Toms River Township Council Ward 4 Election: David Ciccozzi

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 answers from David Ciccozzi.

Name: David Ciccozzi

Age: 69

Family: I raised my three wonderful children in Toms River after the devastating loss of my wife. My children are now grown and I could not be more proud of my two daughters and son. I am running for re-election because of my love for Toms River.

Education: Saint Joseph’s University 1979, B.S. in business administration and marketing.

Occupation: I am a self-employed business owner, focused on property management. I currently have the honor of serving as the Toms River Ward 4 Councilman.

Overdevelopment has been the hot button discussion for years. In August, the Fair Share Housing Center filed an objection to Toms River’s announced plan to meet affordable housing numbers for the fourth round. How do you suggest Toms River respond?

I oppose the state-mandated Mount Laurel requirement that burdens our town’s resources, schools, and infrastructure. I will continue to fight for a fair, affordable housing plan; work to maximize our credits to reduce the overall impact from the state mandate, and avoid Builder Remedy lawsuits that would allow greater density development projects. Since the Rodrick Administration has taken office, not one acre of dedicated open space has been preserved. I preserved nearly 60 acres in the first 2 years of my term. I will seek opportunities to preserve open space to offset the demands of the state mandate.

Properly enforcing codes is essential to ensure that properties and rentals meet the requirements of our local ordinances and do not contribute to overdevelopment. The Rodrick Administration allows slumlords and LLCs to change single-family homes into illegal rentals, threatening our family-friendly neighborhoods. I am dedicated to restoring strong code enforcement to keep our neighborhoods safe, maintain the value of our homes, and stop illegal multifamily rentals from exacerbating the overdevelopment in our town.

The issue of homelessness in Ocean County is not going away. Rising rent costs combined with scarce availability have pushed even moderate-income residents to the brink and in some cases left them homeless. What role should Toms River have in assisting those in need?

Toms River must partner with Ocean County to help our homeless population by providing meaningful support and resources — not forcing short-sighted solutions on our neighborhoods. If the County moves forward with a permanent homeless shelter, we must collaborate to ensure it is in a suitable location—not Ward 4, any residential area, or near schools.

Over the past year, our homeless population has increased. While Mayor Rodrick did not create the housing insecurity crisis, his decisions have exacerbated it. In January 2024, his administration approved the NJ Reentry Program on Main Street — a program that, although well-intentioned, does not belong in that location. Helping formerly incarcerated individuals is worthwhile, but placing such services centrally was poor planning. Additionally, Mayor Rodrick cleared homeless encampments in the woods without a sustainable, long-term plan. These reactive policies only shift the problem rather than solve it.

I also oppose the Township’s political attempt to seize and demolish Christ Episcopal Church through Eminent Domain. This is an abuse of government power. This historic church has stood for over 160 years and serves as the final resting place for over 300 individuals in its memorial garden. It is not just a building; it is hallowed ground. Furthermore, the Township is not using Open Space funds to acquire the property, raising questions about the true intent behind the seizure.

Toms River deserves better. We need thoughtful, compassionate, and principled leadership — leaders who provide real solutions, not political theater. I am committed to standing up for all of our residents, protecting our neighborhoods, and preserving our community's integrity.

What is the issue facing Toms River that you believe is the most pressing and how would you approach solving it?

As a family man first and successful business owner at the Jersey Shore second, I am not running for Council to chase a career in politics. Frankly, I don’t want one! My opposition keeps talking about 10-story buildings downtown, which is old news and a dead issue. The most pressing issue is keeping Toms River safe and an affordable place for our residents to live, work, raise families, and retire by investing in our police and first responders; responsibly revitalizing our downtown to support small businesses and enhance our waterfront amenities, while keeping the friendly, family-oriented atmosphere of our neighborhoods with effective code enforcement to root out illegal multifamily homes. I will also stand up against liberal politicians in Trenton who attack our schools and our way of life. Most importantly, I’m committed to fighting to keep taxes manageable so that Toms River is affordable for everyone. I have delivered a flat municipal tax since 2021- NO TAX Increase at the town level. I am eager to serve our community and continue to work to reinstate a standard of excellence.