The Hamilton Post, which is published by Community News, emailed questionnaires to the six candidates who are running for seats on township council this year: three Democratic incumbents, and three Republican challengers.
Here online, we have one additional question and answer from each of the candidates that we could not fit in the print edition.
Republican James Boozan, 37, is director of strategic partnerships for the Recreate Behavioral Health Network and a recovery specialist for Mercer County OORP through Mercer Council on Addiction and Alcoholism. He is a volunteer for City of Angels and Recovery Advocates of America.
A first-time candidate, Boozan has moved with his family from Trenton to Hamilton when he was 6 years old, and he lived in Florida for 5 years. The other 26 years of his life he has lived in Hamilton. He went to Steinert High School, Mercer County Community College and Palm Beach State University, and is working toward a bachelors degree.
Boozan is in recovery from addiction for 12 years. He says that he takes pride in being a dedicated advocate for the recovery community.
Anthony P. Carabelli, Jr., 45, currently serves as the director of the Mercer County Office of Economic Development. In this capacity, he manages several County business programs including the Mercer County Business Lending Program, site selection services and the Mercer County Foreign Trade Zone. He oversees the Mercer County Division of Culture and Heritage, the Division of Housing and Community Development and the One Stop Career Center.
In addition, Carabelli serves as a member of the Hamilton Partnership, the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitors Board, the Hamilton Township Economic Development Advisory Commission and the Trenton Downtown Association Board. He also volunteers as a Nottingham Little League Committee Member. He coaches at Nottingham Little League, flag football and travel baseball.
Carabelli, a Democrat, received his master of arts from the Johns Hopkins School of advanced international studies in Washington and Bologna, Italy, and his bachelor of science from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service in Washington. He currently resides in Hamilton with his wife, Sharon, and their two children, Dominic and Dante. He is completing his first term in office
Joseph Anthony DeMarco III, 50, is a business owner and a strength and conditioning coach. He is involved with the Mercer Chiefs, Hamilton A’s, Hamilton Northern Burlington Babe Ruth and the Special and Olympics. He has lived in Hamilton for 20 years.
DeMarco, a Republican, attended Don Bosco Preparatory High School in Ramsey, Ramapo Regional High School and the University of Dayton. He is a first-time candidate for council.
Republican Robert M. (Bob) Diszler, 50, is a retired police officer and assistant treasurer/loan officer at Central Jersey Police and Fire Federal Credit Union. He is involved in PBA 66, Knights of Columbus Council 7333, and Retired Police Officers Local 12.
A lifelong Hamilton and graduate of Steinert High School, he has raised two daughters in Hamilton, both graduates of Steinert. One has graduated from Penn State University, the other is a junior at The College of New Jersey.
Diszler has a bachelor’s degree in law and justice from Trenton State College, and is currently attending Mercer County Community College and studying credit union management at the CUNA School at the University of Wisconsin — Madison.
Rick Tighe, 50, is a financial professional. He is involved with the Kiwanis Club of Hamilton and BeKind, and has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Junior Achievement and Ronald McDonald House. He has lived in Hamilton for about 40 years.
A graduate of McCorristin High School, he attended Mercer County Community College and Columbia University. A Democrat, Tighe is completing his first term in office.
Charles “Chuddy” Whalen, 62, is a lifelong Hamiltonian. The 1977 graduate of Steinert High School and 1981 graduate of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 9 Apprenticeship School is assistant business manager for Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 9.
Whalen was appointed by council to complete the term of Jeff Martin after Martin was elected mayor in the 2020 election. This is his first time running for a seat on council.
The Hamilton Post emailed questionnaires to all of the candidates for township council. Their responses to our questions follow. They have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Q. What makes Hamilton Township a great place to live?
Boozan: Everyone who lives here will most likely say this same thing, that Hamilton is a fairly large town that feels extremely small, and everyone knows each other. I loved growing up here as a child, and want my children to grow up in the same environment I did. Amazing foods, rich history and the kindness of Hamiltonians make Hamilton the perfect place for my wife and I to raise a family.
Carabelli: I would have to say the neighborhoods and nearby amenities. You have such a great mix of housing in Hamilton with parks throughout and then, the convenience of great restaurants, shops and food stores all within a short driving distance from your home.
DeMarco: I moved to Hamilton 20 years ago because it reminded me of a small town with lots of open land and family values. There was a large influx of people that had relocated from Trenton, which reminded me of Bergen County, where I grew up, where many people had relocated from Paterson and Hackensack to the suburbs. I immediately fell in love with Hamilton’s commitment to family and youth athletics and its commitment to a tight community of people that all seemed to look out for each other. That’s the Hamilton I love.
