LAKEWOOD, NJ – With just days left before Tuesday’s election for mayor in Toms River, Democrat Ben Giovine visited Lakewood Township and met with Meir Dickstein, the editor of the Lakewood News Network, to introduce himself to the community.
Earlier in October, Giovine had sought the endorsement of the Toms River Jewish Community Council (TRVAAD), knowing that he needed the support of the growing Orthodox Jewish community if he wanted to have a chance to defeat Republican Councilman Dan Rodrick on Tuesday.
In the interview, Giovine discussed his stance on reducing Toms River’s one-acre zoning, saying there needs to be an open discussion and dialogue. Giovine also expressed the need to educate the general population of Toms River to the needs of the town’s various religious communities.
Giovine has made his stance clear: he did not want to take any actions as mayor that would lead to new lawsuits or scrutiny by the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.
Last week, Giovine received a sizable donation from the Lakewood Jewish Federation for $5,200.
The interview is available on the Lakewood News Network website.
Giovine, a Democrat who serves as District Director to ultra-progressive New Jersey Congressman Andy Kim said he would seek to use his experience at the federal level to help get the community federal funding if elected.
Photo – Screen grab of Giovine’s interview with the Lakewood News Network.