About Us
Sharon Ashe Nadrowski
Sharon Ashe Nadrowski is a lifelong Bayonne resident whose life story reflects hard work, perseverance, and a deep commitment to community.
Raised in the Seaview Court Public Housing complex as the youngest of five children, Sharon learned early the value of determination and opportunity. Her family later moved to George Street after her parents purchased her grandparents’ home. Sharon’s father worked as a traffic manager at Best Foods, and her mother worked in inventory at Maidenform—instilling in her a strong work ethic and a lifelong respect for working families.
A proud product of Bayonne’s public and parochial schools, Sharon attended St. Andrew’s Catholic School, where she excelled both academically and athletically. She graduated in 1983 and went on to Bayonne High School, where she continued her success as a standout athlete. Sharon still holds the all-time assist record in basketball at Bayonne High School and received an All-County Basketball Award. It was also during high school that she took an early computer science course—sparking a passion for technology that would shape her future career.
After graduating from Bayonne High School in 1987, Sharon attended New Jersey City University, competing on both the basketball and track teams. She became the first member of her family to earn a college degree, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science.
Sharon went on to build a successful career in the technology field, proudly working in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Her professional experience includes roles as a COBOL Programmer at UPS and work in regulatory compliance and internal controls at Prudential Financial. Today, she serves as an IT Department Lead at AbbVie, with expertise in Microsoft SQL Server and cloud technologies. Sharon is also an active member of WINGS, a Women in Technology Business Group focused on inspiring women leaders and expanding opportunities for future generations.
Sharon’s commitment to public service led her to serve the City of Bayonne as Council Member-At-Large and Council President from 2014 to 2022. During her tenure, she played a key role in the redevelopment of Broadway, helped advance cultural and economic growth in Bergen Point, and worked to secure the deal that brought 1888 Studios to Bayonne. She also championed the redevelopment of underutilized properties, turning them into productive spaces that strengthen neighborhoods and increase property values.
While proud of Bayonne’s progress, Sharon knows there is still important work ahead. As Mayor, she is focused on delivering the basics residents deserve—reliable garbage pickup, paved roads, and clean, safe streets. Her vision includes building the pedestrian bridge over Route 440, securing an elevator for the 25th Street walkover bridge, expanding programs for senior citizens, prioritizing transportation, and keeping Bayonne affordable so that teachers, first responders, and young professionals can live in the community they serve.
Community service has always been at the heart of Sharon’s life. She founded the youth track program at All Saints Catholic Academy and has coached the team for more than 24 years. She has also coached basketball for All Saints and the Bayonne Girls Travel Basketball program for over a decade and continues to coach a junior girls team at the Bayonne PAL. Sharon also founded Bayonne for Bayonne, an initiative that provides donated food to residents most in need.
Proud of her Irish heritage, Sharon is an active member of the Irish American League, where she served as Aide to the Grand Marshal of the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. She has been named Irishwoman of the Year by the Bayonne Emerald Society and is a member of the Shamrock Society. In recognition of her service, she has received the “Service Above Self” award from both UNICO and All Saints Catholic Academy. Sharon’s Catholic faith guides her life, and she and her family attend St. Mary’s Church.
Sharon lives in Bayonne with her husband Charlie, a retired police sergeant and former Marine. They proudly raised three children, Dana, Brenna, and Charlie in Bayonne.
Meet Team Sharon
Candidate for City Council At-Large
Mark Bottino
Mark Bottino is a lifelong resident of Bayonne and a proud graduate of John M. Bailey School and Marist High School. He and his wife, Dee Dee Bottino, are raising their three children, Montana, Austin, and Savannah, in the city they proudly call home.
The youngest of seven children, Mark is the son of the late Vincent and Elaine Bottino, who taught him the importance of hard work, kindness, and respect. These values have shaped his life and public service.
After 25 years of dedicated service, Mark recently retired from the Bayonne Fire Department. Throughout his career, he earned multiple commendations for his professionalism and commitment to public safety. He was especially known for his innovative fire safety education programs, engaging Bayonne students with memorable, effective lessons focused on prevention and preparedness.
Mark has long been active in the community as a devoted father, youth soccer coach, and advisor, working closely with local families and helping guide young people.
