by Emma Sylvia
A momentous occasion is coming up for the United States of America: Its 250th anniversary. For some countries that date back to ancient kingdoms, this number might be dwarfed by their own. But in this nation, it’s a major milestone, a testament to the ideal of the American experiment and the longevity of the American Dream.
But for Freehold, 250 years is small potatoes. In 2026, the town celebrates its 333rd anniversary (while also joining in on the national celebration). Mayor Lester Preston, Jr. discusses what life is like as a member of local government and what’s coming to Freehold in 2026.
The Life of the Mayor
Preston is a bona fide Freehold spokesperson, with the pedigree to back it up. He was born and raised in Freehold Borough and his family have been in the area since the mid-1800s. When I jokingly remark that “you can never take the New Jersey out of you,” Preston replies, “It’s a Jersey thing, as you said – but [for me] it’s also a Freehold thing!”
Preston lauds Freehold for always having been a diverse community ever since he was young. Though, like all towns, there was a wealthier section and a less wealthy section, there were no proverbial boundaries that you did not cross.
“You were friends with everyone. Nobody got excluded,” Preston recalls.
Freehold has transformed since Preston was a child. With development flourishing and more people moving into Freehold than ever, the population has exploded. What exactly draws everyone to Freehold? Preston attributes it to a great school system, great infrastructure, sights to see, nearby towns like Asbury Park and Red Bank with lively entertainment, excellent shopping opportunities with Raceway Mall, and a fantastic offering from the Parks and Recreation Department.
The mayor elaborates on exactly how the government operates in Freehold. There are five committee members including Maureen Fasano, Alan Walker, Anthony Ammiano, Thomas Cook and Preston himself. Between these five, they annually elect the mayor, with Preston now serving in his third term. He describes the mayoral position as mostly ceremonial. “The things that happen in Freehold Township don’t happen without us working as a cohesive unit. We figure out ways to get to a common ground. We don’t do this for the glory or money; we do this because we grew up and love it here.”
Preston has been on the committee since 2015. He describes himself as never having been very “political”; however, when he retired in 2012, he was looking for things to fill his time. A committee member mentioned to him a spot opening on the committee, saying
“This would be a good opportunity for you. You should consider running for township committee.”
Preston incredulously replied, “Why would I ever do that?”
The response was simple: “You would be good at it.”
The position runs in Preston’s blood too, with his Uncle Jack having been the mayor of Freehold in the 80s. Preston himself learned what many do when they ascend to the position: “You come in and think you can do all these tremendous things; then you find out it’s not that easy. There’s a balance of what we want to do versus what we can do.”
A day-to-day varies wildly for the Freehold committee. What stays on top of the mayor’s mind, however, are his priorities. “The things I think constantly about: Affordable housing and how we’re developing the community. The safety of our citizens, too, is first and foremost.”
A Grand Anniversary
“2026 is going to be an exciting year in Freehold Township. There’s a lot of exciting stuff happening at a local, county and state level.” Freehold itself has its 250th Anniversary Committee, which involves schools and the Historic Preservation Committee for local events throughout the township celebrating this milestone for our country.
A history buff himself, Preston is eager for the historical aspect of the celebrations. “We expect a lot of things because we are the center for the Revolutionary War, with battles like the Battle of Monmouth. There’s a lot of historic preservation locally and statewide.”
On May 2 and 3, in conjunction with the county, the town will be holding the 250th Anniversary celebration. In late spring, in tandem with the Basie, they’ll host their Downtown concert series. On July 11, there’s Freehold Township Day, a day full of entertainment and concerts with proceeds that go to support Freehold’s veterans.
On a personal note, Preston is excited for Operation Sail in New York Harbor, where the US fleets come in – with a nuclear ship being in New York Harbor for the first time. “I’m looking forward to the county’s parade, featuring all the towns, on June 27th.”
Alongside the country, Freehold has much to look forward to – and to offer. Preston elaborates on an adage to the perfect town: “One: Streets need to be plowed; Two: Leaves need to be picked up, and Three: You need to have a great parks and rec program. We hit the nail on the head for all three of these things.”
For Freehold’s 36,000 plus residents, the committee is always accessible. “We’re out in the public at various events, we love talking to folks in town,” Preston says. “While we won’t always agree, we figure out ways to get to a common ground.”
To learn more, visit www.twp.freehold.nj.us or facebook.com/freeholdtownship
