Freehold Borough Council 2025 Election: Richard Gartz

FREEHOLD BOROUGH, NJ — Candidate Richard “Ricky” Gartz is running for election to the Freehold Borough Council in the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

In November, Gartz (R) will run for one of two open seats on the council alongside running mate Autumn Nonnenmacher (R). The two will face off against incumbents Margaret Rogers (D) and Adam Reich (D).

Ahead of the General Election, Patch posed several questions to Gartz about his campaign platform, experience, and what sets him apart from other candidates. His replies are below.

Editor’s Note: The following article contains information about one of the candidates running for the Freehold Borough Council in 2025. Responses are written as received by Patch.

Patch has contacted all other candidates in this race with the same questions and will post replies as they are received.

Are you running for the Freehold Borough Council? Contact Sara Winick at sara.winick@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Patch.

Richard “Ricky” Gartz

Age: 59
Town of Residence: Freehold Borough
Education: B.S. Accounting
Occupation: Director of Finance/Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

What drove you to seek public office?
After serving 11 years as the Chief Financial Officer for Freehold Borough, I’ve had the opportunity of working side-by-side with multiple mayors and councils.

During my tenure, I’ve seen firsthand both the potential our town holds and the challenges we face. In recent years, I’ve watched spending spiral upward and our roadways deteriorate to unacceptable levels.

I’m running for my community and believe in restoring fiscal responsibility, pride, and progress for Freehold Borough residents.

What sets you apart from other candidates?
Experience and integrity. I bring 38 years of hands-on experience in municipal government as both a Municipal Auditor and Chief Financial Officer, along with professional certifications as a CPA, RMA, and CMFO.

I’ve worked with towns of every size across New Jersey, learning what works and what doesn’t. That broad perspective, coupled with my deep local roots, gives me the institutional knowledge and practical skill set to make meaningful, lasting improvements right here at home.

What are the past accomplishments or experiences that make you qualified for this position?
Freehold Borough isn’t just my home, it’s where my wife Kathleen and I built our life together and raised our three children. It’s a community I’ve been proud to serve and live in for decades.

For 20 years, I’ve worked as Freehold Borough’s municipal auditor and for 11 years as their CFO, giving me a deep understanding of how this town runs and what it needs to thrive.

Outside of my professional experience, I’ve spent many years volunteering as a baseball and football coach, and stand proud of the young men and women I see today who still call me coach when I run into them. I know this town well and am dedicated to working to help it become the very best it can be.

If elected, what will be your top priorities in your new role?
Together with my running mate Autumn Nonnenmacher, we believe in “New voices, new choices.” Our priorities will be to strengthen Freehold Borough for all residents.

• Quality of Life: We’ll increase code enforcement during nights and weekends to combat overcrowding and address unsafe, inhumane living conditions caused by absentee landlords.
• Infrastructure: We’ll create a sustainable, long-term paving and infrastructure plan that doesn’t depend on outside grants, but instead uses our town’s own resources wisely.
• Fiscal Responsibility: We’ll tackle the Borough’s debt, which has tripled in just a few years, and restore sound financial management to protect taxpayers and invest in the Borough’s future.

We’re ready to lead with transparency, accountability, and residents First!!

Name one thing about Freehold Borough that always makes you smile.
Without question, the people. In a community just 1.9 square miles, there’s a warmth and neighborly spirit that’s special.

Whether it’s walking through town with my wife and our dogs, enjoying our parks, or simply exchanging a friendly hello with a passerby, it’s those everyday connections that make Freehold Borough such a wonderful place to call home. Community!!