Rick Hibell On Why He's Running For Middletown Township Committee

MIDDLETOWN, NJ ? This November, there are two seats open on the Middletown Township Committee, and two Republicans and two Democrats running.

Current Township committeemen Kevin Settembrino and Rick Hibell are seeking re-election. Both have been on the Middletown Township Committee for several terms now.

They will be challenged by Democrats Rocky Rios and Paige Gregorio. Rios ran last year for Middletown Township Committee and lost. You can read these profiles on the two Democratic candidates here: Meet The 2 Democrats Running For Middletown Township Committee

The election will be Nov. 8, the same day as the midterms.

Patch asked Settembrino and Hibell to send us a short bio of themselves, and answer the following questions. Hibell responded:

What are the major challenges facing Middletown and how would you address them if elected?

Like all communities in New Jersey, Middletown is plagued by leaders in Trenton who refuse to address issues that directly impact the safety of our residents as well as the financial well-being of our taxpayers. For months, the Township Committee has been sounding the alarm on the failed bail reform policies that put all New Jersey residents at risk. Criminals know that our judicial system has been cut down to its lowest point and taxpayers face record inflation and unfunded mandates that force their families to spend more on less.

The Township Committee has not been afraid to address these issues head-on and we will continue to demand answers from leaders to keep our residents and families safe as well as protect their wallets from New Jersey's spending problem.

What qualifies you for this position, both personally and professionally?

As a former volunteer fire chief and small business owner, I have been very fortunate to have the opportunity to serve my hometown. Earlier on in my career, I built a small business from the ground up, which was completely devastated by Superstorm Sandy. We overcame the tremendous loss from the storm and rebuilt a very successful small business that has made a great impact in the community. I understand first-hand that hard work and determination can create great things.

My experience during my years in the fire chief?s ranks provided an opportunity to work closely with our local government and to better understand some of its inner workings. My position also allowed me to interact with my community daily. Now in my fifth year on the Committee and second year as Deputy Mayor, I continue to dedicate each day to giving back to my community.

What factors are critical to the quality of life in your community and what would you do to improve or preserve them?

In my five years on the Township Committee, we have worked tirelessly to protect and enhance the quality of life in Middletown. From the record investments we've made in our infrastructure through paving more roadways and new sidewalks than in the previous decade, to ensuring our emergency first responders have the proper equipment to keep them safe, the Township Committee works every day at protecting Middletown's quality of life.

In 2020, our residents voted to increase our Open Space Trust Fund, which has provided us with the ability to preserve more open space and enhance our recreational facilities. Now Middletown has more than 6,000 acres of preserved open space.

Middletown isn't just talking the talk: Middletown is leading the way and that is why I am asking the voters for another term on the Township Committee.

Biography:

Rick W. Hibell is a lifelong resident of Middletown. After graduating from The Marine Academy of Science and Technology and attending Brookdale Community College, he started a thriving marine construction company in Middletown that now has over 40 employees and 20 dealers from New York to Florida.

Deputy Mayor Hibell was appointed to the Township Committee in 2018, became Deputy Mayor in 2021, and continues to serve as our Deputy Mayor in 2022. His colleagues selected him for this role. Prior to serving on the Township Committee, Deputy Mayor Hibell had been a member of the Middletown Township Planning Board. He is also a second-generation Fire Chief and Life Member of the Middletown Township Fire Department.

Deputy Mayor Hibell has been a parishioner of St. Mary, Mother of God for over 30 years. He and his wife Kelli live in the Leonardo section of Middletown with their three children.