In this interview with InformTheVoteNJ.com, Sean Pignatelli outlined his platform and philosophy for improving Downe Township through proactive leadership, better communication, and stronger community engagement.

Background and Motivation:
Sean shared his personal journey from vacationing in Downe as a child to becoming a full-time resident. A personal loss in 2020 motivated him to enter politics, determined to help his neighbors and raise the standard of leadership beyond the status quo.

Key Initiatives and Projects:
- Dividing Creek Park: Designed to be the township’s first community-owned park, providing a centralized location for family-friendly events like township-wide Easter egg hunts. The project is delayed due to township officials' focus on the Fortescue sewer project but is otherwise ready to proceed.
- Newport Veterans Memorial: Originally spearheaded by the Recreation Committee, the project was handed off to the Environmental and Historic Commissions. Sean emphasized the importance of honoring veterans and creating more public gathering spaces.

Transparency and Civic Engagement:
- Information Pipeline: Sean advocates for short, digestible township newsletters funded by the Green Communities Grant, ensuring residents receive clear updates without needing to dig through complicated websites.
- "Just Google It" Problem: He emphasized the flaws in assuming residents can easily find information online, pointing to confusion with projects like the Newport Veterans Memorial.
- Civic Education and Local Press: Sean supports restoring civics education in local schools, requiring candidate information packets at election filing, and rebuilding local, nonpartisan press coverage to strengthen voter knowledge.
- Technology Use: Sean recognizes that modern tools like AI can streamline fact-finding and communication when used responsibly.

Senior and Family Support:
- Seniors (via ADRC): Downe’s senior group does excellent outreach, but Sean believes key services should be available online without requiring group membership.
- Young Families (via Gateway, Visiting Angels): Programs exist but are poorly advertised. Sean wants better pipelines to connect families with services like utility assistance and nutrition programs.

Resident Engagement:
Sean’s leadership style is highly hands-on—preferring face-to-face discussions, open-door access, and even hosting public meetings at his home. He supports anonymous suggestion dropboxes to ensure residents feel comfortable sharing feedback.

Final Thoughts:
Sean concluded by emphasizing that collaboration between township and county officials could dramatically improve service delivery. He believes clear, basic communication fills major cracks in local government — and that robust voter education is essential to prevent situations where uninformed voting allows candidates like Charles Laspata, who ghosted the campaign, to still earn major support.

In this updated 2025 interview with InformTheVoteNJ.com, Lawrence Township Committee candidate Charlie Woody expands on his campaign platform, emphasizing transparency, accountability, youth engagement, and the urgent need for functional government. This follow-up builds on last year's interview, responding to new developments and his primary race against incumbent John Tisa.

Concerns About Leadership Attendance and Communication:
Charlie raised early concerns about the absence of the current mayor from multiple township meetings and the lack of public notification. A particularly short meeting with only one committeeman in attendance raised flags for him about unequal access to information. He questioned why only certain long-time residents seemed aware that the meeting would be cut short, highlighting a lack of transparency and consistency in township communication.

Website Issues and Digital Transparency:
Woody was blunt about the township’s poorly maintained website, citing outdated content, broken contact numbers, and a lack of public meeting minutes. He criticized the $16,000 annual payment to CDC for web services (correction: it appears as though website maintenance is one of many services CDC provides) and vowed to push for better accountability and, if needed, replacement of the vendor within 90 days if elected. He acknowledged that improvements have started, but attributes them to public pressure, including his own vocal advocacy.

TextMyGov Rollout:
While cautiously optimistic about the new “TextMyGov” platform, which will allow residents to text the clerk with concerns and receive alerts, Charlie noted that it is an added expense—not a replacement for the website—and stressed the importance of evaluating its effectiveness before renewing the contract after two years.

Transparency, Forums, and the “Good Ol’ Boys Club”:
Charlie criticized opponent John Tisa for refusing to participate in interviews, forums, or sharing any campaign information at all... framing this as emblematic of an insider political culture that hand-picks successors rather than allowing open competition. He recounted how Tisa initially pledged neutrality in last year’s race but later supported Charlie’s opponent. Woody says this reveals a deeper issue in township politics: gatekeeping, loyalty-based endorsements, and a lack of real dialogue with the public.

