BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ – Former Brick Township Mayor John Ducey showed that there are still such things as responsible Democrats in New Jersey. Ducey and his team defeated a corrupted band of Republicans ten years ago and have kept that same group out of office since.
He accomplished his goal by making Brick a better place to live for everyone, not just the connected public officials who were raiding the township coffers for their own financial enrichment.
Now, Lisa Crate, one of Ducey’s allies, who is currently serving as mayor, is hoping residents will back her in November as the usual cast of characters responsible for the Acropolis era mismanagement of the town rear their heads for another election.
Crate, an esteemed educator with a passion for her community, assumed the role of Mayor of Brick Township on February 28.
Her appointment by the Township Council came after years of dedicated service, initially as a council member since 2016 before her promotion to Mayor. Crate’s political journey began in 2015 when she was elected to the Council, subsequently winning re-election in 2019. During her tenure, she served as Council President in 2020 and 2021, as well as Council Vice-President in 2018, 2019, and 2022.
While on the Council, Mayor Crate actively participated in various committees, including Business and Finance, Land Use, Ethics, Economic Development, Public Works, and Recreation. Her contributions to these committees were instrumental in spearheading numerous initiatives and programs that have positively impacted Brick Township. Emphasizing fiscal responsibility and pragmatic governance, Mayor Crate consistently advocated for fiscally conservative practices.
In addition to her council duties, Mayor Crate held significant liaison positions within the Council, serving as the Board of Education, Library, Senior Citizen, Sustainable Brick, and Veterans liaison. Her multifaceted involvement allowed her to engage with diverse sectors of the community and address their unique concerns.
Beyond her political endeavors, Mayor Crate is an ardent animal lover. She staunchly supports Brick Township’s ban on “puppy mills” and has organized fundraising events for K-9 Narcan and trauma units. Her commitment to animal welfare extends to her voluntary role as a board member for Tooney’s Last Resort, a local animal rescue organization.
Mayor Crate has resided in Brick Township for 28 years, sharing her life with her husband and two children, who attend Brick Township Public Schools. With over 30 years of experience in education, she currently holds the position of President at the Jackson Education Association and is a member of the Ocean County Council of Educators. Her outstanding contributions to the field have garnered recognition, including awards such as Teacher of the Year and District Educational Services Professional of the Year.
Engaging with the community has been a cornerstone of Mayor Crate’s approach to governance. Her dedication to fostering a greater sense of unity is encapsulated by her motto, “Brick is a big city with a small-town feel.” As a member of the Council’s Recreation Committee, she has actively contributed to park renovation projects, introduced the popular Touch-a-Truck event as part of the National Night Out celebration, and provided unwavering support to the Recreation Department and community events like SummerFest and the Brick Farmers Market. Mayor Crate’s upcoming project, the community’s first Longest Table Event planned for this fall, further demonstrates her commitment to bringing Brick Township residents closer together.
Mayor Crate’s accomplishments span a wide range of areas. Through her work on the Business and Finance Committee, she collaborated with the administration and Council to implement conservative fiscal practices, resulting in controlled municipal spending and a reduction in the tax levy growth. Additionally, her contributions to the Land Use Committee led to the creation of a Village Zone, safeguarding the township from excessive residential development. Furthermore, Mayor Crate’s advocacy for veterans has made a significant impact, including the creation of Hometown Hero banners honoring fallen residents, advocating for free beach badges, and securing Brick’s recognition as a “We Value our Veterans” community.
Mayor Lisa Crate’s dedication, combined with her extensive experience in education and local governance, positions her as a committed advocate for the residents of Brick Township. Her leadership promises a prosperous future for the community, focused on unity, fiscal responsibility, and the well-being of all residents.
Crate will be facing off against John Catalano, who served as a councilman and MUA commissioner under former Mayor Steve Acropolis.