Statewide community activist and leader Joe Forte has announced his candidacy for Lawrence Township Council.

Forte released the following statement:

“First, I congratulate County Commissioner-Elect Cathleen Lewis on winning her recent election to Mercer County Commissioner. I want to thank her for her years of service to Lawrence Township Council and the greater community.

You are hearing this first! I am putting my name in to run for town council in Lawrence, New Jersey. As Cathleen’s replacement, I would do an outstanding job on the Township Council. That is why I am running a campaign to succeed her in 2023.

I serve as a District 20 Lawrence Township Democratic Municipal Committee/Mercer County Committee member. I was re-elected in June 2022 to serve a second two-year term.

I am a public servant and have worked in state government for over a decade. I currently serve as Chair of the Lawrence Township Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. In addition, I serve on the Lawrence Township Zoning Board and, in 2022, was elected as the 2nd Vice-Chair of the Lawrence Democratic Club. I am a Rider University alumni and serve on the Alumni Board of Directors. I hold a Master of Public Administration from Rutgers University. I purchased my first home in Lawrence in 2018 and am a member of Saint Ann’s parish.

Giving back to my community is important to me. Disability issues and uplifting others’ voices have always been a passion of mine. The most critical issues facing central New Jersey are growing our economy to create jobs and making New Jersey affordable for our hard-working families and seniors. As a long-term resident of New Jersey and a product of the public school system, I know how important it is to make New Jersey more family-friendly. That means creating jobs, protecting our environment, and making life more affordable.

Being a member of the LGBTQ+ community and Vice-Chair of the NJ DSC LGBTQ Caucus has taught me the importance of coalition building, appreciating diverse communities, and helping others. I am a proud Communications Workers of America (CWA) union member. My education and being a public sector leader will allow me to serve the council and community best. Your perspective is important to me. I have an open-door policy and encourage you to contact me. I am always willing to help you navigate an issue or help find resources. I welcome your comments and suggestions. Hearing from you allows me to serve you better.”

—

For over a decade, Forte has been helping candidates up and down the state get elected. Joe holds a Master of Public Administration and a certificate in Strategic Communications from Rutgers University. In addition, Mr. Forte has a Master of Science degree from Northeastern University in International Affairs and completed a certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University. He received his B.A. from Rider University, cum laude, and an Associate of Arts degree from Raritan Valley Community College.

In addition, he is a national member of the Victory Fund Campaign Board, which recruits, trains, and fundraises for LGBTQ candidates running for public office. He is Vice-Chair of the New Jersey LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus and a Mercer County Democratic Committee Member.

To support Joe’s campaign, please visit:
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/joe-forte-for-lawrence-council-1