Former Sparta mayor announces bid for freeholder board
Sparta — Ailish Hambel announced on Wed, Feb 8 at the Sussex County Young Republicans monthly meeting that she is seeking the Republican nomination for Sussex County Freeholder.
Hambel's background and experience as a former mayor of Sparta and years serving on the Sparta Township council has provided her with valuable experience that will serve her well as a freeholder. Her accolades include the economic development of the Stop & Shop plaza, the Sparta Main Street Beautification Project, and the initial development of the Sparta White Lake fields recreation area. Ailish has spent years as a member of the Sparta Planning Board, the Sparta Library Board and the Sparta Recreation Committee. Additionally, she has volunteered for many years on the Lakeland Bank Advisory Board, the Sussex County Open Space Committee and Pass It Along.
Councilwoman and former mayor of Sparta, Molly Whilesmith said, "Many of you will know Ailish as the Chairman of the Sussex County Republicans, the 2006 Saint Patrick's Grand Marshall in Sussex County, and as the owner of a small business, Ailish’s Alpine Paint. I wholeheartedly endorse Ailish. She has the best interest of the county's residents in mind at all times."
Hambel said, "I am retiring this spring and will have the time to focus my energy serving the public once again. I am looking forward to it!"
She resides in Sparta with her husband Jack. They are the proud parents of three grown children and five grandchildren.