Susan Poage & Alvaro Medeiros Launch Campaign for Berkeley Heights Township Council
Current Council Vice President Susan Poage and former Township Council President Alvaro Medeiros have announced their joint candidacy for Berkeley Heights Township Council in the 2025 election. Running under the banner “Experience You Trust. Vision We Share,” the duo brings decades of combined public service, effective leadership, and a deep commitment to transparency, sustainability, and community-driven governance.
“Susan and Alvaro bring a wealth of experience to the Township Council; I know them both very well, and I’m thrilled at the prospect of both of them helping me guide our town over the next few years,” said Mayor Angie Devanney. “These two dedicated, hard-working Council members will help us navigate a lot of tough challenges in the next few years. They have a proven track record of bipartisanship, and getting things done for our community.”
Facing Key Decisions in 2025 and Beyond
- Berkeley Heights is at a critical juncture. Several major issues will shape the future of the township — and require experienced, steady leadership:
- The future of the Nokia property and preserving our remaining green space
- The possible sale of the Berkeley Heights Wastewater Treatment Plant
- Making sure Berkeley Heights continues on its current path of fiscal sustainability and further reducing our debt
- Increasing revenue streams
- Ensuring our township gets its due from congress in Trenton for infrastructure upgrades
- The future of the Lower Columbia turf field, making it a gem of recreation for our Township
- Each of these complex challenges requires thoughtful planning, sound judgment, and the ability to work collaboratively with community stakeholders. With their Planning Board experience, extensive grant success, and proven leadership, Poage and Medeiros are uniquely qualified to partner with Mayor Devanney to help guide Berkeley Heights through these transformative decisions.
Susan Poage: A Creative, Community-Focused Civic Leader
- Currently serving as Township Council Vice President, Poage was a Councilwoman from 2017 to 2021 and 2022 to the present.
- She created the award-winning Grants Committee, earning the NJ Municipal Innovation Award and securing over $500,000 to restore the Littell-Lord property.
- A member of the Planning Board since 2018, Poage co-led the Master Plan Subcommittee, overseeing the Township’s first Master Plan in more than a decade.
- She helped pass ordinances like the No Knock Policy, worked with the Sewer Department to modernize code on fats, oils, and grease, and helped earn Berkeley Heights state recognition as a “Healthy Town to Watch.” These efforts led to the founding of the Mayor’s Wellness Committee, which launched programs like Walk with the Mayor, the Mayor’s Book Club, and the community-wide Crawl to Inspire event.
- Poage, an award-winning local teacher, is also an advocate for sustainability through the “Adopt-a-Drain” initiative and continues to serve on the Grants Committee. Her strong presence at community events — including the BH Block Party, Winter Walk, Diwali, AAPI celebrations, and Mahjong with Seniors — reflects her commitment to celebrating and serving all residents.
Alvaro Medeiros: A Record of Collaboration, Innovation, and Results Town Council President from 2018 to 2021, Medeiros is recognized for building bipartisan consensus during an evenly split Council.
He founded the Recycling Taskforce, which saves the township $50,000 annually, and served on the Senior and Economic Development Committees. Since 2022, he has served on the Planning Board, where he helped adopt the first Township Master Plan in over 12 years, and helped shape major development decisions such as Connell’s “The District.”
Medeiros also serves on the Environmental Commission, where he’s led sustainability efforts including invasive plant cleanups, sapling giveaways, and plastic film recycling.
On the Grants Committee, he helped secure a $750,000 NJDEP tree planting grant and a $10,000 energy planning grant with potential for $250,000 in additional funding.
Trusted Experience. Shared Vision. Real Results.
“We don’t shy away from tough decisions,” Poage said. “We bring people together, listen to the community, and lead with integrity. We’re proud to stand with Mayor Angie Devanney in shaping a strong future for Berkeley Heights.” “Our township is facing some of the most important decisions in its history,” added Medeiros.
“Susan and I have the experience, relationships, and vision to help guide these conversations in a way that protects taxpayers, promotes smart growth, and puts the needs of our residents first.”