Having lived in Bayonne his entire life, Mark deeply cares about the city’s future. Known as someone who is always willing to lend a helping hand, he brings a practical, problem-solving mindset to everything he does.
As a candidate for City Council, Mark Bottino is committed to keeping Bayonne safe, supporting quality education for all students, and ensuring the city continues to grow and thrive for future generations.
Candidate for City Council At-Large
Mariam Salama
Mariam Salama moved to Bayonne in July 2012 and has proudly called the city home for more than a decade. She and her husband, George, are raising their two daughters, Gabriella and Esmeralda, in the community where they live, work, and are deeply invested.
An engineer by profession, Mariam brings a strong background in problem-solving, organization, and clear decision-making. Her career demands accountability, attention to detail, and the ability to evaluate complex issues, skills that form the foundation of thoughtful, responsible leadership.
In addition to her engineering work,
Mariam is active in real estate, giving her first-hand insight into Bayonne’s housing market, neighborhood development, and the real-life concerns of residents across the city. Through this experience, she has developed a practical understanding of how local policies and decisions directly impact families, homeowners, renters, and small property owners.
As a resident, professional, and parent, Mariam is committed to contributing her skills and experience to help Bayonne grow responsibly while preserving the strong sense of community that makes the city home.
Candidate for First Ward Councilman
Gene Perry
Gene Perry is a lifelong Bayonne resident and a candidate for First Ward Councilperson. Having lived in Bayonne for more than 61 years, Gene’s life, family, and values are deeply rooted in the city he proudly calls home.
Gene and his wife, Laura, have been married for nearly 30 years and raised five sons, Jason, James, Robert, Christopher, and Justin, in Bayonne. Their family story reflects the strength, resilience, and close-knit spirit that defines the community.
Born on Avenue C, Gene grew up in Bayonne Housing Authority alongside his brothers George and Brian and his sister Margaret. That experience exposed him to a truly multicultural environment—one built on mutual respect across cultures, backgrounds, and faiths. Those early years shaped Gene’s appreciation for unity, fairness, and community, values he believes Bayonne must continue to strengthen today.
For more than 34 years, Gene has worked in the cargo transportation industry, gaining practical experience in operations, logistics, and accountability. He is a graduate of Centenary University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in finance.
Gene is committed to honest leadership. He won’t make unrealistic promises or claim to have overnight solutions. What he does promise is to listen—because effective representation begins with hearing directly from First Ward residents about their concerns, priorities, and ideas for a stronger Bayonne.
Candidate for Second Ward Councilwoman
Melissa Godesky-Rodriguez
Melissa Godesky-Rodriguez is a lifelong Bayonne resident, proven leader, and dedicated public servant running for Second Ward Councilwoman. She is committed to transparency, accountability, and delivering real results for residents and their tax dollars.
Born and raised in Bayonne, Melissa has lived in nearly every part of the city and proudly calls the Second Ward home, where she has raised her family and built strong community connections. She is focused on advocating for smart growth, responsible development, and a high quality of life for residents.
Professionally, Melissa brings decades of leadership experience in operations and workforce development, managing large teams, complex projects, and multimillion-dollar budgets with a focus on efficiency and people-first solutions.
Currently serving her second term on the Bayonne Board of Education, she has worked to address school overcrowding, support students with diverse needs, and increase transparency in education funding.
A strong supporter of union labor, Melissa believes development should benefit residents first and strengthen Bayonne’s local economy.
Melissa is running because she loves Bayonne, believes in its people, and is committed to putting residents first.
Candidate for Third Ward Councilman
Tommy Gillen
Thomas Gillen Jr. is a lifelong Bayonne resident, retired detective, and experienced public safety leader with more than 30 years of service to the community. Born and raised in Bayonne, he has spent over five decades living in the neighborhoods he is committed to protecting and representing.
Public service runs deep in Thomas’s family, spanning generations of law enforcement and first responders throughout Hudson County. His career began as a 9-1-1 operator and grew to include years on patrol, service as a detective, and executive leadership as Executive Aide to the Hudson County Sheriff, giving him a comprehensive understanding of public safety and government operations.
A devoted husband and father, Thomas is running for Third Ward Councilman to strengthen public safety, improve communication between City Hall and residents, and ensure transparent, accountable government that puts Bayonne families first.
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