FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5th, 2023

‘Red Bank’s Ready’ team announces candidacy for Mayor and Council
Red Bank, New Jersey

Red Bank is ready for a new path, for civility and transparency in government, to fulfill its potential as a vibrant regional hub and resilient community. Red Bank is ready for a new team at the helm.

In November, Red Bank residents voted resoundingly “Yes” to a new form of government; one in which the Mayor and Council are focused on implementing strong policy to lead Red Bank forward – not interfering with day-to-day municipal management. Today a committed group of residents, advocates, and forward thinkers announce their candidacy for office to fulfill that mandate.

The “Red Bank’s Ready” slate will focus on strategic goals that avoid the poor outcomes of the past. Their combined professional and volunteer experience includes public safety, public health, education, planning, business and environmental leadership.

For Mayor:
Mayor Billy Portman won election as a vocal proponent of non-partisan local elections. In office, he’s prioritized the voice of the public and his own accessibility as a leader. A father of three and general contractor by trade, he is committed to building the constructive and transparent governing body that Red Bank has been waiting for.

For Council:
Councilmember Kate Triggiano has been elected twice by Red Bank voters for her dedication to building community, her environmental advocacy, support for a thriving downtown and small businesses. Kate is an active volunteer firefighter with West Side Hose Company, and currently serves on the advisory board of the Indie Street Film Festival, the Red Bank Code Blue Committee, and the Firefighter Safety & Health advisory council for the NJ Fire Safety Commission.

Ben Forest raised his two children on the west side of Red Bank and in its schools. He is the longest serving Member of the Board of Education, serving 3 terms as President. In addition to operating a small business for IT services, he is a dedicated citizen activist – regularly attending meetings of the Borough council and other bodies. He was elected to the Red Bank Charter Study Commission whose recommendation of the Council-Manager form of government was adopted by voters in November. He also serves on the Board of Clean Water Action of New Jersey and Board of Trustees for Red Bank RiverCenter.

Nancy Blackwood is a retired Systems Engineer experienced in the analysis, design, and implementation of mission-critical systems for the telecommunications industry. She is a member of the Red Bank Environmental Commission since 2017 and chair since 2019. She was recognized as a Sustainable Jersey hero for her work on a pedestrian safety project, and led the effort to establish a curbside Plastic Film Recycling program. Nancy was also the chair of the Red Bank Charter Study Commission that studied the form of government and recommended a change overwhelmingly adopted by the voters.

David Cassidy moved with his family to Red Bank in 2008 and joined the Fire Department as a volunteer the same year. He currently serves as Captain of the Navesink Hook & Ladder in addition to the Planning Board and its Master Plan steering committee. Dave’s work as a documentary filmmaker has earned him a Peabody award and four Emmy nominations. He is also a visiting Professor at Wake Forest University, and studies Law at Seton Hall.

Laura Jannone holds a doctorate in Nursing Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, practiced nursing, and was a Professor of Nursing at Monmouth University for 21 years. A 23 year resident of Red Bank, she is also the Standards and Practice Chair of NJ State School Nurses Association (NJSSNA), Executive Board member for the Monmouth County School Nurses Association (MCSNA), and was the COVID outreach manager for the Visiting Nurses Association of Central New Jersey (VNACJ). In “retirement”, she currently teaches nursing courses online for The City University of New York (CUNY).

Kristina Bonatakis is a 13 year resident of Red Bank, Rutgers graduate, and operations leader for a New Jersey-based technology company. She is an active member of the Environmental Commission, Green Team, and Planning Board – where she currently serves on the Master Plan steering committee. She was previously the Treasurer and an Advisory Board member for the Red Bank Business Alliance, having worked for a downtown business for 7 years.

This team brings the diversity of fresh perspectives which is needed at this pivotal moment for our community. Red Bank is ready for a Mayor and Council with vision, talent, and a demonstrated commitment to serve. Red Bank’s Ready on election day, May 9th!