Six candidates will vie for three ward seats on the Monroe Township Council in the election on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
In Ward 1, Republican Zach Taglioli will face Democrat Albert “Al” Rossi. In Ward 2, Republican Anthony L. Bundi will face incumbent Democrat Carolann Fox, and in Ward 3, Republican Janet L. Schaefer will face Democrat Brian Cope.
Ward 1 Councilman Steven J. McKinney and Ward 3 Councilman Ronald T. Garbowski are not running for another term.
All were asked to submit an election questionnaire. As of deadline, Rossi, Fox and Cope had not responded.
Ward 1
Name: Zachary Taglioli
Age: 25
How many years have you lived in Monroe Township?: Three years.
School and degree: Montclair State University, bachelor’s degree in communication and media arts.
Profession: Small Business Owner/Entertainer/Vocalist.
Is this the first time you have run for a seat for Township Council? First year running for Town Council .
What is your involvement in the community? Being a new resident in Monroe, my involvement is small at this time. I am a performer at the local Grand Theater and have volunteered my talents at local nursing homes.
Why are you running for an elected seat? I want to run for town council in Monroe Township to be more involved in my community and ensure that local governance is transparent and ethical. I believe in making decisions that truly reflect the best interests of our residents, and I’m committed to giving back by helping create positive change. By serving on the council, I aim to foster a vibrant future for all of Monroe’s citizens, ensuring that our town thrives and remains a great place to live for generations to come. My goal is to represent and work for the betterment of our community.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected? One area I would like to focus on is addressing the opioid and fentanyl crisis in our town. The impact of this epidemic is devastating, and it requires a skilled approach to tackle effectively. I believe the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program can play a crucial role in prevention. By expanding and enhancing the D.A.R.E. program, we can provide our youth with the education and the necessary tools they need to make responsible choices. Through a community-wide effort and help from law enforcement, we can work towards reducing the presence and impact of opioids and fentanyl in our town.
Ward 2
Name: Anthony L. Bundi
Age: 34
How many years have you lived in Monroe Township?: Six years.
Family: I am happily married to my wife Lauren and we have a beautiful daughter named McKenna who turned 3 on July 4th of all days!
School and degree: I graduated from Hammonton High School class of 2009 and I continued my education with Camden County College where I took two semesters of computer science. I also continued my education with Camden County College by completing their Emergency Medical Technician Training program as well.
Profession: I currently work full time and then some, with the Delaware River Port Authority where I am proudly holding the title as day shift supervisor. I have been here with the company for five years as well.
Is this the first time you have run for a seat for Township Council This is my first time running for town council.
What is your involvement in the community? My involvement with the community is I currently hold the position of chair member for the Monroe Open Space Advisory Board as well as I proudly hold a position on the Monroe Environmental Protection Commission as well. I am also a volunteer first responder with the Delanco Township Fire Department in Burlington County. I have been a volunteer with multiple agencies for the last decade.
Why are you running for an elected seat? I am running for an elected seat because I feel as though Monroe Township needs some changes and some young blood behind the board.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected? If elected, my biggest area to concentrate on would be the cut down of wasteful spending that has a negative impact on the budget of the township. I would do this by searching for grants to be applied to our budget without affecting the taxpayers pockets. No matter the outcome of this election, I am always going to be here for the great citizens of Monroe Township!
Ward 3
Name: Janet Schaefer
Age: 75
How many years have you lived in the township? Over 45-year resident of Monroe Township (Forest Hills)
Family: Married to a proud U.S. Air Force veteran
School and degree: Rowan University – Bachelor of Arts degree/Minor in history; ABA Certified Paralegal, R.C.S.J.; A.A.S. Marketing & Management, R.C.S.J. Graduated with honorary degrees.
Profession: Retired/Computer Industry – Sales Management
What is your involvement in the community? Community Organizations:
- Active Member of Saint Charles Borromeo Parish, Sicklerville
- Republican Committeewoman, District 12, Ward 3
- Secretary, Monroe Township Republican Executive Committee
- Member, National Federation of Republican Women
- Advisory Board of Paralegal Studies, R.C.S.J.
- Licensed Real Estate Agent, State of New Jersey
Why are you running for an elected seat? Over the years I have witnessed the deterioration of our neighborhoods; countless businesses closing; buildings left abandoned, and the influx of drugs and crime into our community. Senior citizens struggling to remain in their homes due to increased taxes and cost of living expenses. My purpose of running as a Republican candidate for Monroe Township Council Member, Ward 3 is to become your voice as your representative of local government. Too many times our voices have been silenced or disregarded. We must put power back to the people. With my extensive business experience, knowledge, and dedication, I would bring fiscal responsibility and accountability back to local government; offer attractive business opportunities, and create an environment that is safe, prosperous, and strong. This election is about YOU!
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected? As your representative of Monroe Township Council Member, Ward 3, I would become your voice by putting power back to the people – not government. It is with the help of the community using open dialogue and communication through regular town hall meetings with residents; monthly round table discussions with new and existing businesses; and personal discussions with township employees. Together we can build our community with a vision of a better tomorrow. A community that is safe, prosperous, and strong.
