Sean M. Pignatelli
InformTheVoteNJ Interview With Sean Pignatelli
📋 Click here for full interview summary 📋
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.
⏳ Click to view timestamps, topics, and takeaways ⏳
Interview Summary – Sean Pignatelli
This table highlights the key topics covered in the 45 minute interview, summarizing major takeaways per section.
| Timestamp | Topic | Key Takeaways |
|---|---|---|
| 0:00 – 0:22 | Introduction | Steven introduces InformTheVoteNJ.com and sets the purpose of the interview. |
| 0:22 – 1:33 | Origin Story | Steven explains the site's origin — difficulty researching local candidates; Sean agrees voters deserve better local info. |
| 1:33 – 3:26 | Sean’s Background | Sean shares his move from part-time visitor to full-time resident of Downe Township, citing the tight-knit community feel. |
| 3:26 – 4:15 | Motivation for Politics | Personal loss inspired Sean to help his community and raise the standard of leadership. |
| 4:15 – 7:45 | Dividing Creek Park | Unique gathering space for families and events. Project delayed due to Fortescue sewer priorities but otherwise ready to proceed. |
| 7:45 – 12:30 | "Just Google It" Problem / Information Pipeline | Sean emphasizes need for simple communication (e.g., township newsletters funded by Green Communities Grant) to avoid confusion. |
| 12:30 – 14:40 | Veterans Memorial Project | Project shifted to Environmental and Historic Commissions; aims to honor veterans and serve as a second community gathering space. |
| 14:40 – 16:33 | Newsletter & County Collaboration | Sean advocates for collaboration between township and county, using newsletters and liaisons to bridge information gaps. |
| 16:33 – 32:00 | Civic Education, Candidate Info, Local Press, AI | Sean supports local civics education, county-issued candidate info packets, rebuilding local press, and responsible use of AI tools. |
| 32:00 – 37:45 | Senior Services (ADRC) | While Downe Seniors do good outreach, Sean stresses the need for accessible online information without requiring group membership. |
| 37:45 – 39:05 | Young Family Services (Gateway, Visiting Angels) | Programs like Gateway exist but are poorly promoted. Sean advocates better information pipelines for young families. |
| 39:05 – 42:55 | Resident Engagement | Sean prefers face-to-face conversations, promotes open-door access, and proposes anonymous dropboxes for public feedback. |
| 42:55 – 46:59 | Final Thoughts | Highlights the importance of county-township collaboration, clear basic communication, and the role of voter education in preventing uninformed votes like Charles Laspata’s 40% ghost campaign support. |
Events
- Cumberland County Regular Republican Organization Breakfast
- Listen to party messaging and potentially meet Republican candidates Party Site
- 04/26/25 - 8:30am
- Mauricetown Fire Company, 9544 Noble St. Mauricetown, NJ 08349
- RSVP: dgeno2383@gmail.com on or before that week's Tuesday
- Cumberland County Regular Republican Organization Breakfast
- Listen to party messaging and potentially meet Republican candidates Party Site
- 05/10/25 - 8:30am
- Eastlyn Golf Course, 4049 Italia Ave, Vineland, NJ, 08361
- RSVP: dgeno2383@gmail.com on or before that week's Tuesday
- Cumberland County Regular Republican Organization Breakfast
- Listen to party messaging and potentially meet Republican candidates Party Site
- 05/24/25 - 8:30am
- Mauricetown Fire Company, 9544 Noble St. Mauricetown, NJ 08349
- RSVP: dgeno2383@gmail.com on or before that week's Tuesday
Relevant Bio and Experience
Sean Pignatelli is a passionate community advocate, proud resident, and active leader in Downe Township. With a clear vision for a more engaged and family-focused community, Sean has dedicated years to improving township life — not from behind a desk but by being present, hands-on, and in touch with the people he hopes to serve.
“I’ve been working for this community for a long time — as a volunteer, chairman, school board member, and father. I believe in openness, family values, and building a township we can all be proud of. Let’s give our kids a place to play, our veterans a place to be honored, and our families a reason to stay and thrive. Let’s support our first responders, protect our school, and make sure every resident has a voice. It’s time for real change — not empty promises. Let’s start Building a Better Downe, Together.”
