PRESS RELEASE: Monroe Township Council Appoints New Councilman
Monroe Township Council Appoints New Councilman
MONROE TOWNSHIP, N.J. – May 3, 2023 – Following the passing last month of Councilwoman Elizabeth “Betty” Schneider, the Monroe Township Council has appointed Michael A. Markel to fill her unexpired term through the November election. Markel received the unanimous support of the Township Council to serve in the seat.
“I’ve always been someone who is eager to contribute to my community,” Markel said. “Unfortunately, when Betty passed away, there was an opening on the governing body. I submitted my resume for consideration as I believe there are many ways I can give back to Monroe and help my fellow residents.”
Markel and his wife, Barbara, moved to the Rossmoor adult living community, after raising a family in Port Chester, NY. Their daughter lives in Metuchen with children ranging from ages 5-13 and the grandparents were eager to settle closer to family.
“My daughter had suggested that Monroe is a great place to live and urged us to check it out,” Markel said. “We immediately loved it here and settled into Rossmoor. We haven’t looked back.”
Despite being retired from 35 years as owner of a retail business, Markel has no plans to sit still. He became president of the Rossmoor Democratic Club and then became chairman of the Monroe Township Democratic Organization. He also served on the township’s planning board but must now step down because of his position on the Township Council.
The new councilman said he will focus his efforts on preserving open space and further enhancing public safety in Monroe, making sure the police have the equipment and training they need to ensure the township remains one of the safest communities in the state.
Markel has also closely followed the ongoing truck traffic study in southern Middlesex County. He said many residents in Rossmoor, as well as surrounding communities, have continually expressed concern about the volume of truck traffic that traverses through Monroe. Working together, he said, with strong communication between surrounding municipalities, Middlesex County and the state, he will be pushing for solutions that benefit all residents.
“What people really care about is their families and knowing they are living in safe, strong communities,” Markel said. "Family is what attracted us to Monroe and why I have chosen to serve. Enhancing the quality of life for all Monroe families is why I am here.”
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All media inquiries may be directed to the Monroe Township’s Public Information Officer Stacey Kennedy at 732-521-4400 or