Dunellen Republicans, Mayor Jason F. Cilento Announce Council Slate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 6, 2023

DUNELLEN – Today, the Dunellen Republican Organization and Mayor Jason F. Cilento officially announced their 2023 Borough Council slate, incumbent Hal VanDermark, and newcomer Crisol-Iris Lantz.

Mayor Jason F. Cilento released a statement following the announcement:

“Councilman VanDermark and Crisol-Iris Lantz bring so much to the table,” said Cilento. “It is an honor to have them join me on the Dunellen’s Future Together! ticket. I have no doubt that they will work hard on our residents’ behalf to continue to deliver for the Miracle Mile.” Cilento added, “We need their service on the Borough Council so we can continue to set the roadmap together for Dunellen’s future for years to come. Both of these outstanding community members have walked the walk and have my full support!”

A United States Navy Veteran, VanDermark has served his country both at home and abroad. After a deployment on the USS America during the Cold War, he returned to New Jersey as a successful small business owner. VanDermark was a contributing member of the Dunellen Downtown Management Organization and the Dunellen Arts & Culture Commission. In 2021, he was unanimously supported by Democrats and Republicans to fill a vacancy on the Borough Council and won his election in 2022 to fulfill the remainder of that unexpired seat.

“I am thrilled to be joining Mayor Cilento and Crisol-Iris on the ballot this year. I am proud to have worked with the Mayor and our Council to focus on traffic and pedestrian safety and have supported common sense ordinances that enhance the quality of life for all residents,” stated VanDermark. “As a public servant and business owner in downtown Dunellen, I am excited about the future of our downtown and how we will collectively work to further its revitalization,” he added.

An educator by trade, Crisol-Iris Lantz has dedicated her life to serving others. As a parent, she recognizes the importance of safe neighborhoods, a thriving recreation department, and the connection these have in the well-rounded upbringing of Dunellen’s children and the communal support it offers to its families. Together with the Mayor’s Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Task Force, she has advised the mayor and council on improvement plans to increase pedestrian safety, especially in and around school zones.

“As a council member, I hope to bring a fresh perspective, meaningful representation, and continued support to the residents of our growing community,” Lantz added, “I support the vision set forth by Mayor Cilento and have enjoyed working with Councilman VanDermark in our common cause of traffic and pedestrian safety in Dunellen. It was not hard to say ‘Yes’ when asked to join the ticket. Together, I know we are going to continue the great progress made over the last three years and bring new ideas to the table!”

Cilento, Lantz, and VanDermark received the full endorsement of the Dunellen Republican Municipal Committee at their last meeting. GOP Chairman Harry Buttito Jr. added, “Mayor Cilento has been an inspirational leader for Dunellen, having accomplished so much in just three years, and Hal and Crisol-Iris are fantastic and qualified candidates who will represent Dunellen well in Borough Hall. These individuals listen with an open mind and make decisions on what is best for our community. I look forward to working closely with them on the campaign trail in the coming months.”