Toms River Township Council Ward 2 Election 2025: Susan Payne Gato

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Patch is publishing profiles of local candidates in the 2025 election, set for Tuesday, Nov. 4.

In Toms River, voters will be casting ballots in four wards for seats on the Township Council. The council seats are four-year terms.

In Ward 1, Republican Robert Bianchini is facing Democrat Anthony Colucci. In Ward 2, Republican Clinton Bradley is facing Democrat Susan Payne Gato. In Ward 3, Republican Harry Aber is alone on the ballot as there is no Democratic nominee. Republican Jim Quinlisk, the incumbent, is running a write-in campaign. In Ward 4, Republican David Ciccozzi is facing Democrat Justin Moran. Democrat Paul Williams is running a write-in campaign.

The candidates were sent the same set of questions in mid-October. Here are the response from Susan Payne Gato.

Susan Louise Payne, Born May 27, 1944, Butler Pennsylvania, Democrat. Susan has two daughters and 2 grandchildren.

Paralytic Polio at age 2 ½ and the struggles that followed left a deep imprint on her for the need to help others and to become a Nurse.

Women and people with disabilities were fighting for their rights along with other marginalized people, in the 60’s & 70’s. The lack of rights for women started her fight for equality.

Her mother, an immigrant, set a strong example for her to follow by being very outspoken and demanding to be treated fairly. She encouraged Susan to push ahead in life.

Susan was asked to get involved in voting in High School and won a seat as Treasurer.

Later working as a Nurse, living in Fort Lee she helped start a Nurses Union, HPAE ( Hospital Professionals and Allied Employees) in 1973, which is now both the largest and fastest-growing union for RNs and healthcare professionals in NJ.

Susan attended many marches on Washington during her life. Asked to run for Town Council in Fort Lee, she went full force and was again successful. Rose to the positions of Acting Mayor and Council President.

Skills Summary 1992-1994 Councilwoman Borough of Fort Lee. Introduced Ordinance Requiring Sight & Hearing guide for crossing guards, Introduced Sign Ordinance – Requiring Identification of Businesses for First Responders.

Voted Council President by Bi-Partisan Council.

Acting Mayor, Robinson-Gato

Liaison to Board of Education, Health Department, Fire Department, Fort Lee, NJ Palisades Park Land Review Committee, Americans with Disabilities Act Committee, American Cancer Society Presentation to Chief of Police for making Police Department Smoke Free.

Graduated “Powers & Duties of Elected Officials, Municipal Government, Rutgers University 1993.

Mayor and Council Appointment, Ex-Officio, Americans with Disabilities Act.

Education Honors

Associate in Applied Science May 1991 Ornamental Horticulture Bergen Community College, Paramus, NJ, Dean’s List – GPA 4.0, Phi Theta Kappa, National Honor Society.

Associate in Applied Science May 1975 Registered Professional Nursing Bergen Community College, Paramus, NJ Dean’s List Scored National State Boards Licensure 1975.

Volunteer/Community Affiliations/Awards

Current Ocean County Post Polio Support Leader since 2004

Past Board Member of the Toms River Garden Club – 2017 established Blue Star Memorial Route 37 West, Toms River, ADA Accessibility Consultant.

Red Cross Volunteer, Toms River

Post Polio Network of NJ Board member for 6 years.

Past Mayors Appointment to ADA Committee, Toms River, 6 years.

Past American Legion Post 129 Auxiliary Board Member, Toms River.

Rutgers Ocean County Master Gardener Certification, now Volunteer.

2005 Exceptional Woman of the Year Award, 100.1 WJRZ, Toms River.

Instructor – Classes on Government for Children, Montclair State University.

Fort Lee Beautification Award.

Past Horticultural Club President – Bergen Community College.

Ms. Gato did not answer the three questions posed to the candidates.