Election 2022: Billy Portman, Red Bank Candidate For Mayor

RED BANK, NJ — Democratic candidate Billy Portman of Red Bank is running unopposed for mayor, after a Republican candidate withdrew his petition in September.

Portman won a primary race for mayor in June, defeating Councilman Michael Ballard who was supported by the former Democratic chairman.

The general election is Nov. 8. Voters also be asked to decide on a referendum to change Red Bank to a nonpartisan, Council/Manager form of government.

In these profiles, candidates provide voters with background about themselves and their positions on the issues. Patch is publishing individual profiles leading up to the election.

Portman said his priorities include approval of the change of government to a nonpartisan, Council/Manager form; uniting the Borough Council and addressing quality of life issues in the town.

Here is more from Billy Portman:

Name: Billy Portman

Age: 53

Town of residence: Red Bank

Position sought: Mayor

Are you an incumbent or previous governing member: No

Party affiliation: Democrat

Campaign website: billyforredbank.com

Family: Married for 29 years, three children ages 15, 22, 27

Education: B.A. in Literature from the George Washington University

Occupation: Contractor

Name the top issues currently facing your town and how you plan to address them:

• The switch to nonpartisan elections and the Council/Manager form of government. I am campaigning hard for this to pass in November.
• Divisiveness within the governing body. As a fresh face without a complicated history with council members, I am hoping I can be a unifying force for the council and our town.
• Implementing some of the suggestions in the new master plan.

Identify one or more specific goals or ideas you have to enhance life in your town:

I'd like to focus on quality of life issues. While they may not seem as sexy, the day to day nuisances wear on me and our residents. I am hoping to alleviate some of these issues with simple practical solutions, like placing poop bag stations near our parks, adding four-way stops to remind people to slow down, and increasing trash pickups in the business districts so our town looks and feels clean.

What in your experience or background prepares you for election to office:

I have always been a uniter and I am a very good listener and communicator. I'm a small business owner, so I know how to complete projects on time. I'm looking forward to applying my particular set of skills to help my community.

Candidates for Red Bank Mayor and Borough Council:

Mayor (Full Term, Vote for One)

• William J. Portman (Democrat)
• No Nomination Made for the Republican party

Borough Council (Full Term, Vote for Two)

• Mark D. Taylor (Republican)
• Jonathan Penney (Republican)
• Angela Mirandi (Democrat)
• John L. Jackson (Democrat)