Former candidate George Serrano and newcomer Denny Hansen are running for Hightstown council in the primary elections, according to a news release.

The Hightstown Republicans endorsed the candidates at an April 23 meeting, and said they will run a write-in campaign. 

Serrano, who is the property manager of the Deerfield/Westerlea Arms apartments and an officer at the Hightstown Engine Company, said he has an understanding of code enforcement and would manage taxpayer’s money as if it were his own.

“As a Property Manager, I deal with keeping housing code up to date,” Serrano said in the release. “As a Fireman, I deal with the devastation and the threat to Public Safety that results when our codes are not enforced. The residents of Hightstown can simply look in the change in quality and property value of Deerfield/Westerlea Apartments to know that I am a man of action. My commitment is to put that same energy towards the betterment of Hightstown.”

Raised in Brooklyn, Serrano has lived in Hightstown since 2004 and served as a sergeant in the United States Army, the release said. He participated in military operations, including Desert Storm, and attended Fayetteville State University.

“George ran a tireless campaign [last election], and lost by a very small margin; less than 20 votes,” Municipal Republican Chair Skye Gilmartin said in the news release. “After coming so close to victory, George is excited to throw his hat in the ring for a second round.”

A resident of Hightstown for six and a half years, Hansen moved to the area from West Milford, and grew up in the Philadelphia area, the release said. She worked in financial management for more than 25 years and was property manager for 10 years in her prior community.

“I have made the effort to stay informed on local issues such as the Rug Mill, Taxes, Shared Agreements and the looming issues created by Hurricane Irene; specifically what to do with Borough Hall and how to pay for it,” Hansen said in the release. “All we have are tax increases every year and declining real estate values. I believe maybe I can make a difference by joining the team that’s taking the responsibility to make the hard decisions necessary to keep this town viable.”

Hansen attended Monmouth University, Temple University, and Thomas Edison State College, and has grown children with her husband, Ron.

“Denny has the time and energy to dedicate to her community, and a business background that is needed on Hightstown's Council. She is ready to run, and we are thrilled to support her in this critical election year,” Gilmartin said.

The primary election is June 5 and there are two open seats on the council.