The Lakewood Vaad of Lakewood, NJ has released its endorsements for the November 3 general election, backing candidates from both political parties while urging residents to vote against a school board ballot question and highlighting the mounting financial, transportation and infrastructure challenges facing the township.

In a letter to the community, the Vaad endorsed Democratic U.S. Senator Cory Booker and Republican Congressman Chris Smith, continuing its longstanding practice of supporting candidates based on their relationships with Lakewood and their willingness to address the community’s needs rather than their political affiliations.

The Vaad’s recommendations come as Lakewood residents confront a series of pressing concerns, including the ongoing school transportation crisis, rising property taxes, increasing traffic congestion and financial pressures affecting local families and mosdos.

The organization acknowledged that the township is dealing with significant fiscal difficulties, including a financial shortfall, reductions in state aid and extraordinary expenses associated with severe winter weather. It also pointed to complications arising from state oversight of the Lakewood school district.

In the U.S. Senate race, the Vaad endorsed Booker, citing his longstanding relationship with community leaders and the assistance his office has provided on matters affecting Lakewood residents.

For the U.S. House of Representatives, the Vaad backed Smith, recognizing his decades of service to the district, his advocacy on religious freedom and family values, and his responsiveness to the concerns of the Orthodox Jewish community.

The Vaad also endorsed Republican Frank Sadeghi for another term as Ocean County commissioner, pointing to his accessibility and willingness to work with community representatives on the challenges associated with Lakewood’s continued growth.

At the township level, the Vaad endorsed Democratic Mayor Ray Coles and Republican Committeewoman Deborah Fuentes for reelection.

Both officials were praised for maintaining working relationships with community leadership and for their service during a period of significant municipal challenges.

Coles and Fuentes are competing for two seats on the five-member Township Committee against Republican Moshe Raitzik and Democrat Samantha Stokes.

In the Lakewood Board of Education election, the Vaad endorsed incumbents Samuel Melnik and Harriet Goldberg, along with Abraham D. Reich, who is seeking reelection through a write-in campaign because his name will not appear on the ballot.

The Vaad separately instructed voters to cast a no vote on the school board public question.

For the Board of Fire Commissioners, the organization endorsed incumbents Dovid Bender and Harrison Pfeffer.

The letter stressed that endorsing an elected official does not necessarily indicate agreement with every decision that official has made. Rather, the recommendations reflect the importance the Vaad places on accessibility, cooperation, communication and the ability to work constructively on behalf of Lakewood residents.

The endorsements are particularly significant in a township whose electorate has demonstrated overwhelming support for Republican candidates in major statewide and national races while continuing to elect Democrats to important local offices.

Early voting is scheduled from October 24 through November 1 at the Lakewood Municipal Building, located at 231 Third Street. Voting hours will be 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, with polling locations open from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m.