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Rahway Democratic Committee

Rahway Democratic CommitteeRahway Democratic CommitteeRahway Democratic Committee
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2024 Rahway City Council TEAM

Your 2024 City Council team is committed to building on the success of the past four years and ensuring that progress reaches every corner of our city. With diverse backgrounds and independent mindsets, we will continue our unwavering dedication to represent and serve all residents. 


 "Collaboration is vital to delivering effective government services. Rahway thrives when we come together, leveraging our diverse experiences and perspectives, to deliver meaningful results for every resident. With your support, we can continue moving Rahway forward together." ~ Mayor Ray Giacobbe

1st WARD - cOUNCIL cANDIDATE Al Montesdeoca

 Alfmarand "Al" Montesdeoca: Bridging Communities for Rahway's Future


"As a proud Dominican-American, son of immigrant parents, and a product of Rahway public schools, I've worked tirelessly to achieve success, and now I'm eager to give back to the community that has shaped me. I'm committed to providing the Hispanic community I represent with the tools, strategies, and support they need to pursue their version of the American Dream. By bridging the language gap and ensuring equal access to government resources, we can pave the way for every resident to reach their full potential and thrive in Rahway."


  • Bilingual: As a first-generation Dominican American, Al embodies the cultural diversity and richness of Rahway. His ability to speak two languages serves as a bridge between communities, fostering inclusivity and understanding.


  • Educational and Athletic Achievements: Al holds a Business Administration Degree and distinguished himself as a collegiate baseball standout, showcasing his dedication and leadership both on and off the field.


  • Decades of Business Expertise: With over 20 years of experience in the Automotive Industry, Al currently serves as the General Sales Manager at Empire Automotive, bringing invaluable business acumen to the city council.


  • Committed to Youth Empowerment: Al is actively involved in charitable initiatives that positively impact Rahway's youth, demonstrating his dedication to nurturing the next generation's potential.


  • Champion of Community Engagement: A passionate community volunteer, Al is dedicated to connecting Rahway's Hispanic community with city and nonprofit services and programs, ensuring equal access and representation for all residents.


  • Proud Rahway High School Graduate: Al's roots in Rahway run deep, having graduated from Rahway High School, where he laid the foundation for his future success.


  • Family Values: As a husband and father of two bilingual children attending Rahway Public Schools, Al prioritizes family and community, recognizing Rahway as not only his home but also a place where intergenerational bonds thrive and Latin heritage is celebrated.


  • Vision for Rahway: With his deep roots in the community and commitment to diversity and inclusivity, Al is dedicated to building a vibrant and prosperous future for Rahway, where every resident has the opportunity to thrive.

2nd WARD - COUNCILWOMAN KARLA TIMMONS

 Karla Timmons: A Dedicated Advocate for Rahway


"Rahway isn't just my home; as a fourth generation Rahway resident, it’s my family's legacy. With my expertise in real estate, minority entrepreneurship, and advocacy for women, I'm not just seeking re-election; I'm shaping Rahway’s future for our children. I am committed to preserving our senior’s contributions and fostering our children’s growth."


  • Rooted in Rahway: Karla proudly represents the fourth generation of her family to call Rahway home, demonstrating her deep connection to the community and its rich history.


  • Real Estate Expertise: With over 20 years of experience in Real Estate and property management, Karla brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, offering valuable insights into the city's housing and development landscape.


  • Entrepreneurial Spirit: As a minority small-business owner, Karla understands the challenges and opportunities facing local entrepreneurs, advocating for policies that support small businesses and economic growth in Rahway.


  • Champion of Women's Empowerment: Serving as the Creative Director of the IMPACT Women's Forum, Karla is committed to empowering women and fostering leadership opportunities within the community.


  • Commitment to Planning and Development: Currently serving her second term as a Rahway Planning Board Commissioner, Karla is dedicated to ensuring thoughtful and sustainable growth that enhances the quality of life for all residents.