Diszler: Although Hamilton is considered a large town, there has always been a small-town atmosphere that made me feel close to my family and friends. Hamilton residents have always been respectful to me and my family in every aspect of everyday living. Everyone has the opportunity to take advantage of a tremendous school system.
The police department, fire department and all of the public employees that I have met and worked with are excellent. The Hamilton parks and recreation facilities are second to none. The quality of life in Hamilton is far above average. There is opportunity for all.
Tighe: Hamilton is a great family community. We have great schools and parks; we are a community with a generous spirit and a tradition of volunteerism and a history of parental involvement in our great youth sports programs.
Whalen: The reason I love Hamilton is the same reasons it makes it a great town to live in, our residents and our location. Our residents are loyal, opinionated, and not afraid to speak up and community oriented. We support our local and professional sport teams with vigor and passion. We take pride in our houses, help our neighbors and love our schools. We enjoy our local taverns and restaurants.
We are in a perfect location, one hour to New York City, Philadelphia and the Jersey shore. We have great access to major highways like Route 295 and 195 and the Turnpike. Along with a short commute to Mercer Airport. With great neighbors and incredible location surely Hamilton is the best town in New Jersey.
Q. The former Congoleum site on Sloan Avenue has recently been rejected by the planning board as a warehouse site. The council has identified the site as an area in need of development. How would you like to see this site redeveloped to best benefit of the township and its residents?
Carabelli: In line with that redevelopment plan, I would really like to see the site as a mixed-use development. It’s truly a gateway property into our community, sitting right next to the Hamilton Train Station. I see the development ripe for office, commercial, limited residential and open space.
DeMarco: This seems to be a bone of contention between what the purchaser of the site and those that would like the site rezoned or adjusted to accommodate another project. From a position of a council person, I have the obligation to represent the people of Hamilton. Do they want massive traffic backups? Is the plan even a functional one or someone’s dream project? What is the plan for access to major highway?
From what we know, it’s zoned for warehouse use and was purchased for such purposes. What would be positive impact on Hamiltonians by rezoning the space and taking on a lawsuit from the purchaser of the site?
My job, if I had my vote, would be to weigh the pros and cons and do what is best for the people of our township.
Diszler: At this time, I feel that this area needs to be comprehensively studied. Environmental cleanup at the site has been ongoing for some time. When this cleanup is finally completed the area must be re-examined as to it’s potential. When the train station runs at full capacity, traffic in that area is extremely heavy and the local roads may not be able to support a major warehouse site. Preservation of the area as open space must also be considered.
Tighe: As Council liaison to the planning board, I voted to support Mayor Martin’s redevelopment plan for the former Congoleum site. Its location directly across from the train station makes it ideal for a walkable neighborhood of restaurants, offices, retail and residential, along with gallery and performance spaces. It is my hope that we can find a partner who will help us realize that vision for this property.
Whalen: I support Mayor Martin’s town center concept for the Congoleum site, partnering with NJ transit for their side of Sloan Avenue will make a one of a kind development. On the Congoleum side, I support a boutique hotel with the ability to hold conferences. I also support several entertainment components, such as a Dave & Busters, ESPN Zone, piano bars etc. I also believe in a small residential portion attracting young professionals who commute to North Jersey and New York is needed. Whatever developer is selected for this site must be required to make vital improvements to Sloan Avenue and needs to follow specific requirements set up by the town and residents.
Boozan: My question is, why were the other spots deemed appropriate for warehouses not considered for areas in need of development? Environmental cleanup that continues on the Congoleum site concerns me as a parent for recreational development, but I’m sure that can be discussed once the area is re-examined.
I believe it would serve Hamilton well to have some kind of top-golf or Dave and Busters, especially with the loss of AMC theaters, but I’m not sure that is necessarily the place for it.
Q. Name two issues of vital importance in the township right now and explain how, as a member of the council for the next four years, you will address the issues.
Diszler: Taxes will always be the biggest issue in Hamilton. The current administration has indicated there was a flat tax for residences. This was somewhat deceiving since my taxes and many other residents saw their taxes rise hundreds of dollars due to the “balancing” of the fire taxes.
I live in a low fire tax district, yet my taxes went up to offset other districts that were very high. Where has all of the money from the dissolution of the fire districts gone? What happened to the $2 million from the state for consolidation?
