Point Pleasant Beach Council Election 2024: Maggie Doucette

POINT PLEASANT BEACH, NJ — Patch is again publishing profiles of local candidates in the 2024 election, set for Tuesday, Nov. 5.

In Point Pleasant Beach, there are two full terms and an unfinished term on the Borough Council up for election.

Republicans Michael M. Ramos and George “Andy” Cortes are being challenged by Democrats Ernest “EJ” Geiger and Margaret “Maggie” Doucette. Ramos serves on the council currently; Cortes is seeking to get re-elected to the council after he was defeated in the 2021 election. Geiger has run previously. Doucette is a newcomer to the council elections.

For the one-year unexpired term, Democrat Catherine "Cathy" Sogorka and Republican David Betten are seeking election.

The candidates received the same questions. Here is the response from Maggie Doucette.

Name: Maggie Doucette

Age: 40

Family: Parents Robert Sandusan Doucette, residents of Point Pleasant Beach since 1992. Only child, many cousins.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (2006) and a Master of Arts in Public Policy (2014), both from Monmouth University.

Occupation: Policy adviser and consultant in state, local, and federal government affairs.

Any previous elected office or appointments in local government? None.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for. No

Why are you running for office? I’m running because Point Pleasant Beach needs leadership that’s focused on moving forward, not caught up in political noise. The constant infighting and lack of direction has left our town with some real problems in need of real solutions. I’ve spent years working behind the scenes in public policy and grassroots advocacy, and I understand how to navigate tough issues while keeping residents at the forefront. I’m not here to play politics—I’m here to bring a fresh perspective, practical solutions, and a genuine commitment to transparency.

What do you see as the biggest issue facing Point Pleasant Beach right now and how would you address it? Biggest in terms of impact, I’d say is finding a way to balance growth and development with housing affordability. Rising home prices are driving out young families and long-time residents. A lot of people I grew up with cannot afford a home here and that’s unacceptable. However, I think the biggest issue in terms of urgency, is flood mitigation. As a coastal community we’re extremely vulnerable to flooding, and we should be investing in more proactive solutions.

Name one thing about Point Pleasant Beach that always makes you smile.

The moment when I’m flying home over the Route 35 bridge after a long trip. And then immediately slam on my brakes for the speed change.