Robert J. Bergen, Esq., previously served nearly 20 years as a member of the Keyport Borough Council and as Mayor. During his many years on the governing body, Rob served as Chairman of the Council’s Finance Committee under both Democratic and Republican Administrations. As such, he was recognized for his outstanding knowledge regarding municipal finance in general, and of the Borough’s budget in particular. Rob is committed to using his financial literacy to help our government get the most out of its budget and resources. Rob also served on the Keyport Unified Planning Board.
Most important, as Mayor, Rob spearheaded the financing, design and construction of the Borough’s premier Waterfront Park and Promenade. Rob strongly believes that this area of our borough has sadly lapsed into a state of disrepair and neglect; something he is keen on correcting.
Robert is a magna cum laude graduate of Seton Hall University and Seton Hall University School of Law. Professionally, Mr. Bergen has served as a municipal lawyer for several municipalities in Monmouth and Middlesex Counties. Rob is currently serving in his twenty-fifth year as the Law Director for the Borough of Carteret, a 25,000 resident community recognized as a leader in successful redevelopment efforts and grant acquisition, which had the 7th lowest tax rate in Middlesex County in 2023.
Rob and his wife Kelly, both graduates of Keyport High School, have raised their two children, Casey and Nicholas, here, and their grandson Jackson is the fifth generation of Rob’s family to call Keyport home. For many years, Rob and Kelly were communicants at the former Jesus the Lord Catholic Church on Broad Street, where Kelly served as a CCD instructor and he as a Lector. Rob is also the son of former Keyport Mayor Richard Bergen.