Our Candidates for Stafford Township Mayor and Council
Click to view Democratic Coalition of Ocean County Ad for Joe Salerno
For Mayor
Barbara Crystal
I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Virginia and a Masters in Special Education Technology from George Mason University. I was a special education teacher in Arlington, Virginia from 1988-1993 and then served as a special education teacher at Southern Regional High School from 1993-2021. I belonged to Phi Delta Kappa, the NEA, VEA, and NJEA. I have been a Stafford resident since 1997. I have two daughters who attended Stafford Schools and graduated from Southern Regional High School. My elder daughter graduated from Temple University and resides in Philadelphia. My younger daughter is a US Navy Hospital Corpsman (HM2) stationed in Japan. I served as a Girl Scouts of New Jersey Shore Leader and Assistant Leader and was an assistant softball coach for my daughters' teams in the Stafford Girls Softball Association. I am currently the Stafford Democratic Municipal Chair and Stafford Township Democratic Committee Representative for District 20. I am a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish on Long Beach Island. I wish to continue to serve the community that has given so much to my family.
For Council
Lisa Bennett
Stafford resident since 2012. Former Paralegal assisting certified civil trial attorneys. Currently serve as a Stafford Democratic County Committee Person along with my husband John. Recent empty-nesters with two daughters and two sons, soon to be first-time grandparents. I have a Golden Retriever and a cat. I am a Friend of the Library, belong to The Stafford Township Women's Club, Stafford Democratic Club, Democratic Coalition of Ocean County and served on my Homeowners Association Board. I am a Lector and sing with the choir at St. Francis of Assisi Parish on Long Beach Island. I strongly believe that all government begins at the local level and that our elected officials represent all of the citizens and not the individual.
For Council
Dennis Carleen
A dedicated resident of Stafford Township for nearly 20 years, and I’m running for Town Council to bring a fresh perspective and dedicated service to our community. As the owner of Scapes and Services and a graduate of Ocean Community College, I bring a solid background in business management and a deep understanding of local issues. My commitment to Stafford is reflected in my volunteer work, including organizing and participating in beach cleanups, which underscores my dedication to preserving our environment. My priorities include enhancing local engagement, supporting economic growth, and promoting sustainable practices. I’m excited about the opportunity to serve and would be honored to have your support.
For Council
Ellyn Hill
I have lived with my husband Zeke in the Cedar Run section of town for the last 24 years. I chose Stafford Township for its great public schools, access to the beach, and reasonable property taxes. I am proud to have sent both of my kids to Stafford Southern Regional Public Schools. I am a Family Nurse Practitioner with over 25 years of experience having worked in several urgent care and pediatric practices. I am a graduate of Rutgers University, The Philips Beth Israel School of Nursing, and the Yale University School of Nursing. I am looking forward to serving the Stafford Community as a member of the Township Council.
For Council
Moira Krier
I am a lifelong resident of Stafford, currently living in Ocean Acres with my partner Cody and our two rescued dogs, Levi and Maisie. I am a proud graduate of the Stafford and Southern Regional School Districts and I earned my Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Magna Cum Laude, from Kean University. I represent District 10 on the Stafford Township Democratic Committee and am an active member of the Stafford Democratic Club. I am also a Registered Lifetime Girl Scout, manage the Miss Stafford Pageant, and am a proud Friend of the Stafford Library. Professionally, I own Explorer Media, a marketing agency serving small businesses and creators. I am committed to restoring financial responsibility in our council and advocating for a better future for all Stafford Township residents.
For Council
Wendy McConnell
I was born and raised outside of Philadelphia and attended Temple University and earned my Bachelors Degree in Marketing. I took a different path as my love of music led me to work at a local radio station that solidified my desire to work in broadcast radio. A job opportunity brought me to the Jersey Shore where I fell in love with the beach community. I went back and forth between my hometown and the Jersey Shore for several years before making Stafford my permanent home. I reside in Beach Haven West.
For Council
Erik Tramontana
I grew up in the area (Southern Regional Class of ‘96), and my wife and I moved to Ocean Acres in 2011 because we knew this was a great place to raise our two boys. I have been a high school English teacher in Ocean County for 21 years, and have been active in community events and activities such as coaching youth soccer and volunteering for the Cub Scouts. I am running for town council because I want to do my part to give back to the community that has given us so much.
