Lowe, Miller Lead Howell BOE Race: Unofficial Results

HOWELL, NJ - As of Friday, candidates Denise M. Lowe and Albert "Al" Miller were leading in the Howell Board of Education race, according to unofficial results from the Monmouth County Clerk's Office.

Four candidates are vying for three seats this year: Stephen Dobbins, Denise M. Lowe, Ira Thor and Albert "Al" Miller. Thor, Lowe and Miller are current members seeking to maintain their spots, while Dobbins is a newcomer slated to challenge the incumbents. Current board member Laurence Gurman is also running unopposed for a two-year unexpired term.

Lowe has garnered the most votes so far, followed by Miller, Thor and Dobbins.

4:57 p.m., Nov. 6 vote count:
STEPHEN DOBBINS: 23.23%, 11,404 votes

DENISE M. LOWE: 27.95%, 13,721 votes

IRA THOR: 24.02%, 11,791 votes

ALBERT "AL" MILLER: 24.61%, 12,084 votes

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Dobbins is a Howell High School graduate with degrees from Brookdale Community College and Rutgers University. He has been a Howell resident for 14 years and is the owner of Stormin' Arts Productions, a social media marketing agency for small businesses.

Lowe has been a resident of Howell for over a decade and is now in her sixth year as a Howell Township board of education member. The board of education reelection candidate is the managing director for All Children Can Learn, an academic coaching and training service, and works with the New York State Education Department as an educational consultant for East Ramapo School District in Rockland County, New York.

Thor is a Howell resident of over 10 years and father of three children, all of whom have attended or are currently attending Howell Township schools. The incumbent has over 20 years of higher education experience, with wife Kathryn touting more than 20 years of experience in special education. He is the Senior Director of University Communications and Media Relations at New Jersey City University, serving as the Chief Communications Officer and spokesperson for the university. He also works in professional and collegiate sports, including the NFL's New York Giants, New York Jets and the NCAA, as well as a number of local colleges as an announcer, broadcaster and statistician.

Miller has been a resident of Howell for 15 years and a Howell Township Board of Education member for nine years. He has two daughters, one in nursing school and one in Howell High School. "Both of my daughters went through the Howell school system, Miller told Patch. "They received excellent education by the dedicated hard working staff we have in our district."

For full coverage of the 2020 election in New Jersey, go here: New Jersey Elections 2020