FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE,

Friday September 25th, 2026

Asbury Park, NJ — sbury Park mayoral candidate Dan Sciannameo today called for a change in the way the city is governed, saying residents deserve an administration that is independent of political insiders, special interests and organizations seeking influence at City Hall.

“If you’ve been paying attention during this mayoral campaign, you can see that the political establishment and powerful political insiders are pulling out all the stops to elect their preferred candidate,” Sciannameo said. “But I believe the people of Asbury Park want something very different. They want a mayor who answers to them — not to political power brokers, developers, contractors or special interests.”

Sciannameo said his campaign is being financed primarily by himself, friends and ordinary Asbury Park residents.

“My campaign is being funded by people who live here, care about this city and want change,” he said. “I am not a politician. I am not beholden to anyone. If I am elected Mayor, I will answer to one group of people: the residents of Asbury Park.”

Sciannameo has also questioned campaign contributions made to his opponent by individuals and organizations that do business with, or have business interests before, the City of Asbury Park.

He specifically pointed to contributions from T&M Associates, an engineering firm that has received professional-service work from the city, and Joe Maraziti, who serves as redevelopment counsel to the city. This is known as “pay to play”.

“Residents have every right to ask whether campaign contributions and government business should ever intersect,” Sciannameo said. “I believe the public deserves complete transparency. No one who contributes to a political campaign should receive special access or preferential treatment from City Hall.”

Sciannameo said the issue is particularly important when major development and redevelopment decisions are being made.

“This is about public confidence,” he said. “People should never have to wonder whether a decision was made because it was best for Asbury Park or because someone with political influence wanted something from City Hall.”

“Thirteen Years Is Long Enough”

Sciannameo also sharply criticized his opponent’s record after more than a decade on the City Council.

“After 13 years in office, residents have every right to ask a simple question: Are we better off?” Sciannameo said. “I don’t believe we are.”

He pointed to the continuing affordability crisis facing homeowners and renters, escalating property taxes, lack of parking, flooding, development pressures and the condition of the city’s west side and Main Street as issues that he says have not received sufficient attention.

“Our taxes have become a major burden for homeowners,” Sciannameo said. “People I speak with every day are worried about whether they can continue to afford to live here. Renters are struggling as well. Where is the meaningful expansion of affordable housing? Where is the relief for tenants who are being priced out?”

Convention Hall and Casino Building

Sciannameo also criticized the city’s handling of its historic boardwalk properties.

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority recently approved up to $75 million in CAFE tax credits for the proposed $130 million restoration of the Convention Hall complex, including Convention Hall, the Grand Arcade and the Paramount Theatre. The complex has been closed since approximately 2021 because of structural safety concerns. (City of Asbury Park⁠)

Sciannameo said city leaders should have demanded action on the deteriorating boardwalk properties much earlier.

“After years of watching these historic buildings deteriorate, residents are now being asked to celebrate a major state tax-credit package announced during an election year,” Sciannameo said. “The question is not whether Convention Hall should be saved — of course it should. The question is why it took so long to get to this point and whether the interests of Asbury Park taxpayers are being adequately protected.”

He also questioned the city’s recent decision to establish a committee to study options for the Casino building.

“After years of inaction, we now have another committee,” Sciannameo said. “Residents deserve action, transparency and accountability — not another study that arrives when an election is approaching.”

Flooding, Development, Parking and the West Side

Sciannameo said his campaign is focused on issues that directly affect residents’ daily lives.

“When is Wesley Lake going to stop overflowing every time we have a major rainstorm?” he asked. “What is the real impact of all this development? What are we doing about parking? What is the plan to revitalize Main Street and the west side? And what are we doing to make sure Asbury Park remains a city where working people and longtime residents can afford to live?”

Sciannameo said his administration would put taxpayers and residents at the center of city government.

“We need to look at every dollar the city spends, every development proposal and every agreement with outside interests and ask a simple question: Is this good for the people of Asbury Park?”

“This Election Is About Change”

Sciannameo said voters now have a clear choice between continuing the current direction of city government and demanding a new approach.

“This is not the time to reward inaction and failure,” Sciannameo said. This is not the next political steppingstone, and no one has earned the right just to ascend to the office because they have just been there ling enough. “It is time to elect someone who will work hard, fight hard, ask tough questions and stand up for the people who live here.”

“I am running because I believe Asbury Park can do better. We can have a city government that puts homeowners, renters, small businesses and longtime residents first. We can grow our tax base without simply growing the tax burden. We can demand transparency from City Hall. And we can have a mayor who is willing to stand up to powerful interests when necessary.”

“I am asking the people of Asbury Park to join me in taking our city back — not for one political organization, not for developers or special interests, but for all of us.”

Dan Sciannameo is a longtime Asbury Park resident, community advocate, real estate appraiser and member of the Asbury Park Planning Board. He is a candidate for Mayor of Asbury Park in the November 3, 2026 election.