Holmdel Republicans Prepare for the Final Run-Up to Nov. 8

The Holmdel Republican Club learned at their meeting Thursday that their candidates for two open seats, Mayor Patrick Impreveduto and Greg Buontempo, say they have knocked on 2,000 doors throughout the township, asking for votes.

Buontempo, a branch sales director with Sprint, described the map he has taped to a wall and the system he uses for blocking out different sections for after-work and weekend cold-calling. The candidates began in September, trekking through Holmdel's winding developments, up long driveways and up and down townhouse developments stoops to distribute flyers, phone numbers and the Republican team message.

"The feeling I've been getting from a lot of people is positive," said Buontempo, to a dozen club members at Piazza Italia in the Holmdel Commons. New residents, old acquaintances, and people without any familiarity with folks from Town Hall have greeted him cordially, he said. "What it's done is give me a better feel for the residents. A lot of people don't know me, although I've been on the Planning Board for a number of years."

Buontempo is the vice-chairman of the Planning Board, where he's had a hand in re-examining the township's 2010 Master Plan. He entered the Township Committee race after two-term Republican Party Committeeman Rocco Pascucci changed his mind on Sept. 19 and announced he would not seek re-election after all.

Buontempo spoke on behalf of Imreveduto, who was not at the Oct. 27 meeting because he was out of town, he said.

The Republicans are running against the Holmdel Democratic Party's Brian McFarland and Anish Kumar.

"The feedback I am getting is they are happy with how the town is being managed," said Buontempo. "They've seen their taxes remain virtually flat for the last three to four years that the Republicans have been in control, which has been a positive. A lot of people appreciate a lot of the services. They like the open space."

The Club got their lawn signs up a few weeks in town, took out paid ads on Holmdel Patch. They are planning a traditional hot dog roast for November 7, on the eve of the general election, at Buontempo's Grand View Drive home. Members will be reaching out to their friends by phone, to urge them to vote.