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Local developer Pat Fasano has stepped in as president of the Asbury Park Homeowners Association now that Randy Thompson has left the role.

Thompson was president for just over a year and decided it was “time to move on,” the former president said.

“I did my time and helped out as much as I could,” Thompson said. “I’ll pass it on to the next set of hands.”

Thompson is also running for city council and is a member of the city’s charter study commission.

Fasano [pictured] was first in line for the presidency because he was vice president under Thompson, he said. The term expires in November, he said.

The Asbury Park Homeowners Association “has become fragmented,” Fasano said, “so we’re trying to revive it. The importance if having a Homeowners Association is so that we have a voice in the government.”

The group is orchestrating a membership drive now, and inviting anyone who owns a condo, house or business in Asbury Park to get involved.

ELECTION FORUM

Fasano is also planning a Meet the Candidates forum to prepare for the city council election, he said.

Twenty-two candidates are vying for all five council seats in the May 14 election, and Fasano feels it’s important for city residents to gain a better understanding of the broad field of candidates.

Each candidate will have some time on the microphone to tell attendees about themselves, Fasano said.

“They are going to be in charge of the city for the next for years and [many residents] don’t know who they are,” Fasano said. “It’s important to me [to get the word out].”

The forum will be held Tuesday, April 25, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Asbury Lanes, 209 Fourth Ave. Refreshments will be served.

Attendees will also be able to meet the new board members of the Homeowners Association, and hear new plans for the group.

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