  • Family Values: As a mother of three children attending Rahway Public Schools and the wife of a dedicated longshoreman, Karla's commitment to Rahway's future is deeply personal, driven by a desire to create a thriving and inclusive community for her family and neighbors.

3rd WARD - cOUNCILWOMAN vANNIe d. pARSON

 Vannie D. Parson: A Trailblazer for Rahway


"I'm seeking reelection because I believe deeply in the power of service to impact progress. Growing up in a segregated town in SC taught me firsthand the importance of using every opportunity to make a difference. As the first African-American woman elected to Rahway City Council and serving as Council President, I've seen how dedicated leadership can transform communities. With decades of service and diverse expertise, together with my husband, a Marine Veteran, we've instilled the importance of service in our sons - proud products of the Rahway community and graduates of Rahway High in 2014 and 2015. With service as a core value, I believe we can continue to move Rahway forward together, turning challenges into opportunities, and ensuring Rahway remains a place where dreams flourish and communities thrive."


  • Historic Representation: Vannie's historic election as the first African American woman on Rahway City Council, followed by her consecutive terms as Council President in 2023 and 2024, exemplifies her exceptional leadership. 


  • Champion of Seniors and Veterans: A dedicated advocate for senior and veteran services, Vannie works tirelessly, ensuring their welfare remains a priority in our community.


  • Rooted in Service:  With deep ties to Rahway, Vannie's extensive volunteer work spans decades and across various pivotal committees and organizations, reflecting her unwavering dedication to the city's betterment. 


  • Diverse Expertise: Armed with a Business Management Degree, Vannie brings a wealth of experience from both education and the corporate world. With over 40 years in education and more than 20 years in management roles in the Wall Street and fashion industries, she possesses a diverse skill set invaluable to city governance.


  • Driven by Experience: Raised in a historically segregated town in South Carolina, Vannie's upbringing fuels her commitment to equity and justice in Rahway.


  • Family Values: Married to a Marine Veteran and proud mother of two young adult sons who were raised in Rahway Public Schools, Vannie understands the importance of community and family values in shaping a thriving city.

4th WARD - cOUNCILMAN dAVID bROWN

David Brown: A Stalwart Leader for Rahway


“With 27-year tenure as Councilman, I’ve shown steadfast commitment to representing and advocating for constituents. For over 44 years, I've dedicated myself to improving Rahway through community service, earning recognition for my dedication to youth engagement. Drawing from decades of experience, I vow to lead initiatives addressing our community's diverse needs."


  • Longstanding Councilman: David Brown has served as Rahway's 4th Ward Councilman for an impressive 28 years, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to representing and advocating for his constituents.


  • Community Service Legacy: For over 44 years, David has been instrumental in partnering with the JFK Center at Rahway Community Action Organization (RCAO), dedicating his time and efforts to improving the lives of Rahway residents through community programs and initiatives.


  • Recognized Advocate: David's dedication to youth engagement and empowerment has earned him prestigious recognition, including the NAACP Hall of Fame Award, highlighting his two decades of service prioritizing the needs of Rahway's youth.


  • Business Acumen: In addition to his public service, David operated his own Rahway-based business for over 20 years, bringing valuable entrepreneurial experience to his role as a councilman.


  • Champion of Special Initiatives: David leads special initiatives focused on Senior Services and Youth Engagement, demonstrating his proactive approach to addressing the diverse needs of Rahway's population.


With decades of experience, a proven track record of leadership, and a deep commitment to serving the community, David Brown continues to be a trusted advocate for Rahway's residents.

