The Right Choice for Toms River
A New Generation of Leadership
Meet Zach
Zach Dougherty is a lifelong resident of Toms River and a proud graduate of Toms River High School North, Class of 2019. Growing up as a "Silverton kid," Zach spent his youth on the fields of Toms River East Little League, playing TRBA basketball and TRIC soccer. His deep roots in the community are matched by his commitment to public service. As a Toms River Troop 59 Eagle Scout and dedicated scouting mentor, Zach has always been passionate about leadership and community engagement.
He served as a community organizer with the League of Women Voters of New Jersey, where he championed government transparency and educated citizens on civic matters across the state. Zach also played a pivotal role in establishing the New Jersey Legislative Youth Council, providing a platform for the state's youth to advise the Legislature on critical issues affecting them.
In addition to his local efforts, Zach has been a national student leader on school safety and has gained valuable experience working in both houses of the United States Congress as well as the New Jersey State Legislature. His diverse background and dedication to public service make him a strong advocate for the people of Toms River. As the younger brother of a police officer and a dedicated community leader in Toms River, he knew it was time to take a stand against the growing challenges facing our town, from political corruption to threats against public safety.
Education
2023-2025
Master's in Legislative Affairs
The George Washington University Graduate School of
Political Management
Academic Expertise: A theoretical and practical understanding of the U.S. Congress, including its historical development, key players and organizations, legislative processes and ethical considerations.
Specialties: Advanced Legislative Procedure, Budgetary Politics, Public Policy, Legislative Politics, Legislative Data & Analytics.
2019-2023
B.A. History and Political Science
Monmouth University
Proudly graduated Magna Cum Laude, with an education deeply focused on leadership and service in New Jersey. I received a top-tier education in bipartisanship from Monmouth professors, including State Senator Vin Gopal (D) and Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden (R).
2015-2019
High School Diploma
Toms River High School North
A proud graduate of Toms River High School North, Intermediate East, and Silver Bay Elementary School, I was actively involved in student council, democracy club, JV track and cross country, model congress, and mock trial. I also volunteered as a Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County.
RESTORE
SILVERTON EMS
Restore Silverton EMS: ensuring that comprehensive emergency aid is always available.
Stop Playing Politics with Lives: Period
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
Strict Oversight on Spending: Implement rigorous checks on all fiscal activities to prevent wasteful expenditure and ensure transparency.
Challenge Unethical Practices: Stand against any conflicts of interest or unethical dealings within the township’s administration.
Guard Public Funds: Safeguard taxpayers' money by scrutinizing municipal deals and contracts to prevent misuse and corruption.
Prioritize Community Interests: Ensure that every financial decision is made with the best interests of Toms River residents in mind.
RESTORE
SUPPORT FOR THE
TOMS RIVER
POLICE
Unwavering Support for Toms River Police: Utilize council authority to shield the police department from detrimental mayoral policies.
Reject Police Cutbacks: Firmly oppose any efforts to diminish our police force or undermine their leadership roles.
Reinstate Police Captain Roles: Demand the restoration of eliminated police captain positions to uphold the integrity of our law enforcement structure.
Guarantee Full Funding and Training: Ensure the Toms River Police Department is fully equipped, funded, and trained to meet the community’s safety needs.
TRANSPARENCY
Demand Open Governance: Insist on full transparency and accountability in all council activities to foster trust and integrity. Increase the number of council meetings per month and provide the agenda well in advance.
Protect Free Speech: Guarantee the right for all Toms River residents to speak freely, criticize without fear, and participate actively in government.
Promote Public Engagement: Encourage and facilitate ongoing dialogue between citizens and their government, ensuring all voices are heard and valued.
Ensure Accountability: Implement stringent measures to monitor and report on government actions, holding all officials to the highest ethical standards.
RESTORE OUR
TOMS RIVER
ANIMAL SHELTER
Restore the Animal Shelter: Insist on reopening the Toms River Animal Shelter, reversing the previous administration's closure.
Champion Volunteer Protection: Defend our animal welfare volunteers against any form of harassment and ensure their efforts are supported.
Uphold Animal Rights: Enforce policies that guarantee compassionate and respectful treatment of all animals in our community.
Moral Commitment to Animal Welfare: Stand firm on animal welfare as a non-negotiable moral imperative for Toms River.
COMMUNITY UNITY
Foster Community Unity: Champion efforts to bring together diverse groups within Toms River, prioritizing harmony and cooperation over division.
Support the homeless in Toms River, ensuring comprehensive aid is always available.
Ensure Effective Shelter Programs: Commit to fully funding and expanding the Cold Blue and Cold Red initiatives to provide reliable shelter and services during extreme weather conditions.
Preserve Our Environment: Commit to protecting natural habitats and green spaces that are integral to our community’s identity and well-being.
Curb Overdevelopment: Pursue legal and fiscally sound avenues to protect the integrity of our township.
Support Local Small Businesses: Actively support local entrepreneurs that contribute to making Toms River a vibrant, supportive place to live.
Fight for State Aid: Toms River needs council members who actually care about the future of our school district. We need vocal support in the statehouse and governor's office.
Ensure a Bright Future for Our Youth: Invest in programs and initiatives that create opportunities for the youth, securing a prosperous future where families and individuals thrive.
ELECTION IMPORTANT DATES:
October 15th: Voter Registration Deadline
October 26th - November 3rd: Early Voting
November 5th: Election Day
Where to Find Us
Community Over Chaos
Mailing Address
801A Main Street
Toms River NJ 08753
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Zach Dougherty for Toms River Council Ward 2