The other issue that must be addressed is the overdevelopment of warehouses. Warehouses are eyesores and bring unwanted traffic congestion. The master plan must be readdressed, and until it is, the building of warehouses must halt. Zoning changes to accommodate warehouses must also stop, and open space must be considered.
Tighe: The redevelopment of older properties in our township continues to be of vital importance. To that end, we have declared several properties, including the Congoleum property, in need of rehabilitation or redevelopment. This will allow the township greater leverage as we work to bring new economic vitality to our community while protecting our residents quality of life.
Additionally, it will be important to continue the Township’s robust response to and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes ensuring that our Health Department continues to have all the resources it needs and facilitating a continued rapid response to businesses and residents in need of assistance by our Department of Economic Development.
Whalen: The two biggest problems facing Hamilton today are our vacant properties and bringing our rental properties into compliance. A vacant property in your neighborhood can lower your property value by 25%. This same vacant property creates a public nuisance and can present problems for our first responders.
We have many rental properties in Hamilton and unfortunately they have operated without proper regulation for many years. House values have increased greatly over the past two years and bringing our rental properties into compliance will benefit our entire town even more.
Boozan: Taxes are of utmost importance. The misleading “flat tax” would be shot down by a substantial amount of people who saw their taxes rise hundreds of dollars due to the fire tax “balancing.” If this was something that had to be done, I believe it would’ve been in the best interest to disclose that information prior to sending bills.
Transparency is certainly lacking, and this is not a knock on individuals but unfortunately a byproduct of the lack of accountability with a single party representative government.
Warehouse development is certainly a hot topic at this time. Individuals who live close to proposed sites have the most to lose, and with a township known for its parks and recreation sites, this will hinder the amount of open space and beautiful views we Hamiltonians have become accustomed to.
Additional warehouses bring jobs and tax revenue, but what good is tax revenue if it’s mismanaged? As a member of council, I would bring the entire township into the discussion, allowing for transparency and common-sense approach.
Carabelli: Recovering from the pandemic is the number one issue that I see facing Hamilton and for that matter, our country. We need to ensure that residents get back to work and businesses get back on their feet. I was a strong proponent of the business grant programs that the Township implemented in the height of the pandemic last year. For some businesses, it was a lifeline.
In addition, we initiated rental and mortgage assistance for business and residents alike. In times of crisis, we need to pull together to maintain our strong and vibrant communities.
The second and most important is to keep our municipal taxes as low as possible and make cuts wherever necessary. Fiscal prudence ensures that our community is affordable for all residents. As a Council member, we are entrusted with that responsibility.
DeMarco: One of the major issues is open land and what to do with it and economic recovery for the small businesses of Hamilton. It seems the powers that be are pushing for larger site and big businesses yet they are forgetting that almost 50% of the strip malls and business buildings are empty.
As a member of council, I will push for absolute transparency in regards to development and the future of Hamilton’s small business owners. Unfortunately, New Jersey and Hamilton did zero to help support the local business men and women that live locally and pay taxes and serve the residents.
By working with the planning board and zoning officials, we can make common-sense decisions. I will stand up for small business first and let big business know that Hamilton is not their personal playground and piggy bank.
Another issue for Hamiltonians seems to be their taxes and where their tax dollars are being spent. We are pushing for transparency in regards to the budget and how the taxes are being utilized.
Q. American politics may be polarized these days, but at the local level, politics is often less about ideological questions and more about doing what is best for the local community. Can Democrats and Republicans work together?
Tighe: I am encouraged that in Hamilton, we have been able to lower the temperature of political discourse. The job of a council member is to solve problems and to connect residents with resources. We serve all of Hamilton and have worked to improve lives in every neighborhood. When I became council president, I half-jokingly said that one of my goals was to make council meetings boring again. By treating everyone with respect and by being responsive to our residents needs, I believe we have been able to work for the long-term well-being of our community in a nonpartisan way.
Whalen: I work for the Hamilton residents and promise to always support any idea that benefits them regardless of who proposes the idea. I am a proud Democrat however I am most proud that during my time on council I have worked with every resident regardless of party affiliation.
Boozan: I for one do not have disdain for individuals just because of their party affiliation. I believe it is not only necessary, but crucial that decisions are based on the betterment of the community as a whole and not a specific political belief. I have friends and family members whom I respect wholeheartedly regardless of their political affiliation, and would bring that same approach to politics.
