Organization keen on presenting fresh alternative to residents in 2027

TOMS RIVER, NJ - On October 7th, the Toms River Democratic Committee choose a new, six member Executive Board.

With unanimous support the following were elected: Chair David Riccardi, Vice Chair Howard R. Conover, Treasurer Catherine “Casey” Bailey, Secretary Timothy G. Brew, Parliamentarian Michele Williams, and Communications-Technology Director Peter Smoke II.

Toms River Democrats is renewing with a commitment towards recruiting new members, developing a neighborhood-level organizing program, and reimagining community outreach.

In 2027, Toms River will choose a Mayor and three Township Council members, Democrats plan on presenting a clear and compelling alternative to voters.

Here is some more on the new team:

- Chair: David Riccardi was born in Toms River and graduated from Toms River High School South. Riccardi studied at the Rhode Island School of Design and the Rochester Institute of Technology. Dave retired from a career in publishing technology, production, and manufacturing. He spent twenty years overseeing workflow and developing methods constantly challenged for relevancy and efficacy, and he hopes to bring this experience to his new role. Riccardi “plans to rebuild the organization committing to contesting every race, rethinking public relations, and partnering with local organizations that share our values.”
- Vice Chair: Howard Conover was born in Neptune, living in Toms River for the past twenty-six years. Howard holds a degree from Ocean County College and went on to serve in the United States Navy. Conover worked as a Fugitive Retrieval Agent for seventeen years, and currently trains on responsible gun ownership at ShoreShot Pistol Range. He is married with four children and resides in the Feathertree section. Conover shared that “I have spent my life on the humanitarian side of society for many causes and look forward to continuing this commitment with Toms River Democrats.”
- Treasurer: Casey Bailey is a lifelong Toms River resident and a graduate of Toms River High School South. Bailey holds a degree from the University of Hartford and worked in the mortgage and insurance industries. She is currently raising two sons and resides in the Spring Court section close to Island Heights. As Treasurer of the Toms River Democrats, Casey hopes “to bring greater accountability, transparency, and fiscal responsibility to the organization while helping to strengthen the Democratic Party and support Democratic candidates in elections at the local, county, state, and national levels.”
- Secretary: Timothy Brew was born and raised in town, graduating from Toms River High School North. He holds a degree from St. Peter’s University and has spent twenty six years teaching. Tim also serves as a Sayreville War Memorial High School Teacher’s Union Building Representative. He has a daughter and currently lives in Silverton. Tim shared that he is “committed to strengthening local civic participation and giving Toms River residents a meaningful choice in local government.”
- Parliamentarian: Michele Williams comes from Jersey City, living in Toms River for the last thirty-seven years. She holds degrees from Jersey City State College, Seton Hall University, and LaSalle University. Williams taught for over thirty years in Jersey City, Jackson, and Toms River. She served as Principal of St. Joseph’s Grade School before retiring. Michele was elected to the Toms River Regional Schools Board of Education in 2017 and 2020. She has also run for Toms River Township Council three times. She is currently a member of several organizations including the Toms River Housing & Homeless Coalition, Ocean County Mental Health Board, Friends of the Ocean County Library, National Organization for Women, and the NAACP. Williams has two children and four grandchildren, living in Shelter Cove.
- Communications-Technology Director: Peter Smoke is a lifelong resident. He graduated from Toms River High School North and co-owns Cuphead Coffee. Through Cuphead Coffee, Smoke raises funds for Toms River Regional Schools, the local Scouting chapter, and other local non-profits. Known for his warm, neighborly approach, Smoke believes good government starts with listening. Pete’s “priorities are responsible land use, making Toms River affordable for working families to call it home, protecting seniors and small businesses. I want a more active local Democratic Party that reflects the whole community.”

The public is invited to attend the next meeting of the organization being held on Thursday October 21st @7pm at the Toms River Branch of the Ocean County Library in the Hometown Dairy Room.

Follow @trdems on Instagram to keep up with the team