Township Committee. Early in-person voting starts this Saturday.

The two current Middletown Committeemen, Rick Hibell and Kevin Settembrino, ask the people of Middletown to re-elect them. Both are Republican and have held the Township Committee seats for years now: Settembrino has been on the Township Committee for the past 15 years, and Hibell for seven.

For more than a decade now, the Middletown Township Committee has been entirely made up of Republicans.

Two Democrats are running this year, Shawn Wallach and Jeremy Seideman.

Patch asked all four candidates a similar set of questions, and we will be publishing responses from all four.

Rick W. Hibell - candidate for Middletown Township Committee

Your name, age, and the office you are running for. Do you currently hold this office, and if so, for how long? Both years and terms.

My name is Rick W. Hibell, I am 48 years old, and I am seeking re-election to the Middletown Township Committee. I currently serve as Deputy Mayor and have proudly represented Middletown’s residents since 2018. I am completing my second full term and running for a third. I’m a lifelong Middletown resident; my roots here run deep. This town has shaped who I am, and it’s been the honor of my life to give back through public service.

What is your occupation?

I am a small-business owner right here in Middletown, and I’ve spent decades serving our community as a volunteer firefighter and former Fire Chief of the Middletown Township Fire Department. Public service isn’t just something I do, it’s who I am. Whether through my business or volunteer work, I’ve always believed in giving back to the town that gave so much to me and my family.

Have you ever run for elected office before? Please list all races and their outcomes.

Yes. I was first appointed to the Township Committee in 2018 and was elected in both 2019 and 2022. I’m now seeking re-election to continue the progress we’ve made and to keep Middletown a safe, affordable and vibrant place to live.

How long have you lived in Middletown and what part of town do you live in?

I’ve been proud to call Middletown my home for my entire life. I was born and raised here, and today my family and I live in Leonardo. My roots run deep in this community — every street, every neighborhood, and every tradition has shaped who I am. Middletown is more than just where I live; it’s where my values were formed and my commitment to service began. I’m dedicated to preserving the spirit that makes this town so special, and I will continue to do everything I can to ensure Middletown remains the best place to live, work, and raise a family for generations to come.

What accomplishments are you proud of having served on the Middletown Council?

During my time on the Township Committee, I’ve worked to preserve Middletown’s character, maintain fiscal discipline and enhance public services. Our administration has kept one of the lowest municipal tax rates in Monmouth County, expanded and preserved open space to prevent overdevelopment, and made significant investments in public safety, ensuring that our first responders have the equipment and training they need. We’ve also prioritized infrastructure improvements, from drainage and roads to parks, without placing additional burdens on taxpayers. Every decision we’ve made has been guided by onegoal: protecting the quality of life that Middletown families value most.

Why should voters vote for you again?

Voters should re-elect me because I have a proven record of results and a deep commitment to this town. My approach has always been focused on service, not politics. I understand what matters to Middletown families: safe neighborhoods, responsible budgeting and preserving our community’s character. As a lifelong resident, I’ve seen Middletown grow and change, but our values have stayed the same. I’ll continue to lead with experience, transparency, and a deep respect for the people who call Middletown home.

The two Democrats challenging you cite a number of issues. The biggest is they say Middletown is not building enough affordable housing. They also say Middletown has been dominated by one-party Republican rule for too long. Can you respond?

My opponents can’t seem to pick a side. On one hand, they claim Middletown is overdeveloped; on the other, they insist we should be building more. You can’t have it both ways. That kind of political doublespeak suggests they lack a genuine or comprehensive plan to manage growth, preserve open space, or keep taxes under control. They talk about affordability, but their proposals would flood our town with high-density development, the very thing they claim to oppose. You can’t preserve open space and pave it over at the same time.

Middletown’s record tells a different story. We’ve protected more open space than almost any community in Monmouth County, kept property taxes among the lowest in the area, and maintained one of the most stable, fiscally responsible budgets in New Jersey, all while meeting our state housing obligations in a careful, community-focused way. Yes, we’re slightly below the state’s target, but that’s because we refuse to hand our community’s future to Trenton bureaucrats or developers. We build responsibly, not recklessly, and that’s why families choose to stay here generation after generation.

As for the “one-party rule” claim, that’s just politics. The residents of Middletown have consistently and overwhelmingly elected this leadership because we deliver. We don’t deal in empty slogans; we deal in results. Safe neighborhoods, responsible budgeting, preserved open space, and a high quality of life — that’s our record. Instead of admitting Middletown is thriving, my opponents would rather tear down what’s working. But our residents know better. This team is doing a good job, and we’re going to keep it that way.

What's your favorite part about living in Middletown?

My favorite part about living in Middletown is the strong sense of community and pride that runs through every neighborhood. It’s a place where people look out for one another, where volunteers step up without hesitation, and where family and tradition truly mean something. Having lived here my entire life, I’ve seen firsthand what makes Middletown special; it’s not just a town; it’s a community built on trust, service, and shared values. This is my home, and it’s been an honor to dedicate my life to keeping Middletown the best place to live and raise a family.

Meet Jeremy Seideman, Democrat Running For Middletown Township Committee

Meet Shawn Wallach, Democrat Running For Middletown Township Committee

Early in-person voting starts Oct. 25. Middletown Election 2025: Who's Running, When And Where To Vote