I judge people on their character, nothing else, and if elected I look forward to working with whomever is in office to maintain Hamilton’s many good qualities as well as growing together towards a better future.
Carabelli: Both parties definitely should work together. There is always common ground and compromises that can be achieved. I believe that’s the beauty of our democracy. To do what’s in the best interest of the community you serve for this generation and future ones – this should be the mantra that all elected officials live by and especially this Council.
It brings me great satisfaction when I can assist Hamilton residents regardless of their political affiliation. I compliment the administration and the mayor for having boards and commissions that are representative of our town, not based on a political litmus test.
DeMarco: One of the most important things I learned over the years is that wasting time arguing instead of working together gets us nowhere. Hamilton is a small town that seems to be playing big politics, and is that really what the township needs?
Democrats or Republicans, we all have the same obligations, to do what’s right, and just for the people of Hamilton and the future of its residents. Common sense and right and wrong shouldn’t have to be voted down party lines.
However, the current administration is predominantly Democratic and with not much opposing viewpoints, has been rubber stamping most things with little resistance. In 2021, I would hope that everyone should be willing to put party politics aside for a brighter Hamilton.
Diszler: I have entered into the political world because I do not like the lack of unity in the country and where it seems we are heading.
I do not consider myself a politician. I will do what I feel is best for the people of Hamilton working for them and this great community. I have many friends on both sides of the political aisle and I know I can work with anyone to accomplish the goals of doing what is best for the greater good of this township. The current composition of the council is unhealthy because there is no debate, no argument and no room for new ideas. A 5-0 council vote each time and a rubber stamp of the administration’s agenda is not representative government.
Q. For incumbents: What are your top 2 or 3 accomplishments during your time in office? Why are you proud of these accomplishments?
Tighe: As council president in 2020, I worked with my council colleagues and Mayor Martin to respond quickly to the COVID-19 pandemic to keep our Township employees and residents as safe as possible, while continuing to provide vital services. This included disbursing aid money to local businesses and residents in need while helping to vaccinate thousands of residents.
I co-wrote the Council report on our animal shelter that suggested reforms that, when implemented by Mayor Martin, resulted in a reduction from a high euthanasia rate to a shelter that now consistently adheres to a no-kill standard.
Carabelli: I am most proud of the reforms that we have seen at our animal shelter. This was a total team effort with volunteers, elected officials and employees coming together to affect significant, positive change. We now have an animal shelter manager, policies and procedures in place, and a welcoming environment for volunteers to assist on a daily basis.
I am also pleased to have supported many business initiatives during the pandemic. Some of them include: extending outdoor dining; investing in propane tanks for restaurants; creating short term mortgage and rental assistance; and providing over $500,000 in small business grants.
Whalen: I am proud to have supported the budget this year with no municipal tax increase. This sent a message to our residents that we understand that taxes are a concern in Hamilton. I am also proud of the support that we (council and administration) provided to our local businesses. From our district grant program to the rental relief, to our propane payments supporting our outdoor dining. Hamilton stood shoulder to shoulder with our businesses. Additionally, the improvements made to our roads and parks will benefit our residents for many years to come.
Q. For challengers: What makes you the most qualified candidate currently running for Hamilton Township Council? What skills and experience do you have that makes you the right choice to serve the community?
DeMarco: I’ve been a productive and active business owner and developer of youth athletes for over 25 years. I’ve listened to the parents and children of Hamilton for over 20 years, and I know what they want from a leader. They want honesty and integrity and someone that will stand for them and their families.
Someone that won’t bend to special interest and can apply common sense to the sometimes senseless bureaucracy that surrounds them both locally and on the national stage.
Boozan: I am not a career politician. As such, I believe the position is one of service to the community. I have tried my best to serve my community as an advocate for substance abuse and mental health awareness and treatment, as well as any other service requirement needed. I have been an executive in healthcare for the last decade and would bring the experience of managing big budgets, hundreds of employees, and making critical decision on a daily basis.
Most importantly, I believe that as an elected official for Hamilton Township I would work for the people, not special interests or party directives.
Diszler: As an officer with Hamilton Police for 26 years, I served all citizens, both young and old with pride and respect every day. I would love to continue to serve the residents of Hamilton Township as I did as a police officer. I served many important roles during my time as an officer, all of which would help me as a councilman.
I was able to investigate challenging and serious issues, evaluate them and come up with solutions. The council works for all of the citizens of Hamilton and the interests of the people must be first.
Joe DeMarco,
Chuddy Whalen,
