04/17/2026
***** BIG NEWS *****
Candidates in Place for 2026!
April 16, 2026 (Howell, NJ) — The Howell Township Republican County Committee unanimously selected its slate of candidates for the three Township Council seats to be decided in the November 2026 general election. The endorsed candidates are incumbent Councilman Michael A. Wrubel, P.E., along with newcomers Betty Lou Velez-Gimbel and Brett Dragun. Chosen at the Republican Committee’s March meeting, the team will appear on the June Republican primary ballot, where they are currently running unopposed. Together, Wrubel, Velez-Gimbel, and Dragun offer Howell voters a unique blend of private and public-sector experience, bringing diverse expertise to address the Township’s current and future needs.
Councilman Wrubel, who was elected to an unexpired term in 2025, is a professional engineer whose background in infrastructure and land use aligns with Howell’s priorities of managing residential growth and preserving community character and quality of life. Velez-Gimbel, an educator and local farmer, reflects the Township’s deep agricultural roots and commitment to balanced, responsible development. Dragun brings extensive experience in public safety and emergency management, including work at the federal level, providing valuable expertise to support the Township’s preparedness and long-term planning.
“Mike, Betty Lou, and Brett form a formidable team focused on keeping Howell safe, affordable, and well-maintained,” said Republican Municipal Chair Joe DiBella. “Their commitment to smaller government, lower taxes, and preserving open space and Howell’s rural character will serve our community well.” If elected, the Velez-Gimbel and Dragun would succeed Deputy Mayor Susan Fischer and Councilman Ian Nadel, both of whom have served with distinction and have chosen not to seek re-election.
“It is an honor to have the opportunity to run again and continue serving the residents of Howell Township,” said Councilman Wrubel. “Public service is one of the greatest privileges of my career, and I hope to earn the trust of our community for another term.”
Said Velez-Gimbel, “I have long been committed to advocating for Howell’s residents, families, seniors, and farmers. I am excited for the opportunity to serve and to work collaboratively on behalf of our entire community.”
According to Dragun, “I’ve spent my career answering the call when things go wrong. Running for office is no different. It’s about listening, connecting, and earning trust.”
“We look forward to a strong campaign and bringing this team’s message to every corner of Howell Township,” DiBella added. “Earning the trust and confidence of voters is essential, and I am confident this team is up to the task.”
For more information about the candidates, please see their biographies below. Additional campaign updates will be shared in the coming weeks.
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ABOUT THE CANDIDATES
Councilman Michael A. Wrubel, P.E. is an accomplished professional engineer and public servant with expertise in civil engineering, infrastructure, and land development. A licensed Professional Engineer, he brings a practical, solutions-driven approach to project management, design, and regulatory matters. Wrubel currently serves on the Howell Township Council, having been appointed in summer 2025 and elected in November 2025. He also contributes to the township’s planning board and green team, supporting responsible development and long-term community planning. Councilman Wrubel is a married father of two.
Betty Lou Velez Gimbel Betty Lou Velez-Gimbel is a community advocate, educator, grassroots leader, and farmer with nearly 30 years of public service. She is committed to preserving Howell Township’s rural character, improving quality of life, and promoting fiscally responsible, community-centered governance. As a farmer, she works to protect the township’s agricultural heritage. Betty Lou serves on the Farmers Advisory Committee and Preservation Task Force, advocating for open space preservation, local agriculture, and balanced development. She holds a BA in Psychology and a Masters in Education with School Counselor Certification, combining her expertise in education, agriculture, and civic engagement to help build a strong, balanced, and sustainable community.
Brett Dragun Brett Dragun is an experienced emergency management and public health
leader with more than 16 years in disaster response, preparedness, and public safety operations. He began his career as a Paramedic and maintains his credentials to this day. He serves in a senior leadership role with American Medical Response, focusing on federal coordination and nationwide emergency response. Dragun has held leadership roles in mobile healthcare and emergency services, serves as Vice President of the Private Sector Emergency Management Association, and is a frequent speaker at EMS conferences. He has also completed advanced FEMA training in emergency management and has a Masters in Homeland Security. Locally, he lives in Ramtown with his wife of 15 years, Teray, and two sons, Lincoln (12) and Channing (10) where he serves as the President of Howell United Soccer Club, coached basketball, serves on the Howell Shade Tree Commission, formerly the Environmental Commission, and is a member of the local Elks.
Brett Dragun for Howell Township Council
Mike Wrubel For Howell Council
Betty Lou Velez-Gimbel
