New Providence Council Candidate Michael Pennisi on Fiscal Experience

Michael Pennisi, a Republican candidate for New Providence Borough Council, has outlined his qualifications ahead of the November 3, 2026 election. In a candidate Q&A series published by TAPinto New Providence, Pennisi detailed his background in financial management, local government service, and legislative advocacy.

PROFESSIONAL FINANCIAL EXPERIENCE

Pennisi states he has spent two decades building and leading a real estate operation he describes as one of the largest in the country, with annual volume measured in the billions. He draws a direct connection between his professional experience and the borough's financial management.

"Financial decision-making at the scale of New Providence's budget is exactly what I've spent my career preparing for," Pennisi said. He adds that the operation he led was highly profitable and that he was tasked with improving profit numbers every year. According to Pennisi, the operation led the country in profit growth for over a decade.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICE

Pennisi has served on New Providence's Board of Adjustment, where he gained experience applying the municipal code on a case-by-case basis. "My service on New Providence's Board of Adjustment gave me direct experience applying our municipal code case by case: weighing variance requests against neighborhood character, precedent, and the borough's master plan," he said.

CURRENT FISCAL RECORD AND FUTURE DIRECTION

Pennisi credited Mayor Al Morgan and Council President Nadine Geoffroy for New Providence's fiscal track record. "Taxes here have risen an average of just 2% a year, below the rate of inflation," he said, adding that he would seek to build on that record rather than address a problem he says does not exist. New Providence's current annual budget is $28 million.

LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY

Beyond local government, Pennisi states he has served on national committees focused on homeownership rights and has worked with elected officials at multiple levels of government on policies including the mortgage interest deduction, flood insurance, and fair housing standards. He has received industry awards for financial decision-making within a political context, though specific awards and committee names were not detailed in his answers.

PERSONAL BACKGROUND

Pennisi grew up in New Providence and is raising four daughters there, establishing long-term family roots in the community he is seeking to serve.

ELECTION CONTEXT

Union County Life is covering the TAPinto New Providence candidate series as part of ongoing election reporting for the November 3, 2026 municipal election. The series will continue weekly through election day, featuring responses from candidates seeking the two available Borough Council seats. Additional candidates' profiles will follow in subsequent weeks.

FAQ

Who is Michael Pennisi?
Michael Pennisi is a Republican candidate for New Providence Borough Council in the November 3, 2026 election. He grew up in New Providence and is raising four daughters there.

What is Michael Pennisi's professional background?
Pennisi has spent approximately two decades building and leading a real estate operation he describes as one of the largest in the country, with annual volume measured in the billions. The operation was highly profitable and led the country in profit growth for over a decade.

What local government experience does Pennisi have?
Pennisi has served on New Providence's Board of Adjustment, where he gained experience applying the municipal code on a case-by-case basis, including weighing variance requests against neighborhood character, precedent, and the borough's master plan.

What is Pennisi's position on New Providence's fiscal management?
Pennisi credits Mayor Al Morgan and Council President Nadine Geoffroy for the borough's fiscal track record, citing average annual tax increases of 2% (below the inflation rate). He says he would seek to build on that record rather than address a problem he believes does not exist.

What is New Providence's current annual budget?
New Providence's annual budget is $28 million, according to Pennisi's statement.

What legislative advocacy experience does Pennisi claim?
Pennisi states he has served on national committees focused on homeownership rights and has worked with elected officials at multiple government levels on policies including the mortgage interest deduction, flood insurance, and fair housing standards.

When is the New Providence Borough Council election?
The election is November 3, 2026. Two Borough Council seats are available.

What is the TAPinto candidate series?
TAPinto New Providence is running a weekly "Get to Know the Candidates" Q&A series leading to the November 3 election, featuring responses from candidates seeking the available Borough Council seats.

How many candidates are running for the two available seats?
The number of candidates is not specified in Pennisi's profile, but additional candidates will be featured in subsequent weeks of the TAPinto series.

Where can I find information about other candidates?
Other candidates' profiles will be published weekly as part of the TAPinto New Providence candidate series leading to November 3, 2026.