Alissa Pecora moved to Keyport in 2005, purchasing her home while working as a public school teacher. In 2010, she married her beloved husband, Frank, in downtown Keyport at Trinity (now Old Glory), and she has been involved in multiple organizations in the borough for several years.

When Alissa was first renovating her house, her neighbors asked her if she planned on flipping it. She responded, “I plan on living here until I die.”

Alissa recently retired after teaching high school English for 32 years, during which time she earned a reputation as a skilled instructor of advanced and college-level courses and a fierce advocate for the best interests of her students and the school community. She served as the advisor to such groups as the Gay-Straight Alliance, the literary magazine, and the school newspaper. Alissa was known for speaking truth to power in the service of her students, and she plans to bring that same level of dedication to honest communication to the council.  She wants to advocate for the citizens of Keyport and has no conflicting interests. 

No stranger to hard work, Alissa waited tables while she earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Education (1991) and a Master’s degree in English (2000) from The College of New Jersey. In fact, she worked multiple jobs throughout most of her teaching career, so she knows what it is like to struggle to make ends meet. Alissa wants Keyport residents to know that she will be a responsible steward of taxpayer money. 

Over the years, Alissa has supported several Keyport organizations. She has worked with and contributed to the Keyport Ministerium Food Pantry, including donating funds she and her husband won by placing in a local songwriting contest. She has also aided the Keyport Historical Society and Garden Club by performing at fundraising events and including her home on the 2024 Candlelight House Tour. She has participated in several cleanups of the waterfront and the Henry Hudson Trail. She plans to strengthen and promote Keyport’s vibrant arts community. Alissa spends her spare time gardening, writing music with her husband, practicing the piano, and birding. 

Alissa Pecora has dedicated her life to public service and hopes to continue doing so as a Keyport Borough Council member. She is motivated solely by her love for Keyport and its residents. She looks forward to working with the citizens of Keyport to retain the charm of our bayside town while ushering in improvements that will benefit all.