Get to know our Democratic candidates...
Kathleen McNamara
Guiding Keyport Through Challenges
Kathleen McNamara has been a steady leader on the Keyport Borough Council since 2021, serving longer than any other current member, including the mayor. Her experience has been crucial in navigating Keyport through challenging times, ensuring the community not only survives but thrives.
​
People Over Politics
Kathleen’s approach is simple: prioritize people over politics. She has earned respect across the political spectrum by focusing on the needs of all taxpayers. Her diligence, diplomacy, and consensus-building make her a unifying force in Keyport.
​
Big City Expertise, Small Town Heart
With over 30 years in New York City’s financial sector, much of it at Citigroup, Kathleen brings valuable expertise to Keyport. After her corporate career, she taught Financial Literacy through Teach for America, demonstrating her commitment to empowering others.
​
A Lifetime Dedicated to Keyport
A Keyport resident for nearly 40 years, Kathleen and her three-generation family are deeply involved in the community. Whether through the Keyport Garden Club, Beach Sweeps, or the Bayshore Lunch Program, her dedication is evident throughout the borough.
​
Invested in Keyport’s Future
Kathleen McNamara is not just a leader; she’s a neighbor, volunteer, and advocate for Keyport’s future. Her vision is a thriving, inclusive community for generations to come.
​
Vote for Leadership You Can Trust
Re-elect Kathleen McNamara—because Keyport deserves a leader with experience, integrity, and a deep commitment to putting people first.
Rob Bergen
Former Mayor and Councilmember
Robert 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 the Council’s Finance Chairman under both Democratic and Republican Administrations. As such, he was recognized for his outstanding knowledge regarding municipal finance and the Borough’s budget. Rob is committed to using this knowledge to help our government get the most out of its budget and resources. Rob also served on the Keyport Unified Planning Board.
​
Proven Leadership and Accomplishments
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.
​
Distinguished Public Sector Career
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, and which had the 7th lowest tax rate in Middlesex County in 2023.
​
A True Keyport Family
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.
Danielle Mastropiero
Danielle Mastropiero, Esq., RN, is a seasoned and talented litigator who prides herself on treating every client like family. Prior to joining the firm, Danielle worked for a premier personal injury firm in North Jersey representing injured parties as well as victims of sexual abuse. Earlier in her career, Danielle also worked for two of the nation’s largest insurance carriers, giving her firsthand knowledge of the industry’s playbook. In addition to her work as a trial attorney, Danielle is a nurse. Whether she is fighting in the court room or serving patients on the front lines, Danielle is a vigorous advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves.
Danielle also believes in giving back to her community. She is an active volunteer for the Medical Reserve Corps, participating in vaccine clinics and administering vaccines to homebound residents. In October of 2021, she received a Letter of Commendation from Task Force Liberty for her work in Operation Allies Welcome, in which she assisted in providing medical care to Afghan Refugees at the joint base at McGuire-Fort Dix-Lakehurst. In the past she has also worked as an EMT in Newark, and in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. She participates in pro bono service as a member of the District VIII Ethics Committee, where she conducts investigations designed to root out bad actors in the legal field to protect the public.
In her spare time, Danielle enjoys nature walks, live theater, and spending time with her rescue chihuahuas.
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.
​