• Cape May Local Scoop
  • Posts
  • Political Shake-Up: Bashaw and Rosenello Announce Bids for Cape May Leadership

Political Shake-Up: Bashaw and Rosenello Announce Bids for Cape May Leadership

Issue #574

January 12, 2026

In partnership with

Adventure outside the ordinary

What happens when one of the most trusted specialty outdoor retailers, REI Co-op, teams up with the world's largest travel company, Intrepid Travel? You get a unique collection of active trips that offer meaningful, immersive travel experiences in the outdoors.

It’s travel inspired by REI, operated by Intrepid. Think community farm stays in Costa Rica, camping in Joshua Tree’s wild backcountry, cycling in Peru’s Sacred Valley, or sleeping in mountain huts before summiting Mount Kilimanjaro.

So, where will you go? Explore more than 85 destinations worldwide with a small group of up to 16, and an expert local leader who’ll help you to truly experience the destination.

REI Co-op members save 15% on REI Exclusive trips and receive a 20% off coupon to use at REI Co-op after booking REI Recommended trips.

For T&Cs and to view the full collection of trips in 85+ destinations, visit rei.com/travel.

In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

⚖️ Political Shake-Up: Bashaw and Rosenello Announce Bids for Cape May Leadership

🎾Van Drew Secures Millions in Federal Funds for South Jersey Infrastructure, Safety, and Innovation

🐟Lower Cape May Rolls to Repeat Title at Cinnaminson Duals, Remains Undefeated

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: Shop Local

👇 Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇  

 January 12

Have an Upcoming Event?

Banish bad ads for good

Google AdSense's Auto ads lets you designate ad-free zones, giving you full control over your site’s layout and ensuring a seamless experience for your visitors. You decide what matters to your users and maintain your site's aesthetic. Google AdSense helps you balance earning with user experience, making it the better way to earn.

 

Political Shake-Up: Bashaw and Rosenello Announce Bids for Cape May Leadership

Cape May County’s political landscape is shifting, as Curtis Bashaw and Patrick Rosenello officially launch their campaigns for seats on the county’s Board of Commissioners. The two prominent Republicans aim to fill the positions currently held by Will Morey and Melanie Collette, both of whom have opted not to seek reelection. Bashaw is the managing partner of Cape Resorts, a company responsible for restoring and operating several historic properties in Cape May, including the iconic Congress Hall. His deep ties to the area stretch back generations—he’s the grandson of Carl McIntire, a fundamentalist preacher and early advocate for preserving Cape May’s historic architecture. Bashaw also previously served as executive director of the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority and holds an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. Rosenello brings more than two decades of public service experience to the ticket. He currently serves as City Council president in North Wildwood, after a 12-year tenure as mayor. Throughout his time in office, Rosenello became a key voice in the city’s efforts to manage beach erosion and navigate disputes with state environmental regulators. With Bashaw and Rosenello now entering the race, attention will turn to whether any challengers step forward. As of now, no other candidates have declared intentions to run for the open seats.

Van Drew Secures Millions in Federal Funds for South Jersey Infrastructure, Safety, and Innovation

South Jersey is set to receive a major boost in federal investment, thanks to funding secured by Congressman Jeff Van Drew through a recently passed appropriations bill. Among the highlights is a $2.1 million investment in the National Aviation Research and Technology Park (NARTP) to create an advanced drone testing corridor. Also receiving support is the HERO Campaign, a South Jersey-born initiative that promotes designated driving and traffic safety. Water infrastructure was another focal point of the funding package. A combined $1 million will go toward studying dredging opportunities in the Maurice and Salem Rivers. Cape May is slated to benefit from $500,000 in federal support to involve the Army Corps of Engineers in the development of a new desalination plant. These strategic allocations reflect a broad commitment to public health, environmental resilience, transportation innovation, and community safety—all aimed at improving life in South Jersey and strengthening the region’s future.

 

Lower Cape May Rolls to Repeat Title at Cinnaminson Duals, Remains Undefeated

Lower Cape May’s boys wrestling team showcased its depth and dominance at the Cinnaminson Duals, steamrolling its competition en route to a repeat title. The 17th-ranked Caper Tigers cruised through the tournament with a 3-0 showing, capped by a decisive 51-15 victory over Wall in the championship round. Unlike last year’s nail-biting, one-point win over Seneca, this year’s title run was marked by control and consistency. After a tight start, with Lower Cape May leading Wall 16-12 through six bouts, the Tigers turned on the pressure with six straight victories—five earning bonus points—to pull away. The streak was briefly interrupted, but a dramatic pin in the final bout sealed the emphatic win. Wall reached the final with an upset win over Seneca but couldn’t match Lower Cape May’s depth. Now with momentum building, the Caper Tigers face a critical stretch. A rematch against Middle Township looms—a team that edged them by a single point in last year’s South Jersey Group 2 final—followed by a test at the prestigious Escape the Rock tournament in Pennsylvania. With a balanced lineup, surging young talent, and veteran leadership, Lower Cape May looks primed for a deep postseason run.

What was the original name of Congress Hall when it was first constructed in 1816?

What was the original name of Congress Hall when it was first constructed in 1816?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

 Answer to the January 11th Trivia Question

Which of the following is a notable aspect of Cape May’s cultural history?


A) It was the first U.S. city to host the Summer Olympics
B) It was a vacation destination for African American visitors at a time when many resorts were segregated
C) It was the birthplace of jazz music in America
D) It was the site of the first U.S. stock exchange outside New York City

Answer: B) It was a vacation destination for African American visitors at a time when many resorts were segregated.

Cape May developed a significant African American cultural presence with Black‑owned hotels, boarding houses, and entertainment venues serving Black tourists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.​.

How Did We Do In This Issue?

Cape May Local Scoop Wants To Know Your Thoughts About Our Newsletter...

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

1