Raymond Santiago, Esq.

¨       Thank you for taking the time to get to know me a little better. I have decided to run for Township Committee this year as I want to realize better changes in our beloved town. The financial constraints that have been placed upon all of the township residents require better fiscal responsibility. I want to continue living in this town without losing the quality of life that we all have come to enjoy. Such as the level of education that our children receive, the safety that our police, fire and first aid responders provide to our families; as well as the opportunities and activities for children, adults, families and seniors to enjoy. However, there is always room for improvement to have a better Freehold Township.

I moved to Freehold Township while I was still a prosecutor at the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office in Mineola, NY nearly eight years ago. My wife and I bought our first home in Poet’s Corner, but outgrew our two bedroom townhouse when our third child was on her way. We were fortunate to find a home to accommodate our growing family in Freehold Twp. I have a law practice in Freehold Borough close to the Monmouth County Superior Court for the past seven (7) years. Being a home and business owner, I see the fees, taxes and assessments that one must endure in order to live and work in this State. Lowering these items will take new and innovative ideas as well as open communication with our County, State and Federal legislators. Since New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the nation, we need to change how and why we are taxed at all levels of government. The first step is having the meetings and discussions of our government officials recorded for review and transparency. The residents should be able to watch their elected officials in action when it matters most. The option of whether to watch or be present is up to the residents not our current administration.

·  Attorney & Business Owner of the Law Offices of Santiago & Associates, P.C. Freehold, NJ

·  Parishioner, St. Rose of Lima R.C. Church, Freehold , NJ

·  Member, Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN)

·  Freehold Township/Monmouth County resident, 7 years

·   Cub Scouts Den Leader, Freehold Trp 158

Experience

·  Assistant District Attorney, Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, Mineola, NY

·  Teaching Assistant, City University of New York School of Law, Flushing, NY

·  Treasurer of La Sociedad Estudiantil De Derechos (La SED) & Editor of La SED Newsletter, City University of New York School of Law

·  Assisted in drafting anti-corruption and bribery legislation implemented in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania

Education

·  B.S. in Legal Studies, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

·  J.D., City University of New York School of Law

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Santiago & Lin, 2 Market Yard, Suite 200, Freehold, NJ  07728 (732) 294-7149