Four 4 Phillipsburg
Experienced. Principled. Ready to Lead. Democratic Candidates for Phillipsburg Town Council Put Community First
This year’s Democratic slate for Phillipsburg Town Council brings together four dedicated public servants with the experience, integrity, and commitment to move Phillipsburg forward: Keith Kennedy, Lee Clark, Bernie Fey, and Joshua Wanisko. With a strong record of public service and community leadership, each candidate shares a common goal: building a safer, stronger, and more connected Phillipsburg.
Keith Kennedy and Lee Clark are seeking reelection after four years of steady, solutions-focused service on the Town Council. Despite serving in the minority, they delivered real results. Together, they secured funding for the Phillipsburg Free Public Library, kept the police department fully staffed, invested in new public safety technology like ShotSpotter, and helped stabilize town finances by creating new revenue sources. Keith led the effort to launch the Phillipsburg Farmers Market, which has brought new energy to the downtown area and created opportunities for local businesses and families alike. Both pushed back against decisions that lacked transparency and stood firm in keeping local control in local hands.
The Democratic team is united by a shared belief in responsible, community-first leadership:
We believe expertise matters.
We believe integrity matters.
We believe dedication matters.
We believe that showing up matters.
Together, Keith, Lee, Bernie, and Josh offer Phillipsburg voters a clear choice: proven leadership, principled service, and a commitment to building a town that works for everyone.
The Candidates
Lee Clark
Lee Clark is a program manager and community organizer focused on environmental justice and equity in New Jersey’s underserved communities. Though not born in Phillipsburg, Lee has made it his home and has become one of its most committed advocates. He has served on the Phillipsburg Housing Authority, the Warren County Local Advisory Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, and the South Main Street Alliance Steering Committee. Lee also teaches Speech Communication as Critical Citizenship at Kean University, where he emphasizes the role of public dialogue in civil society. His appointment to Town Council in 2020 marked a historic milestone as the first African American to serve on the governing body. Since then, he has continued to advocate for transparency, responsible development, and a local government that listens to the people it serves.
Keith Kennedy
Keith Kennedy, born and raised in Phillipsburg, retired in 2019 after 36 years of service in the New Jersey Department of Corrections. A respected mentor and community leader, Keith has coached Steele Hill youth sports for many years, teaching young people the importance of integrity, perseverance, and teamwork. His calm, consistent leadership on council reflects his lifelong commitment to service. For Keith, public office is not about politics, but about giving back to the town that shaped him.
Bernie Fey
As a community leader, I take my responsibilities seriously. When given the opportunity to represent Phillipsburg again, I’ll work hard to keep open the communication between the mayor and council. I’m dedicated to restoring our town's integrity and progress through professional discussions within the governing bodies.
Throughout my time in public service, I've always been a forward-thinker. I'm dedicated to restoring our town's integrity.
Joshua Wanisko
Joshua Wanisko, a current member of the Phillipsburg Board of Education, brings a professional background in leadership consulting. At Korn Ferry, he evaluates top-level executives in the public and private sectors. His work has reinforced the importance of real expertise, ethical leadership, and independent thinking in decision-making. In addition to his professional and school board work, Josh is a member of the Phillipsburg Rotary Club, a former trustee of the Phillipsburg Free Public Library, and a director of the Friends of the Library nonprofit. He is running to raise the standard for local leadership and restore trust in town government.
The Issues
Taxes
It's time to return to a fiscally responsible budget for the taxpayers of Phillipsburg.
Over the past two years, the mayor and his Republican council majority have raised taxes an unprecedented 12% This is the largest increase in modern Phillipsburg history. An Increase of over $1.3 million in new government spending.
Trash
We need to start taking the trash out again for the residents of Phillipsburg.
Under the mayor's 2023 so called "trash enforcement" policy, garbage pick up has been refused and piling up to disgusting levels! Sitting out for weeks at a time, resulting in reported cases of rodents entering into residents homes.
Transparency
We need honest public servants to promote transparent government and work for the residents of Phillipsburg
No more favors for friends and shady deals being made. Government shouldn't function for the select few that curry favor with the mayor and his political allies.