Dear Editor,

I’m Eduardo Castillo, a Marlboro resident and a working-class retail worker running in the Democratic primary for Monmouth County Commissioner. I am not a career politician; I am someone who has worked over six retail jobs and understands the daily grind of trying to make ends meet. I know the stress of living paycheck to paycheck, the weight of mounting medical debt, and the frustration of watching grocery and gas prices climb while personal time with family disappears.

At 22, I offer a unique balance of youthful energy and seasoned lived experience. This campaign isn’t a battle of young versus old, I deeply respect our older generations and connect with them through shared struggles. I believe that ideas, not age, define a candidate. My goal is to bring fresh, reasonable solutions to our local government, rooted in my identity as a son, a partner, and a proud American who believes in our collective potential.

As your County Commissioner, I will focus on the powers of the office, managing the budget, passing ordinances, and overseeing essential services like education, public safety, and health, to directly combat the rising cost of living. While the office has its limits, there is so much we can do to improve our infrastructure and social services. Together, we can make Monmouth County the number one place to live in New Jersey. Let’s work together to make our county bigger, better, and greater for everyone.