2024 Rahway City Council TEAM

 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.

 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.

 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.