
Currently holds the office of Essex County: Belleville Township Council - Ward 2 until December 31, 2028.
Candidate for Essex County: Belleville Township Mayor in 2026 New Jersey General Election.
View your personalized ballot, check your voter registration, make a plan to vote, and research every name and measure on the ballot with BallotReady.
Get StartedBelleville should remain a place where working families can build stability and seniors can stay close to the community they helped create. Many residents feel squeezed by rising costs and uncertainty, and they worry that everyday people are not the priority. Team Vélez believes affordability is about real-life impacts and putting residents first in major decisions. Learn more
Team Vélez will work with the school community to support student success and protect the learning environment. They will strengthen coordination between Town Hall and the school district, support programs and services that help students thrive, and make sure decisions across local government reflect what is best for Belleville’s children and families. Learn more
Team Vélez will prioritize a consistent road improvement plan that focuses on long-term fixes, not patchwork repairs, and better coordination to avoid repeated disruptions. Learn more
Team Vélez will build on that record by strengthening services, improving coordination, and expanding inclusive, ADA-accessible and sensory-friendly spaces across our community. Learn more
Team Vélez will work to improve coordination of senior services, expand access to transportation and community programs, and make sure seniors have clear, direct access to information and support. They will focus on practical solutions that help seniors stay safe, independent, and supported right here in Belleville. Learn more
Belleville should grow in a way that strengthens the town, not in a way that overwhelms it. Too often, residents feel like big projects move forward without enough listening and without a clear plan for the real impacts on daily life. Team Vélez believes Belleville can welcome responsible investment while still protecting the neighborhoods that make this town home. Learn more
Team Vélez will stand up to reckless overdevelopment and push for smarter planning that respects traffic, parking, flooding, school impacts, infrastructure, and public safety. They will insist that residents are heard early in the process, that proposals are evaluated honestly, and that decisions are explained plainly. Learn more
We will also conduct a town-wide parking study to identify problem areas and develop practical, neighborhood-specific solutions, including better use of existing spaces and smarter enforcement. Learn more
As Mayor, Team Vélez will build on that approach by cutting waste, improving oversight, and making sure every dollar is spent responsibly. Danyale and Michelle have also committed to refusing these benefits, saving money on day one. Learn more
View your personalized ballot, check your voter registration, make a plan to vote, and research every name and measure on the ballot with BallotReady.