This November, Council President Brian Livesey is seeking a second term along with newcomer Steven Russell as part of the Restore Matawan Team. According to Councilman Livesey, the election will be decided by what the voters think on one question: Is Matawan better off now than it was five years ago? Livesey and Russell say the answer is yes.

Five years ago, Mayor Joe Altomonte and the Democrats gained the majority on the Matawan Council and immediately began improving Matawan’s parks, community services, and the downtown business district.

Councilman Livesey explained, “People love the improvements we made to the downtown and our local parks. Parents appreciate the expanded Summer Camp Program. New activities like Senior Chair Yoga and Family Night Under the Stars are a big hit. And this year’s Matawan Day was bigger and better than ever.” Building a stronger sense of community for the residents of Matawan has been of utmost important to the current Councilman Livesey and his running mate.

Infrastructure is also top of the list for the candidates, as many of Matawan’s long neglected roadways have been repaired, and more are on the schedule. Main Street, Broad Street and nearly 40 other roads have already been repaved. After over 100 years of flooding, Aberdeen Road will be raised. This county funded project will eliminate the serious flooding problem at no cost to Matawan taxpayers.

The Matawan Train Station area was largely ignored for decades. This spring, the long awaited Matawan Train Station redevelopment project will break ground. Abandoned buildings and the currently vacant lot will be replaced with mixed use development that includes shops, bars, and restaurants.

Democratic Candidate for Council Steven Russell commented, “Matawan is such a great town and it’s only getting better. If you like the changes we made, then support me and my running mate Brian Livesey. Let’s continue the progress.”

Election day is Tuesday, November 8th, and polls are open from 6 am to 8 pm.