Red Bank Together Mayoral Candidate Says Hospital Role Not A Conflict

RED BANK, NJ — As part of the Red Bank Together team's candidacy for Borough Council, mayoral candidate Tim Hogan on Thursday addressed residents in a letter to the community.

And he emphasized he is running as a concerned resident, and that his role as president of Riverview Medical Center will not conflict with a potential role as mayor.

"Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Tim Hogan, and I am asking for your support as I run to be the next mayor of Red Bank. In 2001, my family and I moved to Red Bank so that I could begin a new job as the president of Riverview Medical Center. . . . My wife Eileen and I consider ourselves very fortunate to be a part of this great community, and I have a sincere interest and passion in working with all of you to ensure that Red Bank remains vibrant and strong," he said in the letter.

Part of the team perhaps not needing introduction are the three incumbent Borough Councilmembers seeking re-election: Current Council President Michael Ballard and Councilmembers Jacqueline Sturdivant and John Jackson. Rounding out the Red Bank Together team are candidates Sean Murphy, Linda Hill and Erin Fleming.

The team on Wednesday formally filed petitions to run in the May 9 nonpartisan election - a first for the borough where voters approved a change from partisan to nonpartisan government in November.

The slate includes three ''newcomers to politics and two registered independents," its statement said. Leading the ticket is Hogan, an Independent voter, according to the slate's announcement. Apart from the current councilmembers seeking re-election, the team is made up of Hill, in nonprofit development; documentary filmmaker Fleming; and union leader/Red Bank Zoning board member Murphy.

“Our team embraces a nonpartisan approach to serving the community. Our combined experiences and talents unite around our commitment to civil, engaged leadership that always puts Red Bank residents first,” the team said in its announcement Tuesday.

In his letter to the community, Hogan said that he has volunteered in many capacities, including serving as a past chair of the KaBoom fireworks committee, and has served on several community and organization boards, and has chaired boards at both the Community YMCA and the Monmouth Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

"Over the years, I have learned the value of being an effective servant leader and the importance of working together to achieve common goals. I'd like to be a part of the effort in Red Bank in the future as your mayor," he said in the letter.

"I know that many of you are tired of the political divisiveness that has existed in local government for far too long and impeded this town from successfully addressing critical and important issues that are going to greatly affect Red Bank in the future. I want you to know, I am too. I want to help change this dynamic."

He also addressed his role as president of Riverview Medical Center, referred to as RMC in the letter, and its relation to his run for mayor:

"There are those who have voiced concerns that me being the mayor of Red Bank would be a conflict of interest based on my position at RMC. Let's be clear. I am not running for mayor to preserve or advance the agenda of RMC. I am running for mayor to preserve and advance the interests and serve the needs of the citizens of Red Bank."

He said Riverview's presence is a "major asset for all of us to have a strong and successful hospital in our community. For the past 22 years I have had the great privilege of working with the finest physicians, nurses, team members and community leaders and volunteers to ensure that all of the citizens of Red Bank are provided with exceptional healthcare."

He also addressed potential growth of the hospital:

"I also want to be clear about concerns that have been voiced about the hospital's future growth plans and its potential encroachment into the community. As a resident, and if elected your future mayor, please know that I fully support and pledge to protect our Historic District. I can further assure you that, at this point in time, RMC has no plans to expand its current footprint. None."

He said the hospital has "adequate programming in the space we currently have. If future circumstances suggest change, RMC will still go through the required approval process for expansion privileges just like everyone else. It goes without saying that I would recuse myself from those discussions because of my position at the hospital and my role as mayor."

Petitions to run in the Borough Council election must be filed with the borough clerk by March 6.

Already having filed petitions are the Red Bank's Ready team and Suzanne Viscomi, running individually.

Red Bank's Ready team is led by Mayor Billy Portman for mayor. Running for council seats on the team are current Councilmember Kate Triggiano; Ben Forest of the Red Bank school board; former Charter Study Commission Chairperson Nancy Blackwood; and David Cassidy, Laura Jannone and Kristina Bonatakis, the campaign said in an announcement Feb. 6.