Sam Pinkava has been a veteran math educator for over 15 years. He started his career in Baltimore City, taught three years in Budapest, Hungary, and he then landed at Ocean County College in 2019. He took a break from teaching in 2023 to work for Scouting America’s Jersey Shore Council. Last year, he decided to go back to the classroom, and he is now at New Egypt High School. Pinkava has taught many different math subjects to students from many different backgrounds. He has also received extensive training in sales and management through Scouting America.
Pinkava is a five year resident of Waretown, and he is ready to settle down in a beautiful community that he has come to know and love. He is a father of three young children, and he is a Scouting America Den Leader for Pack 156 in Lacey.
Pinkava is highly qualified to be the next Ocean County Clerk. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics with a concentration in Applied Statistics. He has taught statistics at the college level since 2012. He has the skills and experience to manage all of the data that goes through the County Clerk’s office.
Art Halloran served as a Councilman in Brick from 2015-2022. Former Councilman Halloran is the retired President of Sony Electronics Business Solutions Company, a $500 million business. His experience led him to appreciate and practice strong fiscal responsibility. He believes in making government smaller by focusing on core government functions, and staying out of ventures that belong in the private sector. Art serves as President of the Brick Federation of Beach Associations (FOBA), and was appointed by Mayor Ducey to the Floodplain Management Committee and serves on the Brick Environmental Commission.
Brandon Rose is running for County Commissioner to help the citizens of Ocean County in their everyday lives. He wants to ensure the effective operation of county services and to create or expand services where they are lacking.
Brandon grew up in Brick and now lives in Jackson with his wife and children. He is a retired State law enforcement Captain. He regularly worked with faith-based and charitable organizations, governmental agencies, nonprofits and private businesses while also working with local, state, county and federal law enforcement agencies to provide safe communities.
Rosalee Keech has dedicated her "retirement" career to advancing women’s rights on a global scale. As the United Nations Observer for PACT by ECPAT-USA, she leads the fight against human trafficking, advocating for human rights, empowering women in political leadership, and combating violence against women and girls. Rosalee’s passion drives her role as President of the NGO Committee to Stop Human Trafficking in Persons, Inc., and her active participation in the New Jersey Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Task Force and its Business/Regulatory Agencies subcommittee. Previously, she served as Chief Observer to the United Nations for the League of Women Voters of the United States, further solidifying her legacy as a champion for justice and equality.
Lisa Bennett, a Stafford resident is an active local leader serving as Stafford Township
Democratic Municipal Vice Chair and Committee Person for District 1 and was recently elected to
New Jersey State Committee. She earned an A.A.S. in Paralegal Studies from Brookdale
Community College Lisa has earned several academic honors and gained experience at multiple
law firms. She actively participates in various community and women's organizations, civic groups, and her church, reflecting her dedication to public service. Bennett’s campaign focuses
on addressing affordability issues, including property tax relief, utility accountability and
affordable housing, childcare, and healthcare and protecting the rights of workers. She pledges to
serve all constituents with honesty, integrity, dignity and compassion
Janine G. Bauer is an environmental attorney, former prosecutor, and lifelong Democrat running for State Assembly in New Jersey’s 10th Legislative District, covering shore towns from Spring Lake to South Toms River. Backed by the Monmouth and Ocean County Democratic Committees, she brings local and county government experience, and served from 2020-2025 on the Gateway Development, overseeing a major infrastructure project under the Hudson River. Janine’s background in securing federal and state funding for environmental and transportation projects positions her to address the challenges shore towns face from sea level rise. Her priorities include lowering electricity and drug costs, reducing property taxes, fully funding schools, protecting water and ocean quality, and ensuring polluters—not taxpayers—fund future resiliency efforts.
Gigi Esparza is a proven community leader dedicated to putting families first. A former mayor and experienced school board member, she has championed transparency, fiscal responsibility, and strong public schools. She has also been a leader in early childhood education as Chair of the Ocean Inc. Head Start Policy Council and has served her faith community for over a decade as Sunday School Superintendent and Bible Institute teacher.
An 18-year resident of South Toms River, Gigi is raising three children with her husband, Alonso, all of whom attend Toms River schools. She is committed to keeping families and communities at the heart of every decision she makes.
Freshta Taeb is a local mom, business owner, and mental health professional. She has built a diverse and impactful career spanning multiple fields, including media, education, behavioral health, and advocacy for the most vulnerable. Freshta is running for Assembly because she wants to use her skills and background to enact policies that are in the best interest of New Jersey families.
