FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE,

Friday September 30th, 2026

Asbury Park, NJ — ASBURY PARK, NJ — Dan Sciannameo says residents have repeatedly raised concerns with him during his campaign about whether people who disagree with City Hall are treated differently from those who support the current administration.

“Throughout this campaign, I have heard the same refrain from residents: if you want something from city government, you better be in good standing with the Deputy Mayor. If you’re not, good luck to you,” Sciannameo said.

Sciannameo, a candidate for Mayor challenging current Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn, said he believes those concerns point to a larger issue with the way city government operates.

“What I have heard from residents is a concern about a culture of fear, retribution and pettiness,” Sciannameo said. “The message they perceive is simple: support us, vote with us, do what we say and stay quiet — or face the consequences.” “This has created a culture of intimidation and retaliation”, he added. 

Sciannameo said the concentration of political influence within the current administration makes those concerns particularly important.

“As Deputy Mayor, my opponent leads the Council majority that controls the decisions City Hall makes — and the decisions it doesn’t make,” he said. “When residents believe that their treatment by government can depend on whether they agree with those in power, it has a chilling effect on open participation, transparency and objective decision-making.”

Sciannameo said he would take a different approach to governing.

“I believe government should welcome disagreement, not punish it,” he said. “Residents should be able to speak their minds, challenge City Hall, support a different candidate and express a different opinion without wondering whether they will pay a price for doing so.”

There was also an attempt by developers to silence Sciannameo as a member of the Asbury Park Planning Board when as a private citizen he spoke out against the direction of development in the City and Marquette Marquette in particular. They threatened to sue the Planning Board if he did not recuse himself from voting on the latest application before the planning board - a project  he took issue with. “We have to stand up against this kind of intimidation in our City”, he said.   

Sciannameo also connected the issue to the broader national debate over political retribution and freedom of speech. 

“We hear people across the country talking about the dangers of politics based on retribution and intimidation,” he said. “Regardless of your politics, I believe Asbury Park should reject that approach here at home as well.”

“Residents don’t need a government that tells them to toe the line or else,” Sciannameo continued. “They need a government that listens to them — including when they disagree.”

Sciannameo said that changing the culture of City Hall would be an immediate priority if he is elected. “No more back room deals and political favors”, he stressed.  

“On day one, I will make it clear that City Hall belongs to all the people of Asbury Park,” he said. “Different opinions will be heard. Residents will be treated with respect. And no one should have to be in anyone’s political good graces to receive fair treatment from their government.”