Caldwell Republicans Running For Council: 2024 Primary Election

CALDWELL, NJ — Two Caldwell residents are running for seats on the local borough council as Republicans in the 2024 primary election: Barbara Ziglear Buechner and Dana Hunkele.

The primary election will take place for Democratic and Republican Party voters on Tuesday, June 4 in New Jersey. Winners of the primary will earn their party’s nomination for the general election.

In Caldwell, there are two Republican candidates and two Democratic candidates vying for three-year terms – all of whom are running unopposed in the primary election (see a sample ballot here).

Evelyn Seijido Loesser and Stephen Zisk are on the ballot in Caldwell for the Democratic Party nomination.

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Buechner, who currently serves on the council, and Hunkele – the former Jefferson School Home School Association president – announced their candidacy in a news release on Monday.

“Continuity matters to keep moving forward,” Buechner said.

“Things are moving in the right direction for Caldwell,” she continued. “We have completed and reopened the Irene Gibbons Health and Human Services building, we have settled the lawsuits related to the sewer plant, and we are on our way to a new town hall. There is still much to do -- and I am committed to see that things keep moving forward.”

Hunkele said she is proud to call Caldwell home, but added that the borough is continually evolving.

“I care deeply about the Caldwell of today, but more importantly the Caldwell of tomorrow,” Hunkele said. “Whether it's leading initiatives to improve the quality of life for our children or managing large scale businesses, I have a proven track record. I have shown I get things done and I get them done right.”

The Republicans have received endorsements from Caldwell Mayor Garrett Jones, Council President Kris Brown and Councilman Darren Daniolowicz.

Here’s some additional background information about Buechner and Hunkele, according to a campaign news release:

BUECHNER - “Barbara has lived in Caldwell for over 40 years. Barbara holds a B.A. from Caldwell College (Caldwell University) and an MsIS from Stevens Institute of Technology. She is a member of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church, Caldwell University Veritas Committee, Caldwell Women's Club, and previously served on the Zoning Board. Now retired, Barbara was an information security professional for Verizon Wireless, Medco, ADP and Bed Bath & Beyond.”

HUNKELE - “Dana is a dozen year plus resident of Caldwell. She is a graduate of Rutgers University and Douglass College. Dana is a small business owner and former retail executive with almost two decades of experience managing multi-hundred million dollar businesses. Dana has held various positions on the Jefferson School HSA board including former President where she spearheaded the building and design of the new playground. She lives in town with her husband Frank, son Frankie, daughter Alexandra, and beloved mini goldendoodle Miller.”

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