Mayor - Thomas Aljian

Thomas, 41, is a lifelong New Jersey resident and has lived in Aberdeen for 12 years. Born in Jersey City, he inherited his interest in law and public service from his father who was a trial attorney and an active member of the community.

Tom earned his B.S. in Environmental Science from Rutgers University in 1989 and did work toward an M.S. in Environmental Engineering at NJIT in Newark. In 1998, Tom graduated from Cardozo Law School in New York, completing law school in two years.

Tom is currently a partner in the law firm of Podvey Meanor in Newark, NJ where his practice focuses on construction and environmental litigation. He has represented numerous municipalities throughout the state in matters ranging from environmental and planning to matters of personnel, union contracting and litigation defense.

Prior to law school, Tom worked for the Somerset County as the Director of Operations for the Solid Waste Management Division, running the day to day operation of the County-wide curbside recycling program and managing the collection fleet, the material recovery facility and a staff of over 200. He also acted as the liaison to all the municipalities in the County. He has held positions in sales and management in his family’s clothing stores.

Tom has been active in his local community since the age of 16. In high school, Tom was involved in the Big Brothers Program and was a cadet on the local rescue squad. Since then, he has held various positions of leadership including chairing the Local Board of Health for five years, being a member of the regional health commission, and working actively with the local Republican Party. In addition, Tom is a Life Member of the Watchung Rescue Squad, where he served his community as a volunteer for over 15 years and held positions as President and various lines officers.

Tom is married to Lisa Spinosa-Aljian. They have three children, Samantha, Katheryn and Ava.

Council - Anthony Garaguso

Anthony, 37, a lifelong New Jersey resident, grew up in Pennsauken, NJ and has lived in Aberdeen since 2003.

Anthony has an Engineering degree from Stevens Institute of Technology, and is currently employed as a project manager with Revlon in Edison, NJ. He has also past work experience as a purchasing manager for large manufacturing companies. Much of his work has focused on both cost saving initiatives and sustainable "green" packaging. Anthony also holds patents for design and engineering works. He is an active member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and other professional organizations.

The Garagusos are parishioners of St. Benedict Roman Catholic Church. Anthony is also a member of the New Jersey Lighthouse Society and the Stevens Alumni Association. Locally, Anthony is a member of Aberdeen Township C.E.R.T. (Community Emergency Response Team).

Anthony has been a leader in the Aberdeen Republican Party for the past four years and has worked tirelessly to make Aberdeen a community all residents are proud to call home. He has focused his efforts on ensuring local spending is kept in check.

Erin, Anthony’s wife, is a special education teacher employed by South Brunswick Township.

Council - Sheilah Balavram

Sheilah, 48, was born and raised in the Bayshore area and knows the bounty that Aberdeen and Northern Monmouth County has to offer its residents. She worked in the medical industry for 14 years before settling down to raise her family in Aberdeen.

Sheilah is committed to community service as evidenced by her years as a local volunteer in Aberdeen. She has served as a volunteer with the Aberdeen Rescue Squad and other first aid squads for over 22 years. During that time, she held various leadership positions, which include both line officer duties and executive/trustee positions.

Sheilah has also served as a volunteer police auxiliary officer in Old Bridge for 8 years.

Sheilah is an active member of Temple Beth Ahm, and is presently a Member of the Temple Board of Trustee. Further, Sheila has worked tirelessly on behalf of Republican candidates on both the local and national levels.

Sheilah is married to Steve Balavram. They have one daughter, Jacqueline, who attends Matawan Avenue Middle School.

Council - Michael T. Vail

Mike and his family have lived in Aberdeen since 1994. After graduating Magna Cum Laude from the W. Paul Stillman School of Business at Seton Hall University in 1991, he earned his CPA.

Since then he has worked in both public and private accounting and finance and is well acquainted with budgeting, finance and financial operations. He is currently employed as a Divisional Controller for a New Jersey based pharmaceutical service company. His responsibilities include financial oversight and planning, reporting and compliance. He is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Locally, Mike and his family are parishioners at St. Clement Roman Catholic Church in Matawan. He currently serves as Treasurer of the Aberdeen Matawan Soccer Club and has previously held board positions with other charitable and civic organizations in Monmouth County. He is also a member of the National Rifle Association. Mike previously ran for a seat on Aberdeen Matawan Board of Education.

Mike and his wife, Kim, were married in 1994. They have three school-age children, Ryan, John and Thomas.