Public Experience Highlights:
Chairman, Downe Township Recreation and Tourism Committee (2023–Present)
- Secured state recreation funding
- Built partnerships with Cumberland County 4H and other organizations
- Published a Quarterly Township Newsletter to keep residents informed
- Organized inclusive township-wide events and contests
Member, Downe Township School Board (2023–Present)
- A leading advocate for keeping the local school OPEN
- Pushed for a more lenient, practical dress code policy to reduce disciplinary conflict and promote student comfort
- Helped implement a more attainable grading scale, giving students a better chance to pursue higher learning opportunities in high school
- Supports local staff who live in the township and understand our kids
- Promotes open and respectful dialogue between parents and educators
Member, Downe Township Green Team (2020–2023)
- Led local beautification and sustainability efforts
- CPR and First Aid Certified, ensuring preparedness and public safety
- Advocate for our local first responders, including support for fire, EMS, and emergency personnel
Sean brings a boots-on-the-ground work ethic and a people-first approach to local government — always guided by the principle of “Building a Better Downe, Together.”
Sean's Agenda
1. Increase Transparency and Resident Engagement
Why it matters: Residents often feel left out or unheard by township leadership. Decisions happen with little notice or explanation.
Sean’s Plan:
- Reinstate the Downe Township Newsletter
- Launch live-streaming and recording of public meetings
- Provide anonymous public feedback options (online & drop boxes)
- Form a citizen advisory panel to give residents a seat at the table
2. Expand Recreation and Year-Round Community Events
Why it matters: There’s a lack of safe, engaging activities — especially for youth and seniors — which limits community connection.
Sean’s Plan:
- Apply for state and county recreation grants
- Create a Township Events Calendar for all-age programming
- Partner with local venues to host seasonal events, contests, and socials
- Advocate for the construction of Dividing Creek Park — a welcoming, safe outdoor recreation area for all residents
- Push for the development of the Newport Veterans Memorial — a permanent tribute to honor our local service members
3. Upgrade Infrastructure and Public Spaces Responsibly
Why it matters: Many roads, public spaces, and facilities are outdated or neglected.
Sean’s Plan:
- Conduct a comprehensive audit of roads, drainage, and public space needs
- Prioritize repairs and upgrades that improve safety and access
- Invest in building the Dividing Creek Park and the Newport Veterans Memorial as cornerstone community landmarks
- Ensure responsible budgeting without raising taxes
4. Advocate for Our School and Protect Local Education
Why it matters: Some township officials have continuously pushed to close our school, ignoring how important it is to our identity and families.
Sean’s Plan:
- Strongly oppose any effort to shut down the school
- Support local staff who live in the township and relate to our children
- Help promote a more personal, supportive environment where School Board Members can easily have discussions with Township Officials
5. Protect Our Environment and Preserve Rural Character
Why it matters: Downe Township’s natural beauty is one of its greatest assets. Development must be balanced and environmentally conscious.
Sean’s Plan:
- Strengthen zoning to preserve farmland, wetlands, and open space
- Promote eco-tourism, agriculture, and sustainable small businesses
- Re-engage the community to lead cleanup and beautification projects
6. Advocate for Our First Responders
Why it matters: Our fire, EMS, and emergency personnel are vital — but often undervalued and underfunded.
Sean’s Plan:
- Work directly with departments like the Dividing Creek Fire Company & Downe Twp Fire and Rescue to identify needs
- Help secure funding for equipment, training, and safety resources
- Promote volunteer recruitment campaigns and incentives
- Establish a First Responder Appreciation Week in Downe Township
Key Issues Facing Downe Township
1. Lack of Transparency and Closed-Door Decisions
What’s happening: Residents are left out of decisions, and public input is often dismissed.
Sean’s Solution:
- Bring back the newsletter
- Publicly post meeting agendas, minutes, and video recordings
- Establish clear and respectful ways for the public to participate
2. Neglect of Youth and Families
What’s happening: Families have few places to go or things to do. Downe doesn’t feel inclusive to young people.
Sean’s Solution:
- Develop Dividing Creek Park for safe play and gathering
- Launch year-round activities for youth, parents, and seniors
- Use recreation as a tool to bring neighbors together
3. Decaying Infrastructure
What’s happening: Roads and public areas are deteriorating while visible progress is scarce.
Sean’s Solution:
- Audit road and facility conditions
- Focus on the highest-need areas
- Advocate for strategic investment in new public spaces like the park and memorial
4. Threats to Our Local School
What’s happening: Multiple officials have tried to close the school, risking long-term damage to the community.
Sean’s Solution:
- Use his position to defend the school
- Highlight how local staff connect with students and families
- Promote inclusive relationships between School Board Members and Township Officials
- Foster long-term school success to keep families rooted here
5. Undervalued First Responders
What’s happening: Fire, EMS, and emergency volunteers work hard with limited support or recognition.
Sean’s Solution:
- Increase funding opportunities
- Boost public appreciation
- Promote long-term sustainability and recruitment