FREEHOLD, NJ – There’s a new face in Monmouth County, and she’s working hard, knocking on doors and making herself known to voters from Freehold to Keyport. From Atlantic Highlands to Wall Township, Danielle Mastropiero is hoping she can defeat incumbent Sue Kiley in November.
Danielle is running on a platform that criticizes the GOP’s total control of county government and the county commissioner’s alleged botched handling of the annual tax reassessment program.
The race for a seat on the Monmouth County Commissioner Board in 2024 pits Mastropiero against incumbent Susan M. Kiley. Mastropiero, a seasoned trial attorney and nurse, is pushing for change by addressing issues like affordable housing, veterans’ support, and property tax reassessments.
She has criticized Kiley’s handling of the county’s annual tax reassessment program, calling it unfair to the middle class. Mastropiero also prioritizes social services, health, and safety infrastructure while advocating for greater transparency and accountability.
Kiley, who has served on the board for two terms, defends her record, including programs like Monmouth Acts and MedStar emergency services. She has emphasized public safety concerns and maintaining stability in county finances, citing the effectiveness of her administration in managing costs over the years.
Mastropiero is hoping to bring her youthful exuberance and new ideas to the board. Kiley, represents the ‘old guard’ of the Monmouth County GOP. She blames Kiley’s participation in the experimental annual county reassessment program for making Monmouth County unaffordable for the middle class and driving up rents and housing prices.
“Commissioner Kiley has called this a system that’s more fair for everyone, but I don’t know a soul that believes that,” Mastropiero said during a recent debate.
She also opposes the county’s plan to spread its wings and spend possibly tens of millions of taxpayer funding on getting into the airport business. The county is currently looking into purchasing the Wall Township Airport.
Democrats are gaining ground in towns across Monmouth County, which is far from a Republican ‘stronghold’ these days under the leadership of Monmouth County GOP Chairman and Sheriff Shaun Golden.
Monmouth County is historically Republican-leaning, but Mastropiero’s focus on housing, healthcare, and climate issues, as well as her endorsements from groups like the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, could give her an edge with voters who are seeking fresh perspectives.
It will be an uphill battle in a county where Republicans have long held control. of the board, but with this being a presidential year, Democrats are expected to come out in big numbers across Monmouth County.
The one thing she’s doing right in this election is hitting the pavement. Studies show that while people are sharply partisan in America these days, the average person wants a person in government they know and trust. These weeks and months of knocking on doors countywide could be the difference between a GOP blowout and a tight race, even if Donald Trump as at the top of the ticket.