Freehold Borough Council Election 2025: Autumn Nonnenmacher

FREEHOLD BOROUGH, NJ — Candidate Autumn Nonnenmacher is running for election to the Freehold Borough Council in the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

In November, Nonnenmacher (R), will run for one of two open seats on the council alongside running mate Richard “Ricky” Gartz (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 Nonnenmacher about her campaign platform, experience, and what sets her apart from other candidates. Her replies are below.

Editor’s Note: The following article contains information about one of the candidates running for the Freehold Borough Council in 2025. 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.

Autumn Nonnenmacher

Age: 51
Town of Residence: Freehold Borough
Education: B.A. Elementary Education, B.A. History
Occupation: Teacher, Emergency Responder

What drove you to seek public office?
In just five years, net municipal debt in Freehold Borough soared from $7,690,000 in 2019 to $20,080,620 in 2024. This dramatic increase has resulted from stalled redevelopment and escalating borrowing, forcing residents to shoulder millions in new obligations. As spending rises with little return, it's time to demand responsible fiscal oversight and leadership that genuinely protects taxpayers.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?
My candidacy is motivated by a desire to be a voice for the ordinary, hard-working families of the Boro.

I am not a career politician. I am not seeking a title, recognition, or personal gain. I am simply a resident, one of many, who wants a seat at the table to represent the everyday people of Freehold Borough.

Our council has operated as a decades‑long, closed‑door clique. We need a fresh voice, someone willing to challenge the status quo and bring the discussions back to the kitchen tables where most of us live.

What are past accomplishments or experiences that make you qualified for this position?
As a mother of four, a teacher, and an Emergency Management Asset with Monmouth County Sheriff’s CERT team, I've built strong management and collaboration skills, leading by example, solving problems under pressure, and working effectively with people from all backgrounds.

Through these experiences, I have honed skills in management, crisis response, and teamwork across diverse backgrounds. I understand how to prioritize tasks, manage resources effectively, and find common ground, even in difficult conversations.

If elected, what will be your top priorities in your new role?
My priorities are clear: real government transparency and proactive, not just reactive, approaches to residents' needs and local infrastructure. We must anticipate challenges, plan ahead together, and openly share information with the community.

Name one thing about Freehold Borough that always makes you smile.
Freehold’s greatest treasure is its closeness. We are a small town where children can walk or ride bikes to see their friends, and neighbors stop to chat at Sweet Lew’s or while out walking.

That sense of community is what convinced me to stay here when my youngest was on the way, and it is what I hope to preserve for generations