Get to know our Democratic candidates
Hear the candidates in their own words...
Interview with John Schneider
Robert J. Bergen, Esq
Robert J. Bergen, Esq., previously served nearly 20 years as a member of the Keyport Borough Council and as Mayor. During his many years on the governing body, Rob served as Chairman of the Council’s Finance Committee under both Democratic and Republican Administrations. As such, he was recognized for his outstanding knowledge regarding municipal finance in general, and of the Borough’s budget in particular. Rob is committed to using his financial literacy to help our government get the most out of its budget and resources. Rob also served on the Keyport Unified Planning Board.
​
Most important, as Mayor, Rob spearheaded the financing, design and construction of the Borough’s premier Waterfront Park and Promenade. Rob strongly believes that this area of our borough has sadly lapsed into a state of disrepair and neglect; something he is keen on correcting.
​
Robert is a magna cum laude graduate of Seton Hall University and Seton Hall University School of Law. Professionally, Mr. Bergen has served as a municipal lawyer for several municipalities in Monmouth and Middlesex Counties. Rob is currently serving in his twenty-fifth year as the Law Director for the Borough of Carteret, a 25,000 resident community recognized as a leader in successful redevelopment efforts and grant acquisition, which had the 7th lowest tax rate in Middlesex County in 2023.
Rob and his wife Kelly, both graduates of Keyport High School, have raised their two children, Casey and Nicholas, here, and their grandson Jackson is the fifth generation of Rob’s family to call Keyport home. For many years, Rob and Kelly were communicants at the former Jesus the Lord Catholic Church on Broad Street, where Kelly served as a CCD instructor and he as a Lector. Rob is also the son of former Keyport Mayor Richard Bergen.
Kathleen McNamara
Kathleen McNamara moved to Keyport in 1986, proudly serving as a Keyport Councilmember since 2021. Married on the front steps of the home they purchased, Kathleen and her husband Dennis raised their two children here while getting involved in multiple efforts and organizations in the borough.
For over 30 years, Kathleen commuted into NYC. Working at various financial firms through those decades she sharpened her skills in marketing, sales and trading, completing her career as a Director at Citigroup in Fixed Income. She brings her skills in finance and marketing to the Council.
In 2012, Kathleen completed and earned her Master Gardener certification thru the Rutgers and participated in the Alternate Route Program in NJ for her teaching certification. As a member of the non-profit Teach for America, she taught Financial Literacy and Gardening at an alternative vocational high school for 16-20 year old young adults in Newark, NJ. Even after the vocational school closed, Kathleen continues to mentors some of her former students today.
Kathleen’s roots in Keyport grew deeper on Thanksgiving 2018. Already living as a two-generation household (Kathleen, Dennis, their son and his wife) a new generation was born into the household making it three generations. Kathleen’s daughter, a pediatric oncology nurse lives and works in Philadelphia.
Kathleen has spent numerous years increasing her involvement and knowledge of Keyport, its citizens and ways to help shape the future of the community. She always looks forward to developing new relationships within the community and making sure issues important to all are heard as the borough moves forward.
OUR PRIORITIES
Working for a better Keyport
Our Strength is our Diversity
A diverse borough is a strong borough. We vow to cherish the cultural tapestry that makes us unique.
​
Address the Quality of Living of our Seniors
Our senior citizens have given us so much. We owe it to them to ensure they live comfortably and with dignity. The neglect ends now.
​
Inviting Discussions
Your voice matters. We're opening the doors for meaningful dialogue, everyone has a seat at the table.
​
Stabilize Out-of-Control Taxes
We want transparency and accountability to ensure the best use of our municipality's resources and YOUR tax dollars.
​