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Sean Pignatelli

Sean Pignatelli is a hands-on community advocate and longtime resident of Downe Township, currently serving on both the local School Board and the Recreation & Tourism Committee. His platform is one of the most thoroughly documented and detailed among local candidates, covering transparency, infrastructure upgrades, education, environmental protection, and support for first responders.

Pignatelli responded promptly to outreach, shared extensive background and campaign materials, and plans to participate in a podcast-style interview closer to the election. While he hasn’t relaunched a formal campaign website, he’s been consistently cooperative and accessible, with every indication that more structured outreach is forthcoming.

His guiding principle—“Building a Better Downe, Together”—is reflected not only in his messaging, but in the time and effort he’s already invested in engaging with residents and sharing his vision.

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Rating Explanation

Sean Pignatelli

Sean Pignatelli is a candidate for Downe Township Committee who has demonstrated one of the strongest commitments to transparency and public engagement of any local candidate evaluated so far. He responded promptly to outreach, provided detailed background information, and clearly articulated his agenda and vision for Downe Township in long-form written correspondence.

While he has not yet launched a dedicated campaign website for this race, his willingness to engage directly, provide information proactively, and plan for future participation in a podcast-style interview reflects a strong and growing level of accessibility. He currently uses his personal Facebook page for public communication and has indicated that he regularly attends the Cumberland County Republican Organization’s bi-weekly breakfasts, which offers voters a consistent chance to interact with him in person.

That said, a few components are still pending that would push his rating even higher, including the revival of a centralized campaign platform, documented comparison to opponents, and public events or materials that extend beyond the party circle. But the key difference here is his attitude: Pignatelli has shown genuine willingness to cooperate with information-sharing efforts and improve his accessibility over time.

It’s also notable that all four candidates in the Downe Township race were previously unfamiliar to the broader public, yet two—Michael Rothman and Larry Jordan—have already received endorsements from the Republican Organization. As with similar races, this again raises the question: If a candidate like Pignatelli can go out of his way to be transparent and present, why aren't the endorsed candidates doing the same?

For these reasons, Sean Pignatelli currently receives an above-average rating for transparency and accessibility, with a clear trajectory toward a top score if follow-through continues.

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Sean M. Pignatelli

Running for:
Downe Township Committee
Incumbent
Challenger

Websites

This election is on June 10th, 2025

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Transparency/Accessibility Rating: Above Average

Events
  • Cumberland County Regular Republican Organization Breakfast
  • Listen to party messaging and potentially meet Republican candidates Party Site
  • 04/26/25 - 8:30am
  • Mauricetown Fire Company, 9544 Noble St. Mauricetown, NJ 08349
  • RSVP: dgeno2383@gmail.com on or before that week's Tuesday
  • Cumberland County Regular Republican Organization Breakfast
  • Listen to party messaging and potentially meet Republican candidates Party Site
  • 05/10/25 - 8:30am
  • Eastlyn Golf Course, 4049 Italia Ave, Vineland, NJ, 08361
  • RSVP: dgeno2383@gmail.com on or before that week's Tuesday
  • Cumberland County Regular Republican Organization Breakfast
  • Listen to party messaging and potentially meet Republican candidates Party Site
  • 05/24/25 - 8:30am
  • Mauricetown Fire Company, 9544 Noble St. Mauricetown, NJ 08349
  • RSVP: dgeno2383@gmail.com on or before that week's Tuesday

Relevant Bio and Experience

Sean Pignatelli is a passionate community advocate, proud resident, and active leader in Downe Township. With a clear vision for a more engaged and family-focused community, Sean has dedicated years to improving township life — not from behind a desk but by being present, hands-on, and in touch with the people he hopes to serve.


“I’ve been working for this community for a long time — as a volunteer, chairman, school board member, and father. I believe in openness, family values, and building a township we can all be proud of. Let’s give our kids a place to play, our veterans a place to be honored, and our families a reason to stay and thrive. Let’s support our first responders, protect our school, and make sure every resident has a voice. It’s time for real change — not empty promises. Let’s start Building a Better Downe, Together.”