Financial Crisis and Calls for a Plan:
Woody revealed that the township may be approaching bankruptcy, something he says residents were never formally told. He believes it’s unacceptable that the public isn’t informed of such dire financial conditions and questions what Tisa has done during his term to address the situation. Woody emphasized the need for a clear financial recovery plan and drew parallels to managing a failing business, arguing that elected officials must be held to a higher standard.

Rumors, Respect, and a Toxic Climate:
Charlie directly addressed a rumor that he sabotaged a nonprofit's gaming license, strongly denying any involvement and framing it as politically motivated misinformation. He condemned the spread of personal attacks and called for township leadership to denounce such behavior—regardless of whom it targets. He stressed that he's willing to meet with anyone civilly, whether they support him or not, as long as the goal is to serve the township.

Youth Engagement and Community Building:
In a shift toward constructive ideas, Woody proposed the creation of a skate park and other community spaces to re-engage youth and families. He also suggested creating a summer internship for high school seniors interested in government, coordinated through the township and local schools. Woody emphasized that these initiatives wouldn’t require raising taxes, pointing to available grants and unused resources as potential funding sources.

Local Civics, County Involvement, and Better Election Practices:
Discussing broader civic issues, Woody supported InformTheVoteNJ’s push for civics education in schools, regular candidate information packets, and a greater role for counties in helping voters learn about their choices. He agreed that the current candidate filing process lacks transparency and that voters should have better access to biographical and qualification-based information about candidates.

Local Press and Civic Transparency:
Charlie and the interviewer explored the lack of trustworthy, nonpartisan local press coverage. Charlie praised Steven Solof’s efforts with InformTheVoteNJ, saying they’ve filled a critical gap in local political coverage. While acknowledging some progress—like efforts from Commissioner Director Sauro and journalist Joseph Smith—he stressed that reliable, centralized reporting is still lacking. Charlie supports efforts to formalize candidate information sharing and newsletters to keep residents informed year-round.

County Road 553 and Cedar Lake Dam:
A major ongoing concern is the deteriorating condition of County Road 553, compromised by the failing Cedar Dam. Charlie explained the bureaucratic finger-pointing between the township and the county over ownership responsibilities and repair costs. Although some sidewalk work was completed recently, Charlie said county engineers have ignored multiple emails and calls for updates. He promised that if elected, his first 100 days would include getting definitive answers and making them public. He stressed that taxpayers deserve more than silence and vowed to show up in person to get clarity.

393 Main Street Development:
Turning to a more positive topic, Charlie described his evolution from skeptic to supporter of a new pool manufacturing facility at 393 Main Street. After meeting with the owner, touring the facility, and reviewing environmental precautions—including upgraded smokestacks and sound barriers—Charlie praised the company’s responsiveness and transparency. He posted the walkthrough video on his website, viewing the development as a net benefit for local ratables and community relations.

Quarterly Newsletters and Meeting Agendas:
Charlie endorsed the idea of township-run quarterly newsletters and consistent agenda postings. He recalled past efforts where residents received yearly township updates and urged the return of these efforts. Charlie argued that regular communication—whether via printed flyers or digital formats—can reduce misinformation and increase community participation in planning board meetings and decisions.

Bay Point Beach Project:
Charlie also highlighted the $12 million Bay Point Beach renovation funded by a state grant. The project enhanced public access while preserving wildlife and environmental safeguards. Although a ribbon-cutting ceremony has not yet occurred, he praised the work and invited residents to enjoy the improved waterfront area.

Election Integrity and Republican Party Friction:
Charlie revisited last year’s election controversy, where he was initially certified the winner, only to have the certification rescinded days later due to alleged tabulation errors involving mail-in ballots. He claims party leadership had already decided to back his opponent and that he was pressured to drop out, even offered a spot on the Planning Board in exchange. Despite feeling politically sidelined, Charlie emphasized that he remains committed to serving all residents, even those who dislike or oppose him.

Breaking the “Good Ol’ Boys Club”:
Charlie framed his campaign as a grassroots effort against entrenched power, accusing current leadership of resisting change and transparency. He called for fresh ideas and younger leadership, not out of rebellion, but out of necessity—pointing to financial mismanagement and outdated practices.

Personal Outreach and Mutual Aid Proposal:
In closing, Charlie detailed how he has already helped township residents resolve heating emergencies, property complaints, and assistance applications—even without holding office. He proposed donating 50% of his salary if elected to create a resident support fund for neighbors in need. This, he says, reflects his philosophy of service: “I’m not running against the people—I’m running for them.”