2026 Candidates

My name is Anthony “Coach” Carter, and I am honored to have served as your Councilman since my initial election in 2017. This November, I am seeking re-election to a fourth term, and with humility and gratitude, I ask: “What can I do for you?”

For more than 32 years, my family has been deeply rooted in this fine, close-knit community. I am the proud father of four children—Toni, Jayson, Brett, and Aidan. Toni and Jayson are graduates of Rutgers University and the University of Oregon, respectively, and Brett and Aidan are nearing the completion of their high school journeys and transitioning to University life. 

As a graduate of Columbia University in the City of New York, I remain deeply committed to fostering educational growth and opportunity as a central pillar of my life’s mission. This commitment has guided my service and continues to shape my vision for our community.

My life has been shaped by both challenges and hard-earned successes. Through it all, I have remained steadfast in my commitment to serve—working to move our community forward and contributing meaningfully to the greater good.

Over the past three decades, I have had the privilege of serving our community in numerous roles, including Recreation Commissioner, Police Commissioner, and Public Safety Chair, Council Representative to the Planning Board, Department of Public Works Committee Member, Council Representative to the Board of Education, Member of the Joint Shared Services Committee, and Chair of Administration and Finance.

Some of my most meaningful experiences have come through my work with our youth—as a coach, mentor, supporter, and friend. I have proudly coached within the FSPYMCA, PAL Football, Soccer, FYO, and SPRSBL Baseball programs. As Commissioner of the Scotch Plains Recreation Summer Basketball League, I led the development and oversight of a program that served thousands of young people from Fanwood, Scotch Plains, and surrounding communities.

Today, I continue that commitment as the Associate Head Basketball Coach at Saint Joseph High School in Metuchen. This past season, we achieved a 29–2 record and captured the County Championship—alongside several young men I once coached in our local recreation programs. That experience was truly full-circle and reinforced the purpose behind decades of service.

Those same young people are now emerging as the next generation of leaders—engaged, motivated, and eager to make a positive impact. It is our responsibility to coach, mentor, support, and empower them as they prepare to lead our community into the future.

I am forever grateful for your continued support and deeply appreciative of the trust you have placed in me to represent your interests—past, present, and future.

Humbly yours,

Councilman Anthony “Coach” Carter

I have been a Fanwood resident for a little over six years. While my wife and I were searching for a town to raise our family, we immediately fell in love with the small-town charm and sense of community we found here.

We welcomed our son in 2022, then looked for ways to give back to the community. I found a place as Fanwood Recreation Commissioner, and my wife as a board member for the Friends of the Fanwood Library. 

As a Recreation Commissioner, I have been a staple at all the amazing events Recreation puts on throughout the year. I have helped to organize and volunteer for the Easter Egg Hunt, Training Wheel Toss, “Party in the Park,” the “Fanwood 5k & Family Fun Run,” and the holiday celebration and tree lighting. I have also been an active participant in multiple subcommittees, including the Forest Road Park and 5K subcommittees.

Professionally, I was the general manager of an owner-operated restaurant on Metuchen’s Main Street for almost 20 years. I have since pivoted to a role as a Strategic Partnership Manager for a restaurant technology company. In this role, I act as a consultant for small businesses, specifically restaurants, and guide them as they navigate new technologies and an evolving marketplace.  I have always had a passion for the success of small businesses and believe they are the backbone of our communities.

I am excited about this opportunity to run for council to ensure Fanwood remains a wonderful town to live in, with a thriving community where residents care for and help one another.

Rebecca served for over a decade as a U.S. Navy helicopter pilot, aircraft commander, and Air National Guard officer. Today, she is a business leader in healthcare and a mom of two.

While in the service, she earned her M.B.A. with honors from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business and started her family. 

Rebecca is running for Congress to build a better future for our community. As a mom to two young girls, Rebecca understands first-hand the challenges of balancing work & family while navigating inflation and the rising cost of living. She knows that we’re at a crucial moment in our country’s history, where we are all being called to do more. This campaign is the next chapter of Rebecca’s service to this nation.