Public Experience Highlights:


Chairman, Downe Township Recreation and Tourism Committee (2023–Present)

  • Secured state recreation funding
  • Built partnerships with Cumberland County 4H and other organizations
  • Published a Quarterly Township Newsletter to keep residents informed
  • Organized inclusive township-wide events and contests

Member, Downe Township School Board (2023–Present)

  • A leading advocate for keeping the local school OPEN
  • Pushed for a more lenient, practical dress code policy to reduce disciplinary conflict and promote student comfort
  • Helped implement a more attainable grading scale, giving students a better chance to pursue higher learning opportunities in high school
  • Supports local staff who live in the township and understand our kids
  • Promotes open and respectful dialogue between parents and educators

Member, Downe Township Green Team (2020–2023)

  • Led local beautification and sustainability efforts

  • CPR and First Aid Certified, ensuring preparedness and public safety
  • Advocate for our local first responders, including support for fire, EMS, and emergency personnel

Sean brings a boots-on-the-ground work ethic and a people-first approach to local government — always guided by the principle of “Building a Better Downe, Together.”



Sean's Agenda

1. Increase Transparency and Resident Engagement


Why it matters: Residents often feel left out or unheard by township leadership. Decisions happen with little notice or explanation.


Sean’s Plan:

  • Reinstate the Downe Township Newsletter
  • Launch live-streaming and recording of public meetings
  • Provide anonymous public feedback options (online & drop boxes)
  • Form a citizen advisory panel to give residents a seat at the table


2. Expand Recreation and Year-Round Community Events


Why it matters: There’s a lack of safe, engaging activities — especially for youth and seniors — which limits community connection.


Sean’s Plan:

  • Apply for state and county recreation grants
  • Create a Township Events Calendar for all-age programming
  • Partner with local venues to host seasonal events, contests, and socials
  • Advocate for the construction of Dividing Creek Park — a welcoming, safe outdoor recreation area for all residents
  • Push for the development of the Newport Veterans Memorial — a permanent tribute to honor our local service members


3. Upgrade Infrastructure and Public Spaces Responsibly


Why it matters: Many roads, public spaces, and facilities are outdated or neglected.


Sean’s Plan:

  • Conduct a comprehensive audit of roads, drainage, and public space needs
  • Prioritize repairs and upgrades that improve safety and access
  • Invest in building the Dividing Creek Park and the Newport Veterans Memorial as cornerstone community landmarks
  • Ensure responsible budgeting without raising taxes


4. Advocate for Our School and Protect Local Education


Why it matters: Some township officials have continuously pushed to close our school, ignoring how important it is to our identity and families.


Sean’s Plan:

  • Strongly oppose any effort to shut down the school
  • Support local staff who live in the township and relate to our children
  • Help promote a more personal, supportive environment where School Board Members can easily have discussions with Township Officials


5. Protect Our Environment and Preserve Rural Character


Why it matters: Downe Township’s natural beauty is one of its greatest assets. Development must be balanced and environmentally conscious.


Sean’s Plan:

  • Strengthen zoning to preserve farmland, wetlands, and open space
  • Promote eco-tourism, agriculture, and sustainable small businesses
  • Re-engage the community to lead cleanup and beautification projects


6. Advocate for Our First Responders


Why it matters: Our fire, EMS, and emergency personnel are vital — but often undervalued and underfunded.


Sean’s Plan:

  • Work directly with departments like the Dividing Creek Fire Company & Downe Twp Fire and Rescue to identify needs
  • Help secure funding for equipment, training, and safety resources
  • Promote volunteer recruitment campaigns and incentives
  • Establish a First Responder Appreciation Week in Downe Township


Key Issues Facing Downe Township

1. Lack of Transparency and Closed-Door Decisions

What’s happening: Residents are left out of decisions, and public input is often dismissed.


Sean’s Solution:

  • Bring back the newsletter
  • Publicly post meeting agendas, minutes, and video recordings
  • Establish clear and respectful ways for the public to participate

2. Neglect of Youth and Families

What’s happening: Families have few places to go or things to do. Downe doesn’t feel inclusive to young people.


Sean’s Solution:

  • Develop Dividing Creek Park for safe play and gathering
  • Launch year-round activities for youth, parents, and seniors
  • Use recreation as a tool to bring neighbors together

3. Decaying Infrastructure

What’s happening: Roads and public areas are deteriorating while visible progress is scarce.


Sean’s Solution:

  • Audit road and facility conditions
  • Focus on the highest-need areas
  • Advocate for strategic investment in new public spaces like the park and memorial

4. Threats to Our Local School

What’s happening: Multiple officials have tried to close the school, risking long-term damage to the community.


Sean’s Solution:

  • Use his position to defend the school
  • Highlight how local staff connect with students and families
  • Promote inclusive relationships between School Board Members and Township Officials
  • Foster long-term school success to keep families rooted here

5. Undervalued First Responders

What’s happening: Fire, EMS, and emergency volunteers work hard with limited support or recognition.


Sean’s Solution:

  • Increase funding opportunities
  • Boost public appreciation
  • Promote long-term sustainability and recruitment