5th WARD - cOUNCILWOMAN dANNI nEWBURY

 Danielle "Danni" Newbury: A Dedicated Leader for Rahway


"With over two decades of dedicated service, I have a proven track record of making a difference in Rahway. I am inspired by invaluable lessons from life's challenges. As someone who navigated the foster care system, experienced childhood poverty and domestic violence, I've developed resilience and empathy that deeply inform my approach to governance. Breaking barriers as the first LGBTQ+ woman on City Council is a testament to my commitment to inclusivity and representation. My personal journey drives me to ensure that every individual in Rahway receives the support and service they need to thrive. I am dedicated to shaping a government that not only listens but also actively works to uplift and empower every member of our community."


  • Academic Excellence: Holds a Master's Degree from Drexel University, bringing a strong academic foundation to civic leadership.


  • Decades of Experience: With over 20 years of dedicated service to Rahway, Danni is an experienced leader deeply committed to civic engagement and community development.


  • Champion of Arts & Cultural: Instrumental in establishing Rahway initiatives centered on the arts, most recently focused on public art and cultural heritage, celebrating the community's identity and impacting vitality.


  • Legislative Impact: Demonstrated effective collaboration with state senators and assembly representatives, Danni has played a pivotal role in advocating for and shaping legislation that directly impacts families in New Jersey.


  • Advocate for Vulnerable Populations: Recognized at both the state and national levels for her advocacy on behalf of vulnerable populations in Rahway and across Union County.


  • Personal Journey: As a former foster youth, Danni brings firsthand experience and empathy to her advocacy efforts for children in foster care, drawing from her own resilience in overcoming childhood adversity, including poverty and domestic violence.


  • Breaking Barriers: Made history as the first LGBTQ+ woman elected to Rahway City Council in 2020, subsequently serving as Council President in 2021. Additionally, she holds the distinction of being the first woman and LGBTQ+ individual to chair the Rahway Democratic Committee.


  • Family Commitment: Married to a dedicated educator (20+ years) and the proud mother of two children attending Rahway Public Schools, Danni is personally invested in Rahway's success.

6th WARD - cOUNCILMAN JOSEPH D. GIBILISCO

 Joe Gibilisco: A Pillar of Community Service


“With over 35 years as a local business owner and community leader, I've served Rahway with compassion and integrity. From chairing the RWJBH of Rahway Foundation Board to fundraising for Children's Specialized Hospital, my commitment to service drives me to continue advocating for our residents' well-being.”

 

  • Local Business Owner: Since 1984, Joe Gibilisco has been the Owner/Operator/Manager of the Lehrer-Gibilisco Funeral Home, offering solace and support to Rahway families during their most challenging moments. Through his funeral home, Joe embodies compassion and empathy, serving as a pillar of strength for the community during times of loss and grief.


  • Community Leader: Joe on the RWJBH of Rahway Foundation Board of Directors, holding the chairman position from 2008-2011 and again from 2021 to the present. Additionally, he currently serves as the Chairman of the Rahway Ethics Board, leading transparency and integrity in local hospital governance.


  • Philanthropic Commitment: For 28 years, Joe has demonstrated his leadership in organizing and hosting an annual fundraiser for the Children’s Specialized Hospital "Lightning Wheels" program, raising significant funds to support children with special needs. His tireless efforts have made a tangible difference in the lives of countless families.


  • Governance Leadership: Joe's involvement with RWJBH of Rahway extends to the Board of Governors, where he has served for the last 15 years, contributing his expertise to the strategic direction and operations of the hospital.


  • Extensive Board Service: Joe's dedication to community service is evident in his involvement with various local organizations, including the Rahway Geriatric Center, Rahway Education in Excellence, Rahway PAL, and Rahway YMCA, where he has served on their respective Boards of Directors.


  • Recognized Commitment: Joe's decades-long commitment to community support has earned him recognition from esteemed organizations such as the state PBA, FMBA, and other local entities, highlighting his invaluable contributions to the betterment of Rahway.


With a proven track record of leadership, compassion, and service, Joe Gibilisco is a trusted advocate for Rahway's residents, dedicated to improving the lives of others and strengthening the fabric of the community.

Copyright © 2022 Rahway Democratic Committee - All Rights Reserved.

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