Hamilton Township Democratic Chairperson Barbara Plumeri announced the results of the Municipal Committee Endorsement Meeting held virtually Saturday Morning.

“By acclamation, the Hamilton Democratic Municipal Committee has selected Councilmen Anthony Carabelli, Jr., Rick Tighe and Charles “Chuddy” Whalen to run for re-election.”  “Since being elected these individuals have made great strides in improving the quality of life for Hamiltonians.  From addressing the issues at the Animal Shelter, consolidation of the Fire Department, and finding creative ways to support local businesses during this pandemic,” said Plumeri.

Councilmen Anthony Carabelli and Rick Tighe were first elected to Council in 2017.  In 2019 Jeff Martin was elected as Mayor in the first Democratic sweep in 16 years bringing Councilwoman Nancy Phillips and Councilman Pat Papero to Council. In 2020, Charles “Chuddy” Whalen was selected by the Hamilton Democratic Municipal Committee and Hamilton Council to fill Mayor Martin’s seat.  Whalen was elected to Council by a very large margin in November 2020.

Councilman Anthony Carabelli, Jr. currently serves as the Director of the Office of Economic Development for the County of Mercer.  He is a member of the Hamilton Partnership, the Small Business Development Center Advisory Board.  Anthony has volunteered his time with several organizations including the American Heart Association, the National Alliance on Mental Illness and coaches at Nottingham Little League.  Since 2006 he has worked in the area of Economic Development bringing a unique knowledge of the small business community and the issues they face.

“I am humbled by the support of the Committee and I am excited to run for reelection this November,” said Councilman Carabelli.  “I have had the honor of serving on Council and meeting with so many dedicated and hard-working citizens of our town.  I love this community and look forward to assisting residents and businesses alike this year and hopefully for another four years.”

Councilman Carabelli lives with his wife Sharon and their two sons in University Heights.

Councilman Rick Tighe grew up in Hamilton, where he attended Kuser School and Grice Middle school before attending McCorristin Catholic High School. An investment professional for the past 20 years, he has previously worked as Vice President for Investments at J.P. Morgan. Rick’s experience in the banking and investment field includes working with middle class families and business owners for whom every dollar counts. He brings this perspective to every decision he makes regarding tax payer dollars.  A longtime community activist, Rick has volunteered for Junior Achievement and Habitat for Humanity.  He is past President of the Hamilton Kiwanis, an organization that provides scholarships to Hamilton students. In 2020, Rick was chosen by Council to serve as President. As Council President during the beginning stages of the pandemic, Rick acted quickly to continue to ensure the public had access to Council meeting proceedings to ensure Township business continue without interruption.

Councilman Tighe is a homeowner in Mercerville.

“I appreciate the support of the Hamilton Democratic Committee.   I am looking forward to working with Mayor Martin and the team to build on the accomplishments of our first term.”, said Tighe.

Councilman Charles “Chuddy” Whalen is a life-long Hamilton resident.  Since 2012 he has served as the Assistant Business Manager for Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 9.  He also serves as the Chairman of Local 9’s Health & Welfare Fund. Chuddy has always been very involved in the Community. He was recently appointed as a Trustee for the City of Angels; he is an active member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.  He has received many honors from his community, most recently in 2019 he was the Grand Marshal of the Hamilton St. Patrick’s Day Parade.  As the Assistant Business Manager for Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 9, Chuddy brings a unique perspective on expanding opportunities to put local people in local jobs.

Councilman Whalen resides in Hamilton with his wife Susan. Together they have three grown children and six grandchildren.

“I would first like to thank the committee for their vote of confidence.  I look forward to continuing our efforts for responsible economic development and look forward to creating local job opportunities for every Hamiltonian.”, Whalen said.

“Anthony, Rick and Chuddy are well deserving of the honor of representing the Democratic Party and all Hamiltonians,” said Mayor Jeff Martin.  “Most recently they have shown their leadership throughout the pandemic by providing aid to Hamilton small businesses, PPE to seniors and nursing homes, and necessary resources to our Health Department to get